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Flavorful Firecracker Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Dip with Bacon

firecracker jalapeño cheddar corn dip - featured image

A spicy, smoky, and cheesy corn dip with jalapeños and crispy bacon, perfect for parties and quick snacks. This dip balances bold heat with creamy texture and smoky depth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can whole kernel corn, drained (fresh or frozen corn works too)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 cups (170 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 23 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, extra shredded cheddar, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and crumble once cooled.
  3. Using the bacon fat left in the pan (or a teaspoon of oil if needed), sauté the finely chopped jalapeños and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant but not browned.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the drained corn, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully incorporated and creamy.
  5. Add the sautéed jalapeños and garlic to the mixture; fold in gently to distribute the heat evenly.
  6. Fold in most of the crumbled bacon, saving a little for sprinkling on top.
  7. Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle the reserved bacon and optional chopped cilantro or green onions on top.
  10. Let cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving to help the dip thicken and make it easier to scoop.

Notes

Use rendered bacon fat to sauté jalapeños and garlic for smoky depth. Adjust jalapeño seeds for desired heat. Let dip rest after baking to thicken. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Avoid microwaving for reheating to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño dip, cheddar corn dip, bacon dip, spicy snack, party dip, firecracker dip, easy appetizer