Are you ready to elevate your game day snacking or weeknight dinner? This Street Corn Dip recipe, slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crock-pot, is bursting with flavor and unbelievably easy to make. Forget complicated recipes – this one delivers a delicious, healthy, and crowd-pleasing dip that's perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but takes mere minutes to prepare!
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, kernels removed (about 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese, for a similar tang)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices
Instructions:
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Prep the Corn: If using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. You can do this by using a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob, or by using a corn cutter.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to your dip.
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Combine Ingredients: In your crock-pot, combine the sautéed onions and garlic with the corn kernels, canned corn, black beans, green chilies, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese (or feta), cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-1.5 hours, or until heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the delicious street corn dip into a serving bowl. Garnish with extra crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. Serve with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or even as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Street Corn Dip:
- Fresh Corn is Best: While canned corn works in a pinch, using fresh corn will significantly elevate the flavor of your dip.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking can lead to a mushy dip. Start checking for doneness around the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it Ahead: This dip tastes even better the next day! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the crock-pot or on the stovetop before serving.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Street Corn Dip: Add a jalapeño pepper, finely chopped, for extra heat.
- Creamy Street Corn Dip: Increase the amount of sour cream or mayonnaise for a richer, creamier texture.
- Vegetarian Street Corn Dip: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add other vegetables like roasted bell peppers or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This healthy, homemade recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy!