Recipe: Hot Corn Dip

So, being a WAHM (work at home mom) I get the chance to watch a lot of tv, especially since I discovered I can watch it on one of my computer monitors while I work!

1 red onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
2 cups shredded pepper jack
4 Cups Corn (if you use canned, drain) (for a fun variation, use fiesta or mexican corn!)
1 brick cream cheese, softened
8 oz sour cream
6 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
1 tablespoon cajun seasoning

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Over medium-high heat, cook the bacon pieces until they are nice and crispy. Remove them from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving as much rendered bacon fat as possible. This is important because you’re cooking veggies with it! If it’s not left much fat at all, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to help the next step along.

The rest of the veggies will be cooked now. Add the onions, garlic and peppers into the fat and cook for about 5 minutes, or until onions get translucent. If you use fresh corn you will need to add it as well, and amp the cooking time up to about 8 minutes. If you use canned or cooked corn, then all it needs to do is warm after the 5 minutes. I’ve done it both ways. Last time I made this I actually added some left over homemade creamed corn.

In a bowl combine the sour cream, cream cheese and cajun seasoning. Mix it well, as it needs to be smooth and creamy to blend with the vegs!

Now it’s time to combine everything! Leave about 1/2 cup cheese to go on the top, and mix everything else together. Bacon, veggies, cheese and cream mixture. Once it’s all incorporated spread it into a casserole dish. After that, top with the remaining cheese.

Bake this gem for about a half hour, until the cheese is bubbly and ooey gooey. Serve with either corn chips or wavy potato chips, something that can handle some weight on it. I served this at a birthday party the other day and everyone raved. I did a variation that time though, and used ground beef instead of bacon. I look forward to seeing how you make it yours!