Discover Real California Dairy: Crafting the Ultimate Cheesy Corn Dip for Summer
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of the California Milk Advisory Board and BlogHer. The opinions and text are all mine.
My recent trip to Miami for BlogHer Food was nothing short of extraordinary. The vibrant atmosphere, the culinary innovations, and the chance to connect with fellow food enthusiasts made it an unforgettable experience. I found myself constantly wishing I could return to those sun-drenched days of gastronomic discovery. Among the many enriching sessions, one particular class truly stood out and left a lasting impression on my approach to cooking: the California Dairy class.
This enlightening session was expertly led by the incredibly talented Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli. He captivated the audience by demonstrating how to infuse dishes with distinctive and unparalleled flavors using a diverse array of California’s Hispanic-style cheeses. It was a masterclass in creativity and cultural appreciation through food. Chef Rapicavoli showcased the incredible versatility of these cheeses, moving beyond conventional uses to create truly innovative dishes.
During his demonstration, Chef Rapicavoli prepared a truly divine California Requeson Cheesecake, elegantly paired with a delicate vanilla crema and a luscious strawberry glaze. The combination of textures and flavors was absolutely breathtaking, proving that these cheeses can elevate any dish, from savory to sweet. It was a moment of pure culinary inspiration that ignited a desire within me to explore the vast possibilities of California dairy.
Chef Rapicavoli introduced us to a fascinating selection of California cheeses, some of which I was familiar with, but many were new and exciting discoveries. It was remarkable to learn about the sheer variety and depth of flavor profiles available. Did you know that California isn’t just a leader in general dairy production but also holds the top spot in the nation for Hispanic dairy? With more than 25 distinct varieties and styles of Hispanic-style cheeses produced right here in California, the culinary potential is immense. I personally realized I had been underutilizing these exceptional cheeses in my own cooking, and it was high time for a change.
Inspired by the rich flavors and creative spirit of California dairy, I am thrilled to share with you my latest creation: Cheesy Corn Dip. This recipe perfectly encapsulates the vibrant tastes and creamy textures that make California dairy products so special, especially when combined with the smoky sweetness of grilled corn. This dip is more than just a snack; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and comforting indulgence.
My husband, a true connoisseur of all things dip-related, introduced me to the wonderful world of chips and dips early in our marriage. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I quickly became a convert. There’s an undeniable satisfaction in scooping up a hearty chip laden with a rich, creamy dip, a sensation that instantly gets my taste buds tingling. This Cheesy Corn Dip certainly lives up to that expectation, promising a delightful explosion of flavor with every bite.
This dip is an absolute showstopper, bursting with the irresistible sweetness of freshly grilled corn and the luscious creaminess of premium California dairy. At its heart is California Cotija cheese, known for its distinct salty and pungent flavor, reminiscent of a high-quality feta. This robust cheese adds a complex layer of taste that truly sets the dip apart. It’s incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic addition to tacos, soups, salads, and, of course, a star ingredient in creamy dips like this one. Complementing the Cotija, the California Greek yogurt and cream cheese work in harmony to create an incredibly smooth, velvety texture that perfectly binds all the ingredients together, ensuring a consistently delightful experience.
This Cheesy Corn Dip is the quintessential appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a lively backyard barbecue, gathering friends for game night, or simply seeking a satisfying snack to enjoy during a cozy evening in, this dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Its rich flavors and appealing texture make it an irresistible treat that everyone will love. It’s truly delicious!
One of the aspects I genuinely admire and appreciate about California dairy is its deep-rooted commitment to family values. A remarkable 99% of all California dairies are family-owned and operated, a testament to generations of dedication and passion for producing high-quality dairy products. When you choose products adorned with the iconic Real California Milk and Real California Cheese seals, you’re not just selecting premium dairy; you’re supporting a legacy. These seals guarantee that your dairy products are crafted exclusively from 100 percent California milk, sourced directly from the over 1500 dairy families who form the backbone of California’s thriving dairy industry. This connection to family farms, and the assurance of quality it brings, is something I find incredibly inspiring and important. It’s about keeping traditions alive and supporting local communities.
Having the incredible opportunity to attend BlogHer Food and engage directly with the California Dairy community made me feel like an honorary member of this extended family. The warmth and dedication of everyone involved were truly palpable. Following Chef Rapicavoli’s captivating demo, we had the distinct pleasure of visiting his renowned restaurant, Eating House, in Miami. Seriously, if you ever find yourself in the Miami area and are looking for an extraordinary dining experience, I cannot recommend Eating House highly enough. Chef Rapicavoli’s culinary creations are beyond amazing, operating on a whole other level of gastronomic artistry. I am already eagerly anticipating my next visit!
The lessons learned from Chef Rapicavoli extended beyond just recipes; he imparted a valuable mindset to embrace creativity and explore the vast potential of Mexican-inspired California cheeses. With over 50 cheesemakers across California producing more than 250 different types of cheese, the options for culinary innovation are truly endless. This experience has motivated me to broaden my horizons and integrate more of these wonderful California cheeses into my future recipes. But for now, if you need me, you’ll likely find me happily indulging in this fantastic Cheesy Corn Dip. It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of California’s rich dairy heritage into your home!
Cheesy Corn Dip
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 3 ears fresh corn on the cob (for grilling)
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 1 5.3-oz container Real California Greek yogurt
- 4 oz. Real California cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Real California Cotija cheese (plus extra for crumbling on top before serving)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Tortilla Chips for serving
Instructions
-
First, preheat your grill to a medium heat setting. Carefully pull back the husks from the fresh corn cobs, but do not remove them completely; they will act as handles and help protect the corn. Remove all silk from the ears of corn. Once clean, pull the husks back over the corn to cover it. Place the husked corn in a large bowl of water with 1 tablespoon of salt and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This helps the corn cook evenly and stay moist.
-
Place the soaked corn (with the husks still on) directly onto the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, making sure to rotate the corn every 5 minutes to ensure even charring and cooking. Once the corn is tender and slightly charred, remove it from the grill and set it aside to cool slightly.
-
While the corn cools, preheat your oven to 375º F (190º C). In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced green onions to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until they become fragrant and tender, being careful not to brown the garlic. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Into this mixture, add the softened cream cheese, California Greek yogurt, and 1 cup of grated California Cotija cheese. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined and smooth.
-
Once the grilled corn is cool enough to handle, remove the husks completely. Carefully cut the kernels from the cobs using a sharp knife. Add the fresh corn kernels into the saucepan with the cheese mixture. Mix all the ingredients well to ensure the corn is evenly coated. Transfer the entire dip mixture into a casserole dish suitable for baking. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the top begins to lightly brown and the dip is bubbly and heated through. Before serving, sprinkle some extra crumbled California Cotija cheese on top for an added burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation. Serve warm with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy this irresistible dip!
Notes
For more inspiring recipes and information on the unparalleled quality of Real California Dairy, be sure to visit their official website and follow their engaging content on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You’ll find a wealth of ideas to bring the goodness of California milk and cheese into your kitchen!
Explore More Delicious Snack Ideas Featuring California Dairy:
Easy Breadsticks with Warm Bacon Cheese Dip: A truly comforting and irresistible appetizer. These incredibly simple breadsticks, crafted from convenient Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits, are designed to be perfectly dunked into a rich, warm, and savory bacon cheese dip. It’s the ultimate combination for a delightful snack or party starter!
Broccoli Quinoa Casserole: A wholesome and satisfying dish. This easy-to-prepare, clean-eating creamy casserole is generously loaded with nutritious proteins and a medley of fresh, healthy vegetables. It’s a complete meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutritional value, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Creamy Citrus Fruit Dip: A light, airy, and utterly refreshing treat. This creamy fruit dip is infused with a delicate touch of three distinct citrus fruits, creating an exceptionally bright and flavorful profile. Its fluffy texture makes it the ideal accompaniment for dipping your favorite fresh fruits, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.
