Bold, creamy, and packed with a fiery kick, Spicy Sailor’s Dip is the ultimate party pleaser. This dip brings together the smokiness of roasted corn, the richness of cream cheese, and the heat of jalapeños and spices to create an irresistible appetizer. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, game night, or simply enjoying it as a snack, this dip delivers flavor in every bite.

The beauty of this dip lies in its balance of textures and tastes—sweet corn kernels, spicy peppers, tangy sour cream, and the sharpness of cheddar cheese, all blended together for a smooth yet chunky consistency. Served with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.
Ingredients for Spicy Sailor’s Dip
- 2 cups corn (roasted or canned, drained)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced jalapeños (adjust for spice level)
- ½ cup chopped roasted red peppers
- ¼ cup chopped fresh green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Drain the canned corn or, if using fresh corn, roast it in a dry skillet over medium heat until slightly charred. Dice the jalapeños, roasted red peppers, and green onions. Shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and well blended. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
Step 3: Fold in the Vegetables
Gently fold in the roasted corn, diced jalapeños, roasted red peppers, and green onions. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The dip should be creamy with visible chunks of vegetables.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Warm
For a chilled dip, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If serving warm, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until heated through and slightly golden on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top the dip with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra flavor. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping. Enjoy the bold and creamy taste of Spicy Sailor’s Dip!
Storage Instructions
To store leftover Spicy Sailor’s Dip, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If the dip thickens too much, stir in a small amount of sour cream before serving. To reheat, warm it in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dip for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly due to the dairy content.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fats: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on specific ingredient brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Simply stir before serving, or warm it in the oven if you prefer it hot.
How can I make it even spicier?
For extra heat, add more diced jalapeños, increase the cayenne pepper, or mix in a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned or fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen corn before adding it to the mix. You can also roast it in a skillet for a richer flavor.
What are the best dippers for this recipe?
Tortilla chips, pita chips, pretzels, and crackers all work great. For a lighter option, try sliced cucumbers, celery, or bell peppers.
Is this dip gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check any packaged ingredients to confirm they are certified gluten-free if necessary.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, adding a slight tanginess and extra protein.
What’s the best way to reheat this dip?
Reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warm and bubbly.
Can I add meat to this dip?
Definitely! Cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or chorizo would add great flavor and texture.

Spicy Sailor’s Dip
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
Description
Looking for a bold and creamy dip that packs a punch? Spicy Sailor’s Dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering, blending smoky roasted corn, rich cream cheese, and fiery jalapeños for a flavor explosion. Whether you’re planning a party, a game night, or just need a quick snack, this easy recipe comes together in minutes. Serve it warm or chilled with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
2 cups corn (roasted or canned, drained)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced jalapeños (adjust for spice level)
½ cup chopped roasted red peppers
¼ cup chopped fresh green onions
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Drain canned corn or roast fresh corn in a dry skillet until slightly charred. Dice the jalapeños, roasted red peppers, and green onions.
- Mix the Base – In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth, then mix in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Fold in the Vegetables – Gently stir in the roasted corn, diced jalapeños, roasted red peppers, and green onions until evenly distributed.
- Chill or Serve Warm – For a chilled dip, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. To serve warm, transfer to an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with extra green onions or shredded cheese. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (if serving warm)
- Category: Appetizer
This dip is absolutely amazing! The spice level is just right, and it pairs so well with tortilla chips. I made it for a family gathering, and it was gone in minutes!
★★★★★
Great recipe! I love the balance of creamy and spicy. I did add a little extra cayenne for a stronger kick. Will make again!
★★★★★
This dip was a HIT at my game night! Everyone kept asking for the recipe. Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Wow!! This is my new favorite dip. It’s so flavorful and has the perfect amount of heat. I dipped some toasted bread in it, and it was divine!
★★★★★
Delicious dip, but next time I might reduce the spice a bit. My kids found it a little too hot, but the adults loved it!
★★★★★
So good and easy to make! Will be making this for all future parties.
★★★★★