Pin it
Jalapeño Popper Corn Salad is a bold, creamy, and delicious twist on the classic corn salad, inspired by the irresistible flavors of jalapeño poppers. Loaded with sweet corn, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and a rich, seasoned dressing made with cream cheese, sour cream, and spices, this salad is an unforgettable side dish that always disappears fast at parties and gatherings.
This salad brings the best of both worlds—cool and creamy textures with a spicy, cheesy popper-style kick. Whether you're serving it at a summer BBQ, as a side for burgers, or during a game-day party, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Corn Options:
- 4 cups corn (canned, fresh, or frozen and thawed)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2–3 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- ½ medium red onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
Cheeses:
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Creamy Dressing Base:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup sour cream
Seasonings:
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other:
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
Instructions
Pin it
- Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Prepare your corn (drain if canned, thaw if frozen). Dice jalapeños and red onion. Cook bacon until crisp and crumble. Shred cheeses.
- Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth. Add garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- To the dressing bowl, add corn, jalapeños, onion, bacon, and cheeses. Gently fold everything together until fully coated.
- Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Stir before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use gloves: When chopping jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
- Control the heat: Remove seeds for milder flavor or add extra jalapeños for spice.
- Use crisp bacon: It brings smoky crunch to balance the creamy texture.
- Cheese swaps: Monterey Jack or Mexican blend work great too.
- Extra crunch: Add green onions or celery just before serving.
Pin it
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Side Dish: Serve chilled with grilled meat, fried chicken, or burgers.
- As a Dip: Pair with tortilla chips, corn chips, or veggie sticks.
- Taco Bar Favorite: Add a scoop to tacos or burrito bowls.
- Potluck Winner: Travels well and stays fresh in coolers.
Final Thoughts
Jalapeño Popper Corn Salad is the ultimate warm-weather crowd-pleaser. With the crunch of corn, the creaminess of cheese, and the bold zip of jalapeños, this dish brings everything to the table. It’s creamy, savory, sweet, and spicy all in one bite—an easy-to-make side dish that always steals the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen or canned corn?
- Yes, just make sure it's fully cooked and drained before using.
- → Is this salad spicy?
- It has a little kick from jalapeños, but you can tone it down by removing the seeds or using a milder cheese.
- → How long does this salad keep?
- You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving again.
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
- Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours.
- → Can I serve this warm?
- This salad is meant to be served cold, but you could warm it slightly if you prefer a dip-like texture.