Skillet Cheesy Black Bean and Corn Dip

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warm, cheesy dip bursting with black beans, corn, and southwestern spices, perfect for sharing with tortilla chips. This mexican-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends thawed frozen corn kernels, softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large oven-safe skillet, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 cup thawed frozen corn, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup diced green chilies, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir until well blended.
  2. Step 2: Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet and top with 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  3. Step 3: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges start to brown.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve hot with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Cheesy Black Bean and Corn Dip take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Skillet Cheesy Black Bean and Corn Dip?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Cheesy Black Bean and Corn Dip?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Skillet Cheesy Black Bean and Corn Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Skillet Cheesy Black Bean and Corn Dip vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes