Hot Corn, Pepper, and Cheese Dip
BellaFina™ peppers may be used to create a wide variety of recipes, from appetizers to main dishes. BellaFina™ peppers are often used in salads, vegetables trays with or without dip, cooked in stews and sauces and stuffed with meat, cheese and grains.
yield: 6 to 8 servings
prep time: 30 minutes
cook time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3½ cups corn kernels (from about 4 ears of fresh corn, or 16 ounces frozen corn, thawed, drained and patted dry)
½ teaspoon salt
Pinch ground black pepper
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 small to medium onion)
½ cup finely chopped Bellafina pepper (about ½ a pepper)
¼ cup finely chopped green onions (about 1 bunch)
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup mayonnaise
Pinch cayenne pepper
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, divided
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, divided
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the kernels turn deep golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring often, until the onions are wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the green onions, jalapeno, and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Transfer to the bowl with the corn.
4. Add the mayonnaise, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, and the cayenne and mix well to combine. Pour into an 8-inch square or other 1 to 2-quart size baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve hot with tortilla chips.
(Recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse)