Fiesta Ranch Dip

No party is complete without this delicious homemade ranch dip! Smooth sour cream mixed with cheddar cheese and zesty tomato, green chili, and corn.

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About Fiesta Ranch Dip

I always love it when I show up to a party and find a fiesta ranch dip, but for some occasions, a good homemade chip dip almost feels a like an absolute requirement. Like it would be a total faux pas to show up and not find a delicious bowl of dip and chips just ready to be devoured

Now, homemade chip dip is always a hit no matter the time or the reason, but I’m not sure why some events feel…  not quite right without it. Maybe it has to do with the time of year, or the other foods being served at the same time, or maybe even what activities are going on, but somehow or another there are some moments that just don’t feel right when an appetizer like this fiesta corn dip is missing.

And for me, Cinco de Mayo is one of those holidays.

This probably has to do with the fun beginning-of-summer atmosphere or the tasty drinks that are being served, but May 5th would just feel empty without salty tortilla chips covered in a creamy and flavorful dip.

And speaking of the creamy dips, there’s one staple ingredient I like to have on hand so that I can make an endless amount of appetizer options: Shamrock Farms Sour Cream. From it’s smooth and creamy texture to the fact that it’s made with pure wholesome and nutritious milk (and no growth hormones!), it’s the perfect choice for using in recipes like this fiesta corn dip.

Plus, Shamrock Farms Sour Cream is also ideal for soups, desserts, and even adding to marinades to help tenderize meat. The recipe opportunities are endless, which is a perfect match for such a foodie holiday like Cinco de Mayo.

As for this fiesta ranch dip, I love that this is a homemade chip dip that you can customize to your tastes.

an old friend of mine and I tend to like things on the milder side, so I was able to pick up the “mild” version of the canned tomato & green chili.

However, if you’re looking to feel the burn this Cinco de Mayo, feel free to grab the “hot” canned tomato & green chili. This dip also does well with adding more peppers, so a few freshly sliced jalapenos would be right at home.

What can you serve with a savory party dip?

When it comes to party dips, there are so many options for dipping! Feel free to use any (or many!) from the list below:

• Tortilla chips
• Ritz crackers
• Pretzels
• Saltine crackers
• Wheat thins
• Mild veggies like cucumbers, squash, zucchini, or celery

Can you make this dip in advance?

One of the most common questions I get about party dips is whether or not you can make them in advance. I totally understand why someone would want to do this, as it’s easier to prepare treats for a party the night before than scrambling to get everything done the day of the event.

The good news is that the answer to this question is almost always yes, and that is the case for this dip.

To refrigerate this dip: Add dip to a bowl with a sealable lid. Secure lid and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, you can set the dip out immediately; there’s no need to let it get to room temperature first. This dip is best served chilled.

Due to the combination of veggies, cheese, and dairy in this recipe, freezing this dip is not recommended.

How long can you leave out a party dip?

Whenever you serve a dip for your guests to enjoy, you should always keep track of how long it sits at room temperature.

For most foods, the general rule of thumb is that a perishable item should not be in the “danger zone” for more than two hours. And by “danger zone,” this is usually at or just above room temperature. I recommend preparing this dip with chilled ingredients or serving it chilled, as this should give you more time (about one hour) before the dip reaches room temperature.

So, in total, this dip can be left out for “about” three hours, depending on the start temperature and the temperature of the room. However, be sure to still check the dip every now and then – dairy can be tricky like that.

Once you’re near the recommended time, you can cover the dip and place it back in the refrigerator. If your guests still want more dip, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before bringing it back out again.

Want to dig deeper into food safety? Take a look at the USDA’s Food Safety Basics, especially the part about the above-mentioned “danger zone.”

notes & tips for this fiesta corn dip

• If you can’t find southwestern corn at your local grocery store, it’s okay to substitute with any other type of canned corn.
• If you like the serving tray used in these photos, it’s this white serving platter. I use it for almost all of my party dips.

Other tasty savory dips