Take your game day food from good to best with our Chicago Fire and Golden Coast recipe. This is a warm and creamy street corn dip inspired by Chicago tailgate culture that’s elevated with Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese for a boost of high-quality protein and finished with bright Golden Coast flavors.

Whip up this recipe in minutes for a game day recipe you’re sure to remember, all with a little help from Lifeway. Find our products in a store near you, or shop online if you’re staying in to prep for game day!

The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for optimal digestion and gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health. Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1.
Lifeway Kefir is packed with a variety of vital nutrients important for overall health, including bone and muscle health; these include vitamin D3, K, calcium, and vitamin B12. Along with our probiotic-rich kefir, Lifeway also offers artisan-made Farmer Cheese, a creamy, high-protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support healthy muscles and a healthy microbiome. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is easy to spread, free of gums and thickeners, and contains no added salt or sugar for optimal health benefits.
Prep Time: 10 mins Servings: 8-10Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 1/2 cups Organic Whole Milk Plain Kefir
- 1 1/2 cups Farmer Cheese
- 1 cup roasted sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or mild white cheddar
Chicago Fire:
- 1–2 tbsp finely chopped Chicago-style giardiniera (or Calabrian chili paste if needed)
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- salt to taste
Golden Coast Finish:
- fresh lime zest
- chopped cilantro
- drizzle of olive oil
- crispy corn kernels or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for crunch
Serving Suggestions:
- Blue corn tortilla chips
- Grilled sourdough crostini
- Fresh vegetable crudités
Directions
- Whip Lifeway Kefir and Farmer Cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in roasted corn, shredded cheese, giardiniera, and spices.
- Warm gently until cohesive and spoonable (do not boil).
- Finish with lime zest, cilantro, and olive oil just before serving. Top with pepitas or crispy corn kernels if using.
- Serve with any of the provided suggestions or your favorite dip pairings!

