Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) into a creamy, crowd-pleasing dip. With a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy notes, it's an irresistible appetizer that pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh veggies. Whether served warm or chilled, it's a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• ½–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, chopped

• 2 cups corn kernels (from 3–4 raw ears)

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

• 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

• ⅓ cup sour cream

• 4 tablespoons salted butter

• ⅓ cup olive oil mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt)

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• ¾ cup crumbled cotija cheese

• 1 grilled ear of corn, kernels removed from the cob

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Spice Mix: In a bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add corn kernels, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the corn is tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Create the Creamy Base: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and creamy. Add sour cream and cook until warmed throughout. If desired, thin the dip with a splash of milk.

4. Prepare the Spicy Butter: In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add 3 teaspoons of the spice mix and a pinch of chili flakes and salt. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.

5. Mix the Mayo and Lime: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and lime juice with a pinch of salt.

6. Assemble the Dip: Transfer the creamy corn mixture into a wide serving bowl. Top with grilled corn kernels, drizzle with the mayo-lime mixture, and swirl in the spicy butter. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.

7. Serve: Serve immediately with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the corn mixture for an extra layer of heat.

• Cheese Swap: Replace cotija cheese with crumbled feta for a milder flavor.

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the dip up to step 5, cover, and refrigerate. Before serving, warm gently and proceed with steps 6 and 7.

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise alternatives, and substitute cotija with vegan cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

• Freezing: Not recommended due to the dairy content, which may affect texture upon thawing.

FAQs

How can I make this dip spicier?

Add finely chopped jalapeños or increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix to suit your heat preference.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen corn works well. Ensure it's thawed and drained before use.

Is there a substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a good alternative if cotija is unavailable.

Can I prepare this dip in advance?

Yes, prepare up to step 5, cover, and refrigerate. Warm before serving and proceed with the remaining steps.

How do I keep the dip warm at a party?

Transfer the dip to a slow cooker set on low to keep it warm throughout your event.

Can I serve this dip cold?

Absolutely! This dip is delicious served both warm and cold.

What are some good dippers for this corn dip?

Tortilla chips, pita chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers are excellent choices.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which may affect the dip's texture upon thawing.

How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Is this dip vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.

Conclusion

This Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip is a flavorful and versatile appetizer that's sure to impress at any gathering. With its creamy texture, smoky spices, and tangy lime, it's a delightful twist on traditional Mexican street corn. Whether served warm or cold, it's a dish that will have everyone coming back for more.