Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great time-saver. Just thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before using. You'll get the best results if you sauté it until it develops some color.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If you can't find cotija, feta cheese makes an excellent substitute with its similar crumbly texture and salty flavor. Grated parmesan will work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Is there a way to make this dip vegetarian?

The dip is already vegetarian! Just make sure to serve it with vegetarian-friendly chips, as some tortilla chips may be fried in animal fats.

Can I make this dip less spicy for kids?

Definitely! Reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper and chili flakes. You can also set aside a portion before adding the spices and season it more mildly for younger palates.

Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Name: Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tbsp chili powder; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, to your taste; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2 cups corn (from 3-4 raw cobs); 2 cloves garlic, chopped; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 6 oz cream cheese, at room temperature; ⅓ cup sour cream; 4 tbsp salted butter; ⅓ cup olive oil mayo or plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; ¾ cup crumbled cotija cheese; 1 ear grilled corn, kernels removed from the cob; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

This Mexican Street Corn Dip transforms the beloved street food classic into a scoopable sensation that’s guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. Rich, creamy, and packed with the perfect balance of sweet corn and savory spices, this dip captures all the authentic flavors of elote in a format that’s perfect for sharing. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal appetizer for both planned parties and impromptu get-togethers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone gravitates toward this dip! The combination of sweet corn, spicy seasonings, and creamy base is absolutely irresistible.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dip ahead of time and just add the toppings right before serving, making it perfect for entertaining.
Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste – go mild for the whole family or crank up the heat for spice lovers.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Brings the authentic flavor of Mexican street corn to your kitchen table without hunting down a food truck.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Corn: The star of the show! Fresh corn kernels provide the perfect sweet pop in every bite. If fresh isn’t available, frozen corn works well too – just thaw and pat dry before using.
Chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne: This spice trio creates the characteristic Mexican street corn flavor profile – adjust the cayenne to control the heat level.
Cream cheese: Provides the creamy base and rich texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and loosens the dip to the perfect consistency.
Cotija cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese provides the authentic salty finish that’s essential to street corn. Feta makes a good substitute if you can’t find cotija.
Butter: Gets infused with spices to create a flavorful drizzle that takes this dip to the next level.
Mayonnaise: Combined with lime juice for that classic street corn topping. The olive oil variety adds extra richness.
Fresh lime juice: Brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness of the creamy ingredients.
Garlic and onion: Provides aromatic depth that enhances the corn’s natural sweetness.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal finish that’s signature to Mexican cuisine.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein-Packed Version

Add a cup of black beans or some crumbled chorizo for a heartier dip that can even serve as a light meal.

Grilled Corn Boost

For deeper flavor, grill all the corn before adding to the dip, not just the topping portion.

Roasted Poblano Addition

Fold in a roasted, peeled, and diced poblano pepper for smoky depth.

Lighter Option

Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use light cream cheese to create a slightly healthier version without sacrificing too much creaminess.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Dip

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix

Combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This will be your flavor base for both the dip and the butter drizzle.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Corn

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the corn kernels, chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon of your prepared spice mix, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the corn is tender.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Reduce the heat to low. Add the room-temperature cream cheese to the corn mixture, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Fold in the sour cream and stir until the mixture is warm throughout. If the dip seems too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Prepare the Spiced Butter

In a separate small skillet, melt the butter until it turns golden. Stir in 3 teaspoons of your spice mix along with a pinch of chili flakes and salt. Cook for another minute until fragrant, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Mix the Lime Mayo

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and fresh lime juice with a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Dip

Transfer the warm corn mixture to a wide serving bowl. Top with the grilled corn kernels. Drizzle the lime mayo and spiced butter over the top. Generously sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh chopped cilantro.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in your dip.
Layer Don’t Stir: When adding the toppings, layer them rather than stirring them in to create a beautiful presentation with defined flavors in each scoop.
Corn Preparation: If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob over a bowl to catch all the juices – they add extra sweetness and flavor to the dip.
Spice Control: Start with less cayenne and add more to taste. You can always increase the heat, but you can’t take it away once it’s mixed in.

How to Serve

Perfect Dippers

Serve with sturdy tortilla chips – the scoop variety works particularly well for holding generous amounts of this hearty dip.

Meal Complement

This dip makes a fantastic side dish alongside grilled meats, particularly carne asada or grilled chicken.

Taco Bar Addition

Include this as part of a taco bar spread – it’s delicious spooned right onto tacos for an extra flavor boost.

Presentation

Serve in a wide, shallow bowl to showcase all the beautiful layers and make it easy for guests to get all the components in each scoop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

This dip doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content, which can separate upon thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover dip in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or warm slowly on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk if it needs thinning after refrigeration.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the corn and cream cheese base a day ahead, refrigerate, and then reheat gently before adding the toppings just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great time-saver. Just thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before using. You’ll get the best results if you sauté it until it develops some color.
What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese makes an excellent substitute with its similar crumbly texture and salty flavor. Grated parmesan will work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Is there a way to make this dip vegetarian?

The dip is already vegetarian! Just make sure to serve it with vegetarian-friendly chips, as some tortilla chips may be fried in animal fats.
Can I make this dip less spicy for kids?

Definitely! Reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper and chili flakes. You can also set aside a portion before adding the spices and season it more mildly for younger palates.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Dip brings all the joy of eating elote from a food truck right to your kitchen table – minus the mess of corn on the cob! It’s one of those magical recipes that tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, need a potluck dish that will stand out, or simply want to elevate your snack game, this dip delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Trust me – you’ll need to make a double batch because it disappears quickly!