Irresistible Mexican Street Corn Dip You Need to Try

If you love the bold, zesty, and creamy flavors of Mexican street corn, also known as elote, then this dip is about to become your new favorite appetizer. Inspired by the beloved street food found at festivals and food stands, this Mexican Street Corn Dip captures all the goodness of charred corn, tangy lime, creamy mayonnaise, and a touch of spice—served in a warm, cheesy, shareable dish. Perfect for parties, game nights, summer BBQs, or even a cozy evening at home, this recipe turns the classic into a crowd-pleasing dip that disappears quickly every single time.

Why You’ll Love This

• Bold and Flavorful: It has the smoky-sweet taste of roasted corn, combined with a creamy, cheesy base and a little kick of chili powder or cayenne.

• Easy to Make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this dip stress-free and quick.

• Crowd Pleaser: Whether you serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks, everyone will be going back for seconds.

• Versatile: You can make it on the stovetop, in the oven, or even adapt it for a slow cooker.

• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, cheese blend, or toppings to match your taste.

Ingredients

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema

• 1 cup cotija cheese (crumbled, or feta as a substitute)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for garnish)

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Extra lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the corn: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook until lightly charred and golden, about 7–8 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

2. Mix the creamy base: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

3. Assemble the dip: Add the cooked corn to the creamy mixture, then fold in half of the cotija cheese and shredded cheese. Mix well.

4. Bake it (optional): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

5. Garnish and serve: Top with extra cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita, or vegetable sticks.

Tips for Best Results

• Char the corn properly: The smoky, roasted flavor makes the dip irresistible, so don’t skip this step.

• Use fresh lime juice: It brightens the flavors and balances the richness.

• Cheese matters: Cotija adds a salty, tangy kick—if unavailable, feta or Parmesan work well.

• Spice to taste: If you prefer mild flavors, omit the cayenne. For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce.

• Serve warm: The gooey, cheesy texture is best enjoyed hot out of the oven or skillet.

Variations and Customizations

• Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients (except garnishes) in a slow cooker and heat on low for 2–3 hours until melted and creamy.

• Healthier Twist: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and swap light mayo to cut down calories.

• Extra Cheesy: Mix in cream cheese for added creaminess and richness.

• Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, diced jalapeños, or chopped red onion for more texture.

• Grilled Corn: Use freshly grilled corn on the cob for an authentic, smoky elote flavor.

This Mexican Street Corn Dip is everything you want in a party dish—creamy, cheesy, zesty, and bursting with flavor. It takes all the classic elements of elote and transforms them into a warm, shareable dip that’s guaranteed to wow your guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a casual game night, or just treating yourself, this dip is the ultimate appetizer that always steals the show.

Now it’s your turn—give this recipe a try and experience the magic of Mexican street corn in dip form! Don’t forget to let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Share this recipe with your friends, and if you tried any fun variations, I’d love to hear your ideas!