Mexican Street Corn Dip

This Mexican Street Corn Dip is a quick and vibrant crowd-pleaser perfect for casual get-togethers or an easy snack. It captures the flavor of authentic street corn with simple ingredients and comes together fast enough for any last-minute craving or party prep.

I put this together the first time when craving that smoky street corn in dip form and now it’s a staple whenever friends come over

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels: fresh corn adds natural sweetness and charring in the skillet boosts flavor avoid watery frozen corn for best results
• 4 oz cream cheese: softened this gives the dip its creamy, rich texture choosing full-fat cream cheese makes it indulgent
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise: adds smoothness and a bit of tang pick a good quality mayo for best flavor
• 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese: authentic Mexican cheese brings saltiness and a crumbly texture opt for the freshest cheese available
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice: brightens the whole dip with acidity use fresh limes because bottled lime juice can taste flat
• 1 teaspoon chili powder or Tajín: adds smoky heat Tajín adds a bit of saltiness and complexity beyond chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: provides subtle depth enhances the overall savoriness
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped: brings freshness and herbal notes pick bright green, unwilted cilantro for the best taste

Instructions

Cook the Corn:

Sauté the fresh or frozen corn kernels in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Let them sit undisturbed for a minute or two to get slightly charred and fragrant. Keep stirring occasionally for about 4 to 5 minutes until you see browning bits. This step mimics the taste of grilled street corn so don’t rush it.

Mix the Base:

Combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl. Whisk or stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps. This creates the luscious foundation that balances the sweet corn and bold spices.

Add the Flavors:

Gently stir in the cooked charred corn, crumbled Cotija cheese, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder or Tajín, garlic powder, and chopped cilantro. Fold carefully to preserve the crumbly texture of the cheese and keep the cilantro fresh and vibrant.

Taste and Adjust:

Give the dip a quick taste. Add more lime juice if you want tangier brightness, increase chili powder for extra heat, or sprinkle in a bit of salt if needed. Adjust to match your personal flavor preference.

Serve Immediately or Chill:

You can serve this dip warm right after mixing to enjoy the soft creamy texture or refrigerate it for about an hour so the flavors meld and the dip firms up slightly. Both ways are delicious depending on what you prefer.

This dip reminds me of summer nights with friends sharing stories and snacks around the fire surrounded by laughter and good vibes.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dip will thicken as it chills so you may want to let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving again.

Ingredient Swaps

If you can’t find Cotija cheese, feta makes a good substitute for a similar tang and crumbly texture. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to lighten it up while keeping creaminess. Add smoked paprika or cayenne if you want to experiment with different layers of heat.

Serving Ideas

Serve with crunchy tortilla chips or sliced jicama and cucumber for refreshing contrast. Dollop over grilled chicken for a quick flavorful topping or use as a spread inside wraps or sandwiches to add creaminess and zest.

This dip combines ease and authentic flavor for a dish that always impresses. Perfect for quick prep and big taste.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, frozen corn works well. Just thaw it and pat dry before cooking to achieve a good char and flavor.

→ What does charring the corn add to the dish?

Charring enhances the corn’s natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth, mimicking traditional grilled street corn flavors.

→ Can I substitute Cotija cheese with another cheese?

Queso fresco or feta can be used as alternatives, offering a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.

→ How long should I chill this mixture before serving?

About an hour in the refrigerator allows flavors to meld and the texture to firm, but it can be enjoyed immediately if preferred.

→ What is the role of lime juice in this dish?

Lime juice adds a bright, tangy acidity that balances the richness of the cheeses and creaminess of the base.