Mexican Street Corn Dip (Hot & Easy)

Name: Mexican Street Corn Dip (Hot & Easy)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese; ¼ cup of sour cream; 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise; Zest of one lime; ½ teaspoon of chipotle chili powder; ½ teaspoon of cumin; 1 teaspoon of tajin seasoning; 2 cups of drained canned corn or fresh corn off the cob; 1 tablespoon of diced garlic; 2 tablespoons of butter; 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or queso fresco cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in just 30 minutes? This Mexican Street Corn Dip is your answer. It captures everything you love about authentic elote—sweet corn, lime, and cheese—and turns it into a warm, scooping-friendly dip that disappears fast at any gathering.

Why You Will Love this Dip

Classic Elote Flavors: It captures the tangy, cheesy, and savory magic of authentic Mexican street corn (elote) in a scoopable, warm dip format.
Ready in 30 Minutes: With just 20 minutes of prep and 10 minutes on the stove, you can have a hot appetizer ready for guests in half an hour.
Year-Round Friendly: Because it works beautifully with both fresh summer corn off the cob and drained canned corn, you can enjoy this dish in any season.
Customizable Heat: Whether you prefer it mild for the kids or spicy for the adults, you can easily control the heat by adjusting the chili powder and Tajín.
Great for Crowds: This is a hearty, "stick-to-your-ribs" appetizer that holds up well on a buffet table, making it a reliable choice for game days and potlucks.

Ingredients for the Street Corn Dip

Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These provide a rich, tangy base that stabilizes the dip so it can be served warm without separating. Using them at room temperature ensures a silky smooth texture.
Mayonnaise: A staple in traditional elote, this adds a glossy finish and a slight richness that balances the spices.
Corn (Canned or Fresh): The star of the show. Canned corn offers sweetness and convenience, while fresh corn adds a distinct "pop" and crunch.
Tajín & Chipotle Powder: Tajín brings a unique chili-lime saltiness that cuts through the rich dairy, while chipotle adds a smoky depth.
Cotija Cheese: This salty, crumbly Mexican cheese does not melt fully, providing a wonderful textural contrast to the smooth melted cheddar.
Lime Zest: Adding the zest rather than just the juice infuses the dip with bright citrus aromatics without making the mixture watery.

Assembling the Mexican Street Corn Dip

Prep the Base: In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime zest, chipotle powder, cumin, and Tajín. Stir well until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps of cream cheese remain. Set this aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and diced garlic. Sauté gently until the butter bubbles and the garlic becomes fragrant—this usually takes about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.
Cook the Corn: Add the drained corn kernels to the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir well to coat. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and smells sweet.
Melt and Combine: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the prepared cream cheese mixture to the skillet with the corn. Stir constantly until the creamy base is hot and fully incorporated with the corn.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled cotija (or queso fresco). Continue stirring for another 3–4 minutes until the cheddar is fully melted and the dip is bubbly and warm.
Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl immediately. Garnish with a little extra sprinkle of Tajín or cilantro if you like, and serve warm with tortilla chips.

Storing and Reheating the Street Corn Dip

In the Refrigerator: Allow the dip to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating on the Stove: For the best texture, gently warm the dip in a skillet over low heat. You can add a splash of milk or water if the mixture has thickened up too much in the fridge. Stir frequently until it is heated through.
Reheating in the Microwave: Place a portion of the dip in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is hot and creamy.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The sour cream and cream cheese base tends to separate when thawed, which can change the smooth texture you want in a dip.
Keep it Warm: If you are serving this at a party, you can keep the dip warm in a small slow cooker on the "warm" setting. Stir it occasionally to keep the cheese melted and consistent.

Try other appetizers such as the reuben ravioli, BLT appetizer, or queso sliders at your next party!

Please visit my appetizer page for more ideas!

FAQ's:

How long does this Street Corn Dip Recipe take to make?

This recipe is incredibly quick! With a prep time of about 20 minutes and a cook time of 10 minutes, the entire dip comes together in approximately 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute appetizer.

Can I use fresh corn or only canned corn for this dip?

You can use either! The recipe works beautifully with both fresh corn kernels (cut off the cob) or drained canned corn kernels. Just be sure to use corn packed in water, not creamed corn.

What kind of cheeses work best in this Street Corn Dip?

The recipe calls for a combination of crumbled cotija or queso fresco cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, creating a delicious blend of flavors and textures.

Is this street corn dip spicy?

The dip has a mild kick from the chipotle chili powder or chili powder, and Tajin seasoning. However, you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less to suit your preference.

What are some good serving suggestions for this Street Corn Dip?

This dip is incredibly versatile! It's delicious served with tortilla chips or a variety of fresh vegetables. You can also experiment with other dippers you enjoy.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

While the recipe comes together quickly, you can prepare the dip and keep it warm until ready to serve, or refrigerate it and gently reheat it before your party.