The Most Irresistible Street Corn Dip That Will Melt Your Very Soul

A bowl of creamy Street Corn Dip topped with cotija cheese and cilantro.

Introduction to the Ultimate Street Corn Dip

Street Corn Dip is the kind of recipe that instantly transports you to a vibrant summer street fair in Mexico City, where the air is thick with the scent of grilled corn and fresh lime. This dip takes all the classic elements of traditional Mexican elote and transforms them into a scoopable, shareable masterpiece that is guaranteed to be the star of your next party. Whether you are hosting a festive taco night or a casual game day gathering, Street Corn Dip offers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors that appeal to everyone at the table.

The secret to a truly transformative Street Corn Dip lies in the quality of the corn and the char you achieve during the cooking process. By caramelizing the kernels until they are slightly blackened, you unlock a deep nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream base. If you are looking for another way to enjoy these incredible flavors in a different format, you must try The Most Addictive Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad You’ll Ever Crave, which pairs perfectly with this appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Dip

You will absolutely fall in love with this Street Corn Dip because it delivers a complex flavor profile with very little effort. It is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that fits into any menu, from upscale dinner parties to backyard barbecues. The combination of the salty cotija cheese, the heat from the jalapeños, and the bright zing of fresh lime juice creates a symphony of taste in every bite. Moreover, Street Corn Dip is incredibly versatile; you can serve it as a dip with sturdy tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled chicken, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers.

This recipe is also great for meal prep, as the flavors actually deepen and meld together if you let the dip sit for an hour or two before serving. Pair this with our Best Ever Guacamole: The Ultimate Creamy & Zesty Dip Recipe for a duo of dips that will have your guests begging for the recipes. The contrast between the creamy avocado and the smoky corn is a match made in culinary heaven.

Ingredients for Street Corn Dip

To make the best Street Corn Dip, you will need approximately 4 cups of corn kernels (fresh is best, but frozen or canned works too), 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of crumbled cotija cheese. You will also need one finely diced jalapeño, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and the juice of one large lime. For seasoning, a teaspoon of chili powder or smoked paprika and a pinch of salt will elevate the entire dish.

Notes and Substitutions

If you cannot find cotija cheese, a salty feta or even a finely grated parmesan can serve as a suitable replacement, though the texture will vary slightly. For a lighter version of Street Corn Dip, you can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. If you prefer a milder dip, ensure you remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before dicing, or use a small can of mild green chiles instead.

Required Equipment

For this Street Corn Dip, you will need a large cast-iron skillet or a non-stick frying pan to char the corn effectively. A sharp chef's knife and a sturdy cutting board are essential for dicing the vegetables. Finally, have a large mixing bowl and a rubber spatula ready for combining all the creamy ingredients into the perfect consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect Street Corn Dip:

  1. Step 1: Heat your skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil or butter. Add the corn kernels in a single layer and let them sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until they begin to char and turn golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Stir the corn and add the minced garlic and diced jalapeños. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and softened.
  3. Step 3: Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the corn mixture to cool slightly in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Step 4: Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and half of the cotija cheese to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Fold in the fresh cilantro and season with salt to taste. Garnish with the remaining cotija cheese and a sprinkle of extra chili powder before serving your Street Corn Dip.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

To ensure your Street Corn Dip is exceptional, always use fresh lime juice rather than bottled; the acidity is crucial for cutting through the fat. If using frozen corn, make sure to thaw and pat it completely dry before adding it to the hot skillet; otherwise, the corn will steam rather than char. For an even smokier flavor profile, try grilling whole ears of corn and then cutting the kernels off the cob. This traditional approach adds a layer of depth that is hallmark of authentic Mexican Street Corn. Lastly, don't be afraid to be generous with the cilantro, as it adds a necessary freshness to the Street Corn Dip.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serve your Street Corn Dip warm with a side of thick-cut corn tortilla chips or even toasted baguette slices. For a unique twist, try a "loaded" version by adding cooked, crumbled bacon or diced red bell peppers for extra crunch. If you have leftovers, store the Street Corn Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While it doesn't freeze well due to the dairy base, it makes for an excellent cold lunch the next day. You can also mix leftovers into a cheesy quesadilla for a quick and flavorful meal that repurposes the dip beautifully.

Nutrition Information

NutrientAmount
Calories210 kcal
Protein6g
Carbohydrates15g
Fat14g

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided above is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on the brands used and specific preparation methods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Street Corn Dip is the ultimate addition to your appetizer repertoire. Its bold flavors and creamy texture make it an addictive treat that captures the essence of street food in a convenient dip form. By following our tips for charring and seasoning, you will create a Street Corn Dip that stands out from the rest. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish as much as we do! Don't forget to explore our other recipes for more culinary inspiration and party-perfect snacks.

FAQs

Can I use canned corn for Street Corn Dip?

Yes, you can use canned corn. Be sure to drain it thoroughly and pat it dry before charring it in a skillet to achieve that signature smoky flavor essential for Street Corn Dip.

Is Street Corn Dip gluten-free?

Generally, Street Corn Dip is gluten-free as it consists of corn, dairy, and spices. However, always check the labels on your mayonnaise and sour cream to ensure they are processed in a gluten-free facility.

How long does Street Corn Dip last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, Street Corn Dip will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is best enjoyed within the first 48 hours for optimal texture.

Can I serve Street Corn Dip hot or cold?

Street Corn Dip is incredibly versatile and can be served either warm or cold. Serving it warm emphasizes the creaminess, while cold serving is refreshing for summer parties.

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A bowl of creamy Street Corn Dip topped with cotija cheese and cilantro.

Ultimate Street Corn Dip


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  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A creamy, smoky, and zesty Mexican-inspired dip featuring charred corn, lime, and cotija cheese.


Ingredients

Scale

4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil


Instructions

Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and spread them in an even layer.
Step 2: Let the corn cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes to allow a deep char to develop. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the charred corn mixture with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and half of the cotija cheese.
Step 5: Stir in the chopped cilantro and salt. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining cotija cheese and a dusting of chili powder.

Notes

For extra spice, leave the seeds in the jalapeño. If you want a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of chili powder.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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