Street Corn Dip Recipe

This irresistible Street Corn Dip brings all the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) to your table in dippable form! Creamy, zesty, and packed with sweet corn, tangy cheese, and a perfect blend of spices, this crowd-pleasing appetizer comes together in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a tasty snack, this dip will have everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Olive oil: Creates the flavorful base for sautéing your onions and corn, adding a subtle richness.
• White onion: Provides a mild, sweet foundation that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
• Diced green chiles: Adds a gentle heat and authentic Mexican flavor without overwhelming spiciness.
• Corn: The star of the show! Fresh corn cut from the cob brings the sweetest flavor, but frozen works beautifully too. Try Trader Joe’s frozen grilled corn for an extra smoky dimension.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy, rich base that binds everything together.
• Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightness to balance the mayo’s richness. It’s what gives this dip its perfect consistency.
• Spices (chili powder, garlic powder, tajin): This magical trio creates that authentic street corn flavor profile—a little smoky, a little spicy, and perfectly savory.
• Lime juice: Brightens everything up with essential acidity that cuts through the creaminess.
• Fresh cilantro: Brings a pop of freshness and color that makes the dip taste alive.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts into the mixture for a savory depth and slight sharpness.
• Cotija cheese: The traditional crumbly Mexican cheese that gives authentic street corn its distinctive finish. It’s worth seeking out!
• Salt and pepper: Always essential for balancing and highlighting all the other flavors.
• Chips: The perfect vehicle for delivering this amazing dip to your mouth! Sturdy tortilla chips work best.

Variations

Want to customize this delicious dip? Here are some tasty options:

• Spice it Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce if you crave more heat.
• Roasted Corn Version: Use grilled or roasted corn for a deeper, smokier flavor that mimics traditional elote.
• Protein Boost: Fold in some black beans or shredded chicken to transform this into a more substantial dip or even a meal.
• Avocado Addition: Mix in diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess and color.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute plant-based mayo and coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version that still delivers on flavor.

How to Make Street Corn Dip

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced white onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the corn, diced green chiles, and water. Cover your pan and let everything cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn becomes tender—about 5 minutes. The water helps steam the corn to perfect tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base

While your corn mixture cooks, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chili powder, tajin, garlic powder, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and cheddar cheese in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is where all the magic happens!

Step 3: Combine Everything

Once your corn mixture is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Stir it into your creamy base until everything is thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t skip this step, as it really brings all the flavors together.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Transfer your dip to a serving bowl and sprinkle the top with fresh cilantro and cotija cheese. These final garnishes aren’t just for looks—they add authentic flavor and texture that takes this dip to the next level.

How to Serve

This versatile dip works in so many different settings:

Appetizer Star

Serve in a colorful bowl surrounded by sturdy tortilla chips. Blue corn chips create a stunning color contrast with the vibrant dip.

Topping Wonder

Use it as a topping for grilled chicken, fish tacos, or baked potatoes for an unexpected burst of flavor.

Party Spread

Include it as part of a Mexican-themed spread alongside guacamole, salsa, and queso for a festive party table.

Lunch Upgrade

Spread inside a wrap with some grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a lunch that’s anything but boring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything melds together.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dip, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy this dip warm, gently reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or on the stovetop over low heat until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the creamy ingredients to separate.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! This dip actually improves if made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors have time to meld together beautifully. Just add the fresh cilantro and cotija cheese garnish right before serving for the best presentation.

I can’t find cotija cheese. What’s a good substitute?
If cotija cheese isn’t available, finely grated parmesan cheese makes an excellent substitute. It has a similar salty, crumbly texture that works wonderfully. Feta cheese can also work in a pinch, though it’s a bit tangier.

Can I make this dip lighter or lower in calories?
Yes! You can use light mayonnaise and non-fat Greek yogurt without sacrificing too much flavor. Another option is to increase the ratio of yogurt to mayonnaise for a lighter version that still maintains creaminess.

My family doesn’t like cilantro. Can I leave it out?
Certainly! While cilantro adds a traditional fresh note, you can substitute fresh parsley or simply omit the herb altogether. The dip will still be delicious with all the other flavor components.

Final Thoughts

This Street Corn Dip captures everything wonderful about Mexican street corn in an irresistibly scoopable form. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory with just the right kick of spice. Whether you serve it at your next gathering or keep a batch in the fridge for snacking, I guarantee it won’t last long! Give it a try—it might just become your new go-to dip for every occasion.

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