This Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip is a creamy, cheesy delight that brings all the flavors of street corn right to your bowl. You’ll love the sweet corn mixed with spicy jalapeños, lime, and a sprinkle of cheese!
Honestly, it’s hard to stop eating this dip once you start! Serve it with tortilla chips and you’ll feel like you’re at a summer fiesta. It’s straightforward to whip up—perfect for game nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn makes this dip fantastic! Grill it for a smoky flavor or use frozen corn for convenience. If you’re out of corn, canned sweet corn can also work. Just drain it well!
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These ingredients give the dip its creamy texture. If you want to lighten it up, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, and a homemade mayo using avocado can add a twist too.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese is traditional for street corn. If you can’t find it, use feta or queso fresco for a similar taste and texture. You can even go dairy-free with a nut-based cheese if needed.
Jalapeño: This adds heat, but if you prefer less spice, you can skip it. For a different flavor, diced bell pepper works well. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor Combination?
The key to making this dip really shine is getting the flavors to blend well. Here’s how:
- Start with grilling the corn if possible. The char adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat!
- Mix the mayo and sour cream first to create a smooth base. Lime juice adds brightness, so don’t skip it!
- Mix everything gently, so you still have some texture from the corn and cheese. You want a nice balance without smashing everything up.
Letting the dip chill for a bit in the fridge (if you have time) truly brings the flavors together. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving for that creamy goodness!
Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip comes together in about 15 minutes, plus a little time to chill if you prefer a more flavor-infused taste. If you decide to grill fresh corn, add another 10-15 minutes for that step. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, grill or cook the corn on the cob until it gets a light char. This really boosts the flavor! Let it cool, then cut the kernels off the cob. If you have frozen corn, just thaw and drain it well. It’s super simple!
2. Mix Your Base:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it until it’s nice and smooth. This will be the creamy goodness that pairs perfectly with the corn!
3. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Toss in the corn kernels, finely chopped jalapeño (if you’re using it), crumbled cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro. Gently mix everything together until it’s evenly mixed. You want to see all those colorful ingredients!
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give your dip a taste and see if it needs a little more salt, pepper, or lime juice. This is your chance to make it just right for your taste buds!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer your dip into a serving bowl. Sprinkle some extra cotija cheese and cilantro on top for a fabulous presentation. It looks great and adds tasty finishing touches!
6. Enjoy!
Serve it up with tortilla chips! You can enjoy it immediately, or if you want to let the flavors blend more, cover and refrigerate it for about an hour. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for that creamy dreaminess!
Dig in and enjoy this creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Mexican Street Corn Dip—it’s a perfect addition to any gathering! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Absolutely! Canned corn works well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before using to remove excess sodium and preserve the flavor.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want less heat, simply omit the jalapeño or use a smaller amount. For extra spice, you can sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the flavor!
Can I Prep This Dip in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dip and refrigerate it for up to a day in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to bring back its creaminess.
What Can I Serve with This Dip Besides Tortilla Chips?
This dip pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers. You can also serve it with pita chips or even use it as a topping for tacos or burrito bowls for added flavor!
