This Mexican Street Corn Dip is a creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible appetizer that brings the vibrant flavors of elote to a shareable dip! Perfect for parties, barbecues, or any gathering, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, you’ll love the combination of sweet corn, tangy lime, and spicy seasonings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful & Vibrant: Captures the essence of Mexican street corn.
- Creamy & Spicy: A delightful balance of textures and tastes.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps for a delicious dip.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A hit at any gathering.

Ingredients
- Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Provides the signature spicy flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing vegetables.
- Yellow Onion (Chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Corn (Raw): Provides sweet, juicy flavor.
- Garlic (Chopped): Adds aromatic depth.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Seasons the dish.
- Cream Cheese (Room Temperature): Creates a creamy base.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness to the spicy butter.
- Olive Oil Mayo/Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Crumbled Cotija Cheese: Adds salty, crumbly texture.
- Grilled Corn (Kernels Removed): Enhances the corn flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro (Chopped): Adds fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Dip
- Mix Spices: Combine chili powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt in a bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and cook until soft. Add corn, garlic, spice mix, salt, and pepper. Cook until corn is softened.
- Add Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Reduce heat to low. Mix in cream cheese until melted. Stir in sour cream and warm through. Thin with milk if desired.
- Make Spicy Butter: Melt butter in a separate skillet. Mix in spice mix, chili flakes, and salt. Cook for a minute, then remove from heat.
- Make Lime Mayo: Mix mayo and lime juice with salt.
- Assemble Dip: Spoon dip into a serving bowl. Top with grilled corn. Drizzle mayo and spicy butter over corn. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and cilantro.
- Serve: Serve with chips for scooping.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- Use fresh corn for the best flavor.
- Grill the corn for a smoky char.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Dip

- Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, or vegetable sticks.
- Perfect for parties, barbecues, and game day.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and cotija cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dip ahead of time and reheat before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen corn? Yes, thaw and drain frozen corn before using.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, queso fresco or Monterey Jack can be used instead of cotija.
- How do I make this dip less spicy? Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Can I grill the corn on the cob instead of using raw corn? Yes, grilling the corn will add a delicious smoky flavor.
This Mexican Street Corn Dip is a delightful and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion! Simple to prepare, packed with vibrant ingredients, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is ideal for parties, snacks, or a delicious treat anytime. Enjoy the creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors with every scoop!
Print
Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Street Corn Dip is a creamy, spicy, and irresistible appetizer that brings all the flavors of elote (Mexican street corn) to your table in a dippable form. Sweet corn, creamy cheese, and a kick of spice are combined to create a dip that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a flavorful snack. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips and watch it disappear!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper, to your taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups corn (3-4 raw ears), kernels removed
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 3/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 ear grilled corn, kernels removed from the cob
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Mix Spices:
- In a bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Sauté Onion and Corn:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the corn, chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon of the spice mix, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until the corn is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Make Creamy Dip:
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Mix in the cream cheese until melted and creamy.
- Stir in the sour cream.
- Cook until warmed throughout. If desired, thin the dip with a little milk.
- Make Spicy Butter:
- In a separate skillet, melt the butter until golden.
- Mix in 3 teaspoons of the spice mix, plus a pinch of chili flakes and salt.
- Cook for another minute, then remove from the heat.
- Make Lime Mayo:
- Mix the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) and lime juice with a pinch of salt.
- Assemble Dip:
- Spoon the dip into a wide serving bowl.
- Top with the grilled corn kernels.
- Drizzle the lime mayo and spicy butter over the corn.
- Sprinkle on the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with plenty of tortilla chips for scooping.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness of the dip.
- Fresh corn on the cob provides the best flavor, but frozen corn can be used as a substitute.
- If cotija cheese is unavailable, you can use feta or queso fresco.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and mayonnaise.
- You can use canned corn, make sure to drain it well.
- Grilling the ear of corn is optional, but adds a nice char flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg