Creamy Mexican Street Corn Dip

This colorful dip looks like a creamy Mexican-style street corn dip (elote dip) with sweet corn, creamy dressing, peppers, green onions, herbs, and spices. Similar recipes combine corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime, chili seasoning, and Cotija-style cheese, then serve it with tortilla chips.

Ingredients

For the corn mixture

4 cups sweet corn kernels — fresh, frozen, or canned
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
½ red bell pepper, finely diced
½ orange or yellow bell pepper, finely diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small jalapeño, finely chopped — optional
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Creamy dressing

½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
½ cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese or feta
1–2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For topping

1–2 tbsp Cotija/feta
Chopped green onions
Fresh cilantro
Pinch of paprika or chili powder
Lime wedges
Tortilla chips for serving

Full Method

Prepare the corn: If using canned corn, drain it very well. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry.
Cook the corn: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden. Light charring adds a delicious smoky flavor.
Add vegetables: Stir in the diced bell peppers and jalapeño. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from the heat.
Cool slightly: Allow the corn mixture to cool for several minutes so the creamy ingredients don’t become runny.
Make the dressing: In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, softened cream cheese, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Add the warm-but-not-hot corn mixture, green onions, cilantro, and about ½ cup Cotija/feta.
Mix gently: Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
Chill: For a cold dip like the one pictured, refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving. Similar cold street-corn dips are served chilled with chips.
Garnish: Transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with extra cheese, green onions, cilantro, and paprika.
Serve: Enjoy with crunchy tortill
Quick Details

Prep: 15 minutes
Cooking: 8–10 minutes
Chilling: 30–60 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Style: Creamy, tangy, slightly Nut Information

This recipe is naturally nut-free when made with the ingredients listed above.

However:

Check mayonnaise, cream cheese, tortilla chips, and packaged seasonings for allergy warnings.
Cotija/feta cheese itself is not a nut, but packaged products can have cross-contact warnings.
For someone with a serious nut allergy, use products specifically labeled as appropriate for their allergy.

Tips for the Best Flavor

Char the corn lightly for a smoky, roasted flavor.
Drain canned corn thoroughly so the dip doesn’t become watery.
Add lime gradually and taste as you go.
For extra creaminess, add another 2–3 tablespoons of sour cream.
For more heat, add jalapeño or a little chili seasoning.
For a milder version, leave out the jalapeño.

Q&A

Q: Can I serve this cold?
Yes. The pictured version is well suited to a chilled, creamy dip.

Q: Can I serve it warm?
Absolutely. For a warm version, combine the ingredients and heat gently until hot and creamy. Some versions are baked with additional cheese on top.

Q: Can I use canned corn?
Yes. Drain it very well before cooking.

Q: Can I use frozen corn?
Yes. Thaw and dry it first, then cook until lightly browned.

Q: What can I use instead of Cotija cheese?
Feta is a convenient substitute. Some recipes also use shredded cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Refrigerating it for 30–60 minutes allows the flavors to blend. Keep it refrigerated until serving.

Q: What should I serve with it?
Tortilla chips are the classic choice. It also works with crackers or fresh vegetables.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.