Introducing my go-to fast party appetizer: Mexican Street Corn Dip! This delightful snack is perfect for dipping, super simple to prepare, and the best part? It requires no baking—ready in less than 10 minutes. This street corn dip recipe blends canned sweet corn, creamy sour cream, mayonnaise, spices, and crumbled queso fresco. It’s a flavor-rich dish that’s not only quick but undeniably tasty.
This elote street corn dip is inspired by the mouthwatering flavors from one of my favorite taco places, Torchy’s Tacos. Whether you’re looking to enhance your spread with a standout option or just want a simple, tasty appetizer, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
If you enjoy these flavors, be sure to check out our Mexican Street Corn Casserole for a warm side dish, and Street Corn Chicken for a main course!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Quick & Easy – You can whip up this delicious Mexican street corn dip in no time, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or sudden snack cravings.
- Delicious Texture Combo – The tangy creaminess of sour cream and mayo captures the essence of traditional elote, paired with the satisfying crunch of corn in every bite.
- Perfect for any occasion! – Whether you’re organizing a casual get-together or a laid-back game day, this cold Mexican street corn dip adds flavor and fun to any event. It’s versatile, delicious, and bound to be a favorite regardless of the occasion!
What is Mexican Street Corn?
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a beloved street food enjoyed by many. Typically, it’s prepared by grilling corn on the cob and then smothering it with a mix of mayonnaise or crema along with crumbled cotija cheese. A sprinkle of chili powder adds spice, while a squeeze of lime provides a zesty kick.
This creamy street corn dip is an essential dish for anyone who appreciates authentic Mexican street food. It’s a delightful dip that encapsulates the spirit of elote, featuring a medley of flavors that are sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or attending a party, this dish makes an excellent choice for sharing.
Recipe Notes
This Mexican street corn dip recipe is as straightforward as it sounds! With just a few ingredients and taking less than 10 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dip ready for parties or as a side for a family meal.
Here, I’ll share some tips and tricks to help you create the best and most flavorful Mexican street corn dip.
Be sure to scroll down for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Corn – I like using canned corn, but frozen corn works as well. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid.
- Mayo + Sour Cream – The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream yields a rich, tangy texture that creates a smooth and irresistible dip. You can replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt if you prefer.
- Spices – chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. This spice blend enriches the flavor, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned and delicious. If you’re uncertain about spiciness, the cayenne can be omitted without losing the dish’s essence.
- Queso fresco – Crumbling queso fresco into the dip and on top adds a cheesy richness that enhances the overall flavor. You can substitute with different cheeses like cotija if desired.
or cheddar to introduce a different flavor profile. You might also consider adding jalapeños for some heat, transforming the dip into a salad by including onions and tomatoes, tossing in chipotle peppers for a smoky essence, or using charred corn to enhance the flavor depth. The recipe provides detailed steps such as preparing the corn base, incorporating mayonnaise and additional ingredients, mixing thoroughly, and garnishing with extra cheese and cilantro. Suggestions for the dish highlight using fresh, frozen, or canned corn, trying out various cheeses, serving with a selection of vegetables, and modifying spice levels to match personal tastes. For those looking to save time, shortcuts include utilizing pre-made taco seasoning and preparing the corn mixture in advance, adding final touches later.
What to Serve with Cold Mexican Street Corn Dip
This easy dip captures the wonderful flavors of traditional elote, making it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of chips and other dippable items.
Select one or more of these side dishes to craft a balanced and satisfying meal. You’ll find both classic and healthier options to keep things light.
Ideas for Dipping
- Classic Tortilla Chips – A timeless choice that never fails. Whether you prefer white corn or multigrain, you can’t go wrong.
- Veggie Sticks – Freshly sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes contribute a crunchy, refreshing factor.
- Pita Chips – Crispy pita triangles provide a hearty base for scooping.
- Plantain Chips – For a balance of sweet and savory, crispy plantain chips are a delightful option.
- Tostadas – Break them into pieces to create robust edible dipping utensils.
Mexican Street Corn Dip Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers after preparing this recipe, consider yourself in luck! They store well and can be the foundation for another delightful dish.
To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and keep in:
- the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days
Leftover Recipes
- Mexican Street Corn Nachos – Use your leftover corn dip to create loaded nachos. Layer tortilla chips with the creamy corn dip, cheese, black beans, and jalapeños. Bake until melted, then add lime crema and cilantro for a treat that’s hard to resist.
- Street Corn Tacos – A spoonful of Mexican Street Corn Dip can elevate any taco! Pair it with our crockpot chicken tacos, carnitas tacos, or even our Mexican Chicken Street Tacos for a flavorful experience. YUM!
- Street Corn Chicken Quesadillas – Transform your leftover dip into gourmet quesadillas. Spread the elote mix on tortillas, add shredded chicken, and pan-sear until golden. Serve with salsa or guacamole for a quick, tasty meal.
- Steak and Street Corn Salad – Enhance your salad by combining sliced grilled steak with leftover dip, mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado. The elote dressing adds a creamy zest, making the salad a fresh and enjoyable treat.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen corn can be a convenient substitute and performs well in most recipes. Just thaw and drain any excess moisture before using to ensure a creamy dip.
What’s a good substitute for queso fresco?
Feta cheese makes for a suitable alternative to queso fresco if you’re short on that ingredient.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing it in advance is entirely feasible…
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In fact, it often tastes even more delicious when it has been allowed to chill for a few hours or overnight. Just remember to add fresh toppings right before serving.
What’s the best way to present this dip at a gathering?
Create a dipping station featuring options like tortilla chips, fresh vegetable sticks, and crackers for a delightful interactive experience.
More EASYAppetizer Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you might want to try out more easy recipes for another hectic evening!
You can browse through all of my easy appetizer recipes here, or check out a few favorites from our readers listed below.
Mexican Street Corn Dip
Mexican Street Corn Dip features a creamy mix of sweet corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices. Topped with queso fresco and cilantro, it is ideal for dipping or enhancing your favorite dishes.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
10 minutes
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine sweet corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Crumble the queso fresco, setting aside about 1/4 cup for garnish. Integrate the remaining cheese into the dip.
Garnish with the reserved queso fresco crumbles and chopped cilantro. You can serve it right away or chill it for up to 24 hours, serving it with tortilla chips or vegetables for dipping.
Recipe Notes
Substitutions: Feel free to use frozen corn in place of canned, ensuring to drain any extra moisture once thawed.Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Scaling: Consider doubling the recipe for a larger gathering.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 184kcal (9%), Carbohydrates:
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11g (4%), Protein: 6g (12%), Fat: 14g (22%), Saturated Fat: 5g (31%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 26mg (9%), Sodium: 630mg (27%), Potassium:143mg (4%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 4g (4%), Vitamin A: 428IU (9%), Vitamin C: 2mg (2%), Calcium: 139mg (14%), Iron: 0.3mg (2%)
