Meet my go-to super fast party appetizer: Mexican Street Corn Dip! It’s the ideal snack for dipping, super easy to whip up, and, guess what? No baking is needed—it’s on your table in under 10 minutes. This street corn dip recipe combines canned sweet corn, creamy sour cream, mayo, spices, and crumbled queso fresco. It’s a flavor party that’s not just easy but also crazy delicious.
This elote street corn dip is my spin on the delicious flavors from one of my favorite taco spots, Torchy’s Tacos. Whether you want to elevate your spread with a standout side or keep it easy with a tasty appetizer, this recipe will hit the spot.
If you love these flavors, make sure to try our Mexican Street Corn Casserole for a hot side, and Street Corn Chicken for a main dish!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Quick & Easy – Whip up this easy Mexican street corn dip in a snap – perfect for those last-minute gatherings or snack cravings.
- Delicious Texture Combo – This dip recipe brings together the tangy creaminess of sour cream and mayo to capture the traditional elote flavor, coupled with the satisfying crunch of corn in each and every bite.
- Perfect for any occasion! – Whether you’re pulling together a quick gathering with friends or planning a relaxed game day spread, this cold Mexican street corn dip adds a touch of flavor and fun to the festivities. It’s versatile, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit no matter the occasion!
What is Mexican Street Corn?
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a popular street food many people love. It typically involves grilling corn on the cob on a stick, then coating it with a mixture of mayonnaise or crema and crumbled cotija cheese. Chili powder adds some spice, and a squeeze of lime gives it a tangy flavor.
This creamy street corn recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves authentic Mexican street food. It’s a delicious dip that perfectly captures the essence of elote, with a blend of flavors sure to impress. Whether hosting a casual get-together or attending a social event, this dish is an excellent choice for sharing with others.
Recipe Notes
This Mexican street corn dip recipe is as simple as promised! With just a handful of ingredients and less than 10 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dip ready for a party or as a side dish for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Mexican street corn dip to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Corn – I prefer using canned corn, but you can use frozen corn as well. Make sure to drain all the liquid.
- Mayo + Sour Cream – Mayonnaise and sour cream combine to create a rich and tangy texture, resulting in a smooth and irresistible dip. You can swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, if preferred.
- Spices – chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. The spice blend adds depth and a kick, ensuring each bite is flavorful and well-balanced. If you’re concerned about spiciness, rest assured that the cayenne is only for flavor and can be omitted.
- Queso fresco – Crumbling queso fresco into the mix and on top introduces a cheesy element, enhancing the overall richness of the dip. You can also use a cup cotija cheese or cheddar cheese to switch it up a bit.
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Jalapeño Popper Fusion – Dice and sauté jalapeños until they’re tender, then incorporate them into the dip for a spicy jalapeño popper-inspired variation. Don’t forget the bacon!
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – Transform the dip into a chilled salad by adding diced red onions, cherry tomatoes, and black beans for a refreshing side dish.
- Spicy Chipotle Twist – Add a smoky kick by incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the mix for a spicy and flavorful variation.
- Blackened Corn Dip – Use fresh corn and char it for a smoky flavor, adding a dimension of depth to the dip that takes it to a whole new level.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Mexican Street Corn Dip.
- Prepare the Corn Base: Drain the corn and add it to a large bowl.
- Create the Flavor Fusion: Add mayonnaise, sour cream, seasonings, diced onion, and queso fresco to the corn.
- Blend the Goodness: Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly for a flavorful fusion.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle extra queso fresco and fresh cilantro over the top to add an extra layer of cheesy goodness
Recipe Tips
- Fresh Corn vs. Frozen or Canned – While fresh corn is fantastic if in season, don’t hesitate to use frozen or canned corn for a quick and convenient option.
- Play with Cheese – Experiment with different cheeses for added depth – cotija or cheddar can bring unique flavors to the dish.
- Serve with Variety – Beyond tortilla chips, try serving with a mix of veggies like bell peppers, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks for a colorful and crunchy experience.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Tailor the spice levels to your preference. If you like it hot, increase the cayenne; if you prefer a milder flavor, go easy on the spices. You can also add it finely diced jalapenos to up the heat level.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster! Though, you’re already get a winner with it taking less than 10 minutes to throw together!
- Spice Mix Shortcut – Save time by using a pre-made taco seasoning mix instead of measuring out individual spices.
- Make-Ahead Street Corn Dip – Prepare the corn mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Before serving, add the final touches with fresh cilantro and extra queso fresco.
What to Serve with Cold Mexican Street Corn Dip
Since this easy dip has the delicious flavors of a classic elote, it will pair well with many of your favorite chips and other dippable foods.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Ideas for Dipping
- Classic Tortilla Chips – You can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true classic. Choose your favorite style, from white corn to multigrain.
- Veggie Sticks – Sliced bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, and cherry tomatoes add a fresh and crunchy element.
- Pita Chips – Toasted pita triangles bring a sturdy and flavorful base for scooping.
- Plantain Chips – For a sweet and savory twist, try crispy plantain chips.
- Tostadas – Break them into pieces for a sturdy and edible dipping tool.
Mexican Street Corn Dip Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! It will save well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Mexican Street Corn Nachos – Turn your leftover Mexican Street Corn Dip into a fiesta with these loaded nachos. Layer tortilla chips with creamy corn dip, cheese, black beans, and jalapeños. Bake until gooey, then finish with lime crema and cilantro for an irresistible snack.
- Street Corn Tacos – A scoop of Mexican Street Corn Dip on top, can take any taco to the next level! Try it with our crockpot chicken tacos, carnitas tacos, or even our Mexican Chicken Street Tacos. YUM!
- Street Corn Chicken Quesadillas – Repurpose your leftover dip for gourmet quesadillas. Spread the elote mixture on tortillas, add shredded chicken, and pan-sear until golden. Serve with salsa or guacamole for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Steak and Street Corn Salad – Upgrade your salad by tossing sliced grilled steak with leftover Mexican corn dip, mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado. The elote dressing adds a creamy kick, making this salad a fresh and tasty delight.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn is a convenient alternative and works just as well in most recipes. Thaw and drain any extra liquid from the corn before using to ensure you get a nice, creamy dip.
What’s a good substitute for queso fresco?
Feta cheese is a suitable substitute for queso fresco if you don’t have it on hand.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Certainly! In fact, it often tastes even better when allowed to chill for a few hours or overnight. Just add fresh toppings before serving.
What’s the best way to serve this dip at a party?
Set up a dipping station with options like tortilla chips, veggie sticks, and crackers for a fun interactive experience.
More EASY Appetizer Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy appetizer recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
Mexican Street Corn Dip
Ingredients
- 3 cups sweet corn, 2 cans, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
- 6 ounces queso fresco, crumbled
Topping
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sweet corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper.
- Crumble the queso fresco and set aside about 1/4 cup for topping. Stir the remaining cheese into the dip.
- Top with the remaining queso fresco crumbles and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately, or chill for up to 24 hours and serve with tortilla chips or veggies to dip.
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