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Creamy Elote-Style Street Corn Dip

creamy elote-style street corn dip - featured image

A creamy, tangy, and spicy street corn dip that combines cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh lime juice for a perfect balance of flavors. Quick and easy to make, perfect for snacks and parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 23 ears if fresh; thaw frozen before use)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for tangier notes)
  • 3/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
  • Extra crumbled cotija cheese (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (to serve alongside)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cups of corn kernels and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly charred and golden in spots. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  3. Add the cooled corn to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Stir gently to combine, then fold in 3/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese.
  4. Taste your dip and adjust the seasoning as desired, adding more lime juice or chili powder if preferred.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately if desired.
  6. Just before serving, sprinkle extra cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro on top. Add lime wedges on the side and serve with tortilla chips, crunchy veggies, or warm pita bread.

Notes

For best flavor, chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving. Use fresh corn when in season for best texture and sweetness. For a smoother dip, pulse in a food processor. Adjust chili powder and cayenne pepper to control spice level. Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta or parmesan. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo, coconut yogurt, and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote dip, street corn dip, creamy corn dip, cotija cheese dip, spicy corn dip, easy snack, party dip