Name: Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 cobs); 1 4oz can diced green chilis, drained and rinsed (hot chiles preferred); ⅓ cup sour cream; ½ cup cotija cheese; ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped; 2 Tbsp red onion, finely chopped; 1 jalapeno, deseeded and finely chopped; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 1 lime, juiced; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp salt

Nothing beats the vibrant flavors and creamy texture of this Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser that brings the spirit of summer street food right into your living room — plus, it’s so simple to throw together, you'll want to make it again and again.

A bowl filled with a creamy corn salad featuring bright yellow corn kernels mixed with finely chopped green herbs and bits of white cheese sprinkled on top, along with a dusting of red spice. The salad has a chunky texture and is garnished with several yellow corn chips around and inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a wooden board with more corn chips scattered around it, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been making this Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe regularly, especially for casual get-togethers, and it never fails to impress. It nails the smoky, tangy, and creamy balance that makes Mexican street corn (Elote) a universal favorite—except in dip form, which is even more irresistible!

Super simple to make: No grilling required—just sauté fresh corn for that subtle caramelization.
Uses fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients: Everything’s easy to find and can even work with frozen or canned corn.
Crowd-pleaser and versatile: Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy movie night bite.
Customizable heat and flavor: Add as much jalapeño or chili powder as you like to make it your own.

A white bowl filled with a colorful corn salad sits on a wooden board, surrounded by crunchy yellow tortilla chips with black sesame seeds. The corn salad has small yellow corn kernels mixed with green herbs layered throughout and topped with white crumbled cheese and a dusting of red spice. Two tortilla chips are placed sticking out of the corn salad on one side. In the background, there are lime wedges on a white marbled surface along with a small clay bowl filled with chopped green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a crucial role to build the authentic flavor and texture of this Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe. From the crisp sweetness of corn to the creamy tang of sour cream and cotija’s salty crumble, everything works beautifully together. Here’s what you need and why:

Flat lay of fresh golden corn kernels, bright green diced jalapenos, vibrant chopped cilantro, finely chopped red onion, small minced garlic clove, creamy white sour cream dollop, crumbled white cotija cheese, a halved lime with juice dripping, and a small bowl of drained diced green chilis arranged beautifully with contrasting colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Fresh corn kernels: The star ingredient that gives sweetness and texture; I love using fresh whenever possible but frozen or canned work fine too.
Diced green chilies: Adds a gentle heat and complexity; I usually opt for hot chilies for an exciting kick.
Sour cream: Gives creaminess and smoothness to balance the spice.
Cotija cheese: This crumbly, salty cheese replicates that classic street corn finish. If you can’t find it, feta works well.
Cilantro: Brings freshness and herbaceous brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Red onion: Adds a slight crunch and sharp bite for contrast.
Jalapeño: Controls the heat level—you can leave the seeds in for more fire or take them out to keep it milder.
Garlic: Just a little minced clove adds savory depth.
Lime juice: The acid that brightens and balances the richness beautifully.
Chili powder: Adds subtle smoky warmth and ties everything together.
Salt: Essential to bring all flavors forward and enhance the dish.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up with this Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe—it's so forgiving! Sometimes I throw in extra jalapeño for heat or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if I want a tangier twist. Feel free to adjust spices or ingredients to suit your taste buds.

Variation: I once added a pinch of smoked paprika instead of chili powder, which gave the dip a lovely smoky depth that wowed my friends.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap sour cream for a creamy cashew or coconut yogurt to keep it smooth and vegan-friendly.
Extra Crunch: Adding crushed tortilla chips or chopped roasted pepitas on top is my go-to for a delightful contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Corn to Golden Perfection

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat—I like using a non-stick pan sprayed with cooking spray for easy cleanup. Toss in your fresh corn kernels and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they’re just tender and start to brown slightly. This caramelization is key—it brings out the natural sweetness and adds a subtle smoky note that lifts the whole dip. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning; toss or stir frequently.

Step 2: Mix in the Flavor Bombs

Transfer your golden corn into a large bowl. Now, add diced green chilies, sour cream, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, and salt. Stir everything together gently until the sour cream is fully incorporated and the mixture is a beautiful, vibrant blend. Taste as you go—sometimes I like to squeeze in extra lime juice or add a sprinkle more chili powder to punch up the flavor.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Lastly, sprinkle a bit more cotija cheese over the top to finish it off with a salty, crumbly texture. Serve this Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe right away with your favorite tortilla chips or crunchy veggies. It’s best fresh, while the flavors are punchy and the corn still has a bit of snap.

Top Tip

Having made this dip dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take it from good to great. These tips ensure you get that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy every single time.

Fresh Corn is Worth It: If you can grab fresh corn on the cob, don’t hesitate—it’s a game changer for flavor and texture.
Don’t Skip the Sauté: Even if you’re using canned or frozen corn, browning it briefly adds a ton of flavor that steaming or microwaving alone just won’t give.
Add Ingredients Gradually: When mixing the dip, go slowly on chili powder and lime juice, tasting as you go to avoid overpowering the balance.
Serve Fresh: This dip shines best right after making, so try not to let it sit too long before serving.

How to Serve Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Mexican street corn dip - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping my dip with a little extra cotija cheese for texture, plus a few sprigs of fresh cilantro to brighten the look. Sometimes I add a dusting of smoked paprika or chili powder for a pop of color and more flavor—it’s those small touches that make the presentation inviting too.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs perfectly with crunchy tortilla chips, but I also love it alongside grilled chicken tacos, a crisp green salad, or even roasted veggies. It’s an awesome appetizer or side that complements Mexican-inspired meals beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes serve this dip layered in a shallow dish topped with colorful diced tomatoes and thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and appeal. Another favorite is using small edible bowls made from halved bell peppers to add a fun twist and make it easy for guests to grab and enjoy without extra plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 2 to 3 days, just stir gently before serving to refresh the mix. The flavors mellow a bit over time, so sometimes I add a pinch more chili powder or a squeeze of lime right before eating to brighten it back up.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my go-to for this dip because the creamy texture changes when thawed, but if you want to freeze it, do so before adding the fresh herbs and cheese, then mix those in fresh after thawing to get closer to the original flavor.

Reheating

If you want to warm up leftovers, I recommend gently heating in the microwave in short bursts or warming briefly in a pan on low heat. Avoid overheating or stirring too vigorously to maintain that nice texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen or canned corn for this Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen or canned corn works well if you sauté it first to get that slightly browned, caramelized flavor. Just be sure to thoroughly drain and rinse canned corn before cooking.

What’s cotija cheese and can I substitute it?

Cotija is a salty Mexican crumbly cheese that adds an authentic finish. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is a great substitute because of its similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor.

How spicy is this dip, and can I make it milder?

It typically has a mild to medium heat level from the jalapeño and chili powder, but you can easily control the spice by removing the jalapeño seeds or reducing the chili powder. Adjust to your preference!

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

You can prepare the dip ahead, but I recommend waiting to add the cilantro and cheese until just before serving to keep those fresh flavors and textures vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe truly warms my heart and has become a staple for my casual get-togethers and game days. It’s approachable, bursting with flavor, and so easy to personalize that you’ll find yourself craving it often. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s like a little fiesta in every bite!