Spicy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Fiery Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe: A Zesty Flavor Fiesta

Corn explodes with zesty Mexican street corn dip flavors that dance across your palate with vibrant, irresistible charm.

Bold spices blend seamlessly with creamy textures that promise pure comfort.

Street corn lovers will adore this mouthwatering fusion of traditional and contemporary tastes.

Every scoop delivers a punch of authentic Mexican-inspired goodness.

Cheesy, tangy, and wonderfully spiced, this dip turns ordinary snack time into a culinary celebration.

Fresh ingredients elevate this recipe from simple to spectacular.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dip and watch everyone dive into a fiesta of deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Mexican Street Corn Dip

For Base Ingredients:
  • Corn Kernels: Sweet summer corn adds vibrant flavor and authentic Mexican street food essence, preferably fresh or high-quality frozen corn for best texture.
  • Canned Corn: Convenient alternative with similar flavor profile, drain thoroughly before using to prevent excess moisture.
For Creamy Dressing Components:
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creates rich, tangy base that mimics traditional Mexican street corn coating, providing smooth and luxurious texture.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens flavor, adds zesty citrus punch and balances creamy elements with refreshing acidity.
For Seasoning Enhancers:
  • Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder: Delivers complex, smoky warmth with layered spice notes typical of authentic Mexican street cuisine.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasoning agents that elevate and harmonize overall flavor profile.
For Textural and Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Cotija Cheese: Crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that provides authentic regional character and adds delightful granular texture.
  • Cilantro: Brings fresh, herbaceous note with distinctive southwestern flair, enhancing overall dish complexity.
  • Jalapeno: Optional ingredient that introduces vibrant heat and traditional Mexican pepper essence.

Tools to Make Mexican Street Corn Dip with Ease

  • Large Skillet: Key for roasting corn with perfect char.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients evenly.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping cilantro and jalapenos.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Serving Bowl: Ideal for presenting the final dip attractively.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.

How to Mix Up Mexican Street Corn Dip at Home

  • Fire Up the Corn

Grab a sizzling skillet and toss corn kernels into the hot pan. Dance them around until they get golden and slightly smoky, creating those delicious charred edges. Let the kernels cool down and catch their breath.

  • Whip Together the Sauce

In a big mixing bowl, blend creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, zesty lime juice, and a sprinkle of spicy chili powder. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper until everything hugs together perfectly.

  • Mix and Mingle the Flavors

Tumble the roasted corn into the creamy sauce. Crumble in salty cotija cheese, scatter fresh cilantro, and toss in some diced jalapenos for a spicy kick. Stir everything until it looks like a fiesta in a bowl.

  • Dress to Impress

Pour the dip into a beautiful serving bowl. Dust the top with extra cheese, sprinkle more cilantro, and add a final whisper of chili powder. Make it look irresistible.

  • Serve and Devour

Grab some crispy tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks. Dive right in while the dip is cool and creamy. For an extra chill factor, let it hang out in the refrigerator for half an hour before the party starts.

Tips to Add Bold Flavor to Corn Dip

  • Char the corn kernels carefully to develop a smoky, caramelized flavor without burning, which adds depth to the dip's overall taste profile.
  • Prepare the dip a day in advance and store in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious appetizer.
  • Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to reduce calories, or use vegan mayo and plant-based cheese for a completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly version of the dip.
  • Adjust the heat by removing jalapeno seeds for a milder version or adding extra chili powder and fresh hot peppers for those who love intense spiciness.
  • Transform this dip into a creamy street corn salad by adding more corn and serving it as a side dish, or use it as a topping for grilled proteins like chicken or fish for an extra flavor boost.

Serve Mexican Street Corn Dip with Chips or Veggies

  • Party Platter Paradise: Spread the dip across a colorful wooden board with an assortment of crispy tortilla chips, sliced bell peppers, and cucumber rounds for a festive presentation.
  • Taco Night Sidekick: Use this creamy dip as a zesty accompaniment to your homemade tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas for an extra flavor burst.
  • Picnic Perfect Appetizer: Pack the dip in a sealed container with a variety of crunchy dippers like pretzel sticks, carrot batons, and pita chips for an outdoor gathering that'll impress everyone.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in a large decorative bowl surrounded by colorful corn chips, providing a delicious and easy-to-share snack during sports events or movie nights.

Store Corn Dip for Snacking Later

  • Spread the dip in a shallow container and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding and achieve a refreshing temperature perfect for summer gatherings.
  • Transfer the dip to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its creamy texture and vibrant taste.
  • Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance, allowing spices to develop deeper flavors. Keep cilantro garnish separate until serving to prevent wilting and maintain crisp texture.
  • Repurpose remaining dip as a zesty spread for sandwiches, a topping for grilled chicken, or a quick mix-in for scrambled eggs, extending its culinary potential beyond the original serving.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen corn?

Yes, you can use canned corn as a convenient alternative. Just drain and pat dry the corn kernels before adding to the dip to prevent excess moisture.

  • Is there a way to make this dip less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce or omit the jalapeno and adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste. You can also remove the seeds from the jalapeno to lower the heat level.

  • What if I can't find cotija cheese?

No worries! You can substitute cotija with feta cheese or queso fresco. Both offer a similar salty, crumbly texture that works well in this dip.

  • How can I make this dip ahead of time?

You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and add the fresh cilantro garnish just before serving to maintain its bright flavor and color.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spicy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Spicy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Classic Mexican street corn dip blends creamy cheese, charred corn, and zesty spices into an irresistible appetizer. Guests will devour this crowd-pleasing recipe that celebrates bold, authentic flavors with each delicious scoop.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (946 ml) corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • ½ cup (112 g) crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • ½ tsp chili powder (plus more for garnish)
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil (if roasting fresh or frozen corn)
  • ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 jalapeno, finely diced (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Roast Corn: Heat a skillet over medium-high flame, drizzle with olive oil, and caramelize corn kernels until edges turn golden-brown and develop a smoky char, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare Flavor Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and uniformly blended.
  3. Combine and Enhance: Gently fold the roasted corn kernels into the creamy base, ensuring each kernel is thoroughly coated. Add crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeno, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the dip.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, crown with additional chili powder, cotija cheese crumbles, and fresh cilantro leaves. Chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve alongside crisp tortilla chips or fresh vegetable crudités.

Notes

  • Char Corn Carefully: Watch corn closely while caramelizing to achieve golden-brown edges without burning, which develops rich, smoky flavor without bitterness.
  • Balance Creamy Texture: Whisk mayo and sour cream thoroughly to create smooth, consistent base that coats corn kernels evenly without lumps.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Customize heat by controlling jalapeno quantity or substituting with milder peppers for sensitive palates or different flavor profiles.
  • Chill for Depth: Refrigerating dip allows seasonings to meld and intensify, enhancing overall taste and creating more cohesive flavor experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star