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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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