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Close-up of creamy Mexican Street Corn Dip with charred corn kernels, a lime wedge on the bowl edge, and a perfectly dipped tortilla chip.

The Best Mexican Street Corn Dip

This incredibly creamy, authentic Mexican Street Corn Dip is a home-cooked masterpiece featuring roasted sweet corn, tangy cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a blend of rich cream cheese. Perfect for serving with golden tortilla chips.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Mexican Street Corn Dip
  • 4 cups sweet corn kernels Fresh, canned (drained), or thawed frozen
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium jalapeño finely diced
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbled, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice plus 1 lime wedge for garnish
  • 1 tsp chili powder plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Equipment

  • 1 Large Cast-Iron Skillet Essential for blistering and charring the corn.
  • 2 Mixing bowls Needed for creating the smooth creamy base.

Method
 

Making the Dip
  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is completely melted. Add the well-drained sweet corn in an even layer and let it sit undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a deep golden-brown crust.
  2. Once the corn has charred, toss it and create a well in the center. Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeño, cooking for 60 seconds until fragrant. Stir into the corn and remove from heat.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until perfectly smooth. Fold in the crumbled cotija cheese, kosher salt, and half of the chili powder.
  4. Pour the warm, charred corn mixture into the creamy cheese base. Add the finely chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until fully combined.
  5. Transfer to a dark, heavy stoneware bowl. Garnish with a heavy sprinkle of chili powder, extra cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Place a lime wedge on the edge and serve with golden tortilla chips.

Notes

Dry Your Corn: Pat canned or frozen corn entirely dry before cooking to ensure it sears instead of steams.
Room Temp Dairy: Softened cream cheese is vital to prevent a lumpy dip.