Mexican Street Corn Dip

$- 2 cups corn kernels (either fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (seeds removed for a milder flavor) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste In this recipe, corn kernels are the star. They bring a sweet crunch. You can use fresh or frozen corn. If you want a creamy base, you need cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Cream cheese adds richness. Cotija cheese gives a nice salty bite. The jalapeño pepper adds a kick. Remove the seeds if you want less heat. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. Lime juice adds zest. Finally, chili powder adds depth. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Gathering these ingredients helps you create a flavorful dip that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Next, add 2 cups of corn kernels to the skillet. Sauté the corn for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally. Look for a slight char and caramelization on the corn. This step brings out its natural sweetness. It also adds depth to the dip. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the corn cool for a bit. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, blend these ingredients until smooth. You want a creamy texture without lumps. This base gives the dip its rich flavor. After the corn cools, fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Now, add 1 cup of crumbled Cotija cheese, 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro, and 1 finely chopped jalapeño (make sure to remove the seeds for less heat). Pour in 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and add 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients blend well. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a bolder flavor, add more lime juice or chili powder. Spoon the dip into a nice serving dish, and enjoy the vibrant flavors! To make your Mexican street corn dip even better, play with the seasonings. You can add a bit more chili powder for heat. If you like it spicy, try adding more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Lime juice adds brightness, so don’t be shy with it. Taste your dip as you go. Adjust the flavors until it's just right for you. Serving matters! For a fun touch, use a colorful bowl. You can layer the dip for a nice look. Top it with extra Cotija cheese and cilantro for a pop of color. A sprinkle of chili powder also adds visual flair. Serve it with tortilla chips arranged around the bowl. This makes the dip inviting and ready to enjoy. You’ll need a few key tools for this dip. A medium skillet is great for sautéing the corn. For mixing, a large bowl works well. A hand mixer helps get that creamy texture quickly. If you don’t have one, a whisk will do. Just mix until everything is smooth and well combined. This will ensure your dip is creamy and delicious. Pro Tips Use Fresh Corn: Fresh corn will provide a sweeter and crunchier texture compared to frozen. If in season, opt for fresh corn on the cob for the best flavor. Adjust Spice Level: For a milder dip, remove the seeds from the jalapeño. If you prefer more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a spicier variety of pepper. Make Ahead: This dip can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Garnish for Presentation: Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing with extra Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a few additional cilantro leaves before serving. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in this dip for different flavors. If you want a creamier texture, try using goat cheese. It adds a tangy taste that pairs well with corn. Another great option is feta cheese. It gives a similar salty kick and is easy to find. If you want a lighter dip, use yogurt instead of sour cream. Greek yogurt works well and adds a nice tang. It also cuts down on calories while keeping a creamy texture. This simple swap can make the dip feel fresh and healthy. To change the spice level, use different peppers. For a milder dip, leave out the jalapeño seeds. If you want more heat, add diced serrano peppers for a spicy kick. You can also try using smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor. Feel free to add other herbs and spices. Fresh dill or parsley can brighten the taste. A dash of cumin can also add warmth and depth. Mixing in some garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the overall flavor as well. Using seasonal ingredients can add fun twists to this dip. In summer, try adding diced tomatoes or avocado for freshness. These ingredients bring a burst of flavor and color. In the fall, roasted pumpkin or butternut squash can make it creamy and sweet. For summer barbecues, keep the dip cool. Use ice packs under the serving bowl to keep it fresh. You can also serve it in a hollowed-out bell pepper for a festive look. This makes it easy for guests to grab and dip while enjoying the sun. To keep your Mexican street corn dip fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid fits tightly. This helps keep out air and moisture. The dip lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you notice any changes in smell or color, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can freeze this dip! Just place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir it often until it’s hot and smooth again. After storage, serve the dip chilled or warm. If it seems thick, mix in a splash of sour cream or mayonnaise to restore its creamy texture. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of lime juice or fresh cilantro on top before serving. Enjoy it with tortilla chips for the best crunch! You can serve this dip with tortilla chips. They add a nice crunch. You can also try fresh veggies like carrots or celery sticks. These add color and crunch too. For drinks, pair it with a light beer or a refreshing margarita. Both drinks balance the rich flavors of the dip nicely. Yes, you can make this dip ahead of time. I recommend making it up to a day before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep the flavors fresh, mix in the lime juice just before serving. This keeps the dip bright and flavorful. Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, skip the Cotija cheese. You can use feta cheese for a similar taste. If you want to keep it creamy, use plain yogurt instead of sour cream. This dip is versatile and can fit many diets. Just check the ingredients to ensure they meet your needs. This blog post detailed how to make a tasty Mexican Street Corn Dip. You learned about the key ingredients, like corn, cream cheese, and Cotija cheese. We covered steps for preparation and mixing, along with tips for flavor and presentation. You can even tweak the recipe with seasonal ingredients or alternative flavors. Remember, store leftovers properly for the best taste. Enjoy making this dip and impress your family and friends. This dip is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!$

A creamy and flavorful dip inspired by the classic Mexican street corn, perfect for parties and gatherings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups corn kernels (either fresh or frozen)
1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
0.5 cup sour cream
0.5 cup mayonnaise
1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
0.25 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 whole jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (seeds removed for a milder flavor)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
to taste salt and pepper
for serving tortilla chips

Instructions

Begin by heating a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the corn kernels to the skillet and sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Your goal is to achieve a slight char and caramelization on the corn, which will bring out its natural sweetness and add depth to the dish. Afterward, remove the skillet from heat and let the corn cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
Once the sautéed corn has cooled, fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Add in the crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, finely diced jalapeño, lime juice, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Taste the dip and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning. If you desire a bolder flavor, feel free to add more lime juice or a pinch of chili powder according to your taste.
Spoon the dip into a decorative serving dish. For an eye-catching presentation, top the dip with additional crumbled Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a dash of chili powder for color.
Serve the dip immediately with a generous bowl of tortilla chips on the side for dipping. Enjoy the rich and vibrant flavors that make this dip a crowd favorite!

Notes

Adjust lime juice and chili powder to taste for a bolder flavor.

Keyword appetizer, corn, dip, Mexican, party