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This Mexican street corn dip recipe is a favorite because it’s so creamy, cheesy, and packed with that zesty flavor that reminds me of elote. I can throw it together in minutes with simplet ingredients, pop it in the fridge, and forget about it until it’s time to serve. It’s my go to make ahead appetizer for parties, potlucks, game days, and family get togethers because it always disappears fast and people always ask for the recipe.

Bowl of Mexican street corn dip with corn kernels, cheese, and cilantro, surrounded by tortilla chips.
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My Mexican street corn dip recipe has that fun, can’t-stop-scooping energy that’s impossible to resist. The sweet corn, zesty spices, and creamy cheese make it feel like a little fiesta straight from Mexico. I usually set it out with a big bowl of crunchy tortilla chips or Fritos, and it disappears faster than anything else on the table.

Why I Love This Recipe

This elote dip recipe is a favorite because it brings back memories of family vacations, comes together in minutes, and turns every gathering into a party in a bowl.

  • Mix, chill, and serve in minutes with no baking needed
  • Bursting with sweet corn, zesty spices, and a touch of heat
  • Perfect as a party dip, taco topping, or quesadilla filling
  • Made with simple ingredients you can grab at any grocery store
  • Ideal for game days, Cinco de Mayo, potlucks, or casual family gatherings
  • Naturally gluten free and easy to make ahead for stress-free entertaining

Corn makes such a great side dish! If you’re looking to mix things up, try my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, sweet Honey Butter Skillet Corn, and my Mexican Street Corn Salad. They are all guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your next meal.

Ingredients Notes

Mexican Street Corn Dip Ingredients.
  • Mayonnaise: Creates a rich and creamy base. Full fat works best for a smooth texture.
  • Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess. You can substitute part or all with full fat Greek yogurt if you prefer.
  • Taco seasoning mix: Adds bold, zesty street corn flavor. Swap in your favorite spice mix or an elote seasoning blend if you like.
  • Southwest corn with poblano and red peppers: Canned southwest style corn works perfectly. You can also use grilled fresh corn on the cob or thawed frozen corn. Make sure to drain it well, and if it still seems juicy, let it sit in a strainer for a few extra minutes or blot with paper towels to avoid a watery dip.
  • Mild green chiles: Add mild heat without overpowering the dip.
  • Green onions: Provide freshness and a little crunch.
  • Jalapeño: Adds heat. Remove the seeds for mild spice or leave some in for extra kick.
  • Mexican cheese blend: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, cheddar, or a combination for cheesy, melty goodness.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe Variations

Make your Mexican street corn dip with cream cheese: Swap half of the sour cream or mayo for cream cheese to make the dip thicker and extra creamy.

Mild version: Leave out the jalapeño and use mild taco seasoning for a gentler flavor.

Loaded street corn dip: Stir in cotija cheese, feta cheese, chopped red onion, or fresh cilantro just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Warm dip option: Gently heat the dip on the stovetop, stirring often, if you prefer to serve it warm.

Hand dips tortilla chip into creamy Mexican street corn dip with corn kernels and cilantro.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Dip

Step 1
Mix the base: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, and taco seasoning mix until smooth.
mix the seasonings for mexican corn dip.

Step 2
Add the other ingredients: Stir in the southwest corn, green chiles, green onions, jalapeño, and Mexican cheese blend until everything is fully combined.
add the corn, jalapenos and other ingredients into the bowl and mix well.

Step 3
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight so the flavors meld and the dip is fully chilled.

Step 4
Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with green onions, cotija cheese, or a pinch of chili powder. For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the top just before serving.

Recipe Tips

  • Make sure to drain the southwest corn thoroughly to keep the dip creamy and prevent excess liquid.
  • Full fat mayonnaise and sour cream give the dip the richest, smoothest texture.
  • Customize the spice level by adding extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Give the dip a good stir before serving to mix the flavors evenly after chilling.
Black bowl of creamy Mexican street corn dip with corn kernels, cheese, and cilantro on top, surrounded by tortilla chips on a wooden platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I chill the dip before serving?

Chill the dip for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors blend and lets the dip thicken slightly for the perfect creamy texture.

What should I do if my dip seems too thick?

Stir in a small spoonful of sour cream at a time until it reaches the consistency you like.

What can I do if my dip turns out watery?

Watery dip usually happens when the corn isn’t drained well. Stir in a bit of shredded cheese and chill it a little longer to help it thicken.

Can I use frozen or fresh corn instead of canned?

Yes! Frozen corn should be fully thawed and drained, and fresh corn should be cooked and cooled first. Canned southwest corn is the easiest because it already has peppers and flavor mixed in.

What should I serve with it?

Fritos Scoops or sturdy tortilla chips work best. Thin chips can break under the dip, and nobody wants chip heartbreak at a party.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Absolutely. This recipe doubles easily. Use a large bowl and mix well so every ingredient is evenly combined.

Make Ahead & Storage Instructions

  • Make ahead: The dip can be prepared a day in advance and kept covered in the fridge until serving.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  • Serving: This dip is best served chilled, but it can be gently warmed in the oven for a cozy, melty dip.
  • Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the creamy texture.
Bowl of Mexican street corn dip topped with cotija cheese, corn kernels, and cilantro next to tortilla chips.

More Crowd Friendly Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve tried this Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.

5 from 1 vote
Bowl of creamy Mexican street corn dip with corn kernels, cotija cheese, and cilantro, next to tortilla chips.

Mexican Corn Dip

Serves — 8
This Mexican street corn dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with zesty, elote-style flavor. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s a no-bake crowd favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1 ounce packet of taco seasoning mix
  • 45 ounces (3 15-ounce cans) southwest corn (with poblano and red peppers), (Del Monte brand), well drained
  • 4 ounce can chopped mild green chiles drained
  • ½ cup sliced green onions (plus additional for optional garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh jalapeno (from 1 large pepper, seeds and membrane removed)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (8-ounce bag, Sargento brand)

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and packet of taco seasoning mix in a large bowl until smooth.
    1 cup mayonnaise, ¾ cup sour cream, 1 ounce packet of taco seasoning mix
  • To the bowl, add the southwest corn, mild green chiles, green onions, jalapeno pepper, and mexican cheese blend. Stir together until all the ingredients are fully combined.
    45 ounces (3 15-ounce cans) southwest corn, 4 ounce can chopped mild green chiles, ½ cup sliced green onions, 2 tablespoons minced fresh jalapeno, 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, up to overnight, or until the Mexican street corn dip is completely chilled.
  • Before serving, transfer the chilled dip to a serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro OR sliced green onions, cotija cheese and a pinch of chili powder if desired.

Jenn’s Notes

Storage:
  • Store: Keep the Mexican street corn dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
  • Make ahead: This dip can be made one day in advance and stored covered until ready to serve
  • Reheat: Best served chilled, but can be gently warmed if preferred
  • Freeze: Not recommended as freezing may change the texture
Tips:
  • Be sure to drain the southwest style corn very well before adding to the rest of the ingredients to ensure the creamy texture of the dip does not get watered down too much as it sits and chills.
  • The Mexican cheese blend can be substituted with monterey jack cheese, pepper jack cheese, shredded cheddar cheese or a combination of these cheeses.
  • Full-fat sour cream and mayonnaise are best to use to ensure your dip is nice and creamy.
  • For added heat, you can add additional minced jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the corn dip mixture if desired.
  • You can substitute the spices in this recipe for 1 – 1 ½ teaspoons of ELOTE seasoning blend if desired for a slightly spicier dip.

Nutrition Info

Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 1063mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 824IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 356mg | Iron: 1mg

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