Creamy & Spicy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe (Elote Dip)

Craving the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn but want an appetizer that’s easy to share? Look no further! This Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe takes all the best parts of classic elote – sweet corn, spicy chili, creamy mayo, and salty cheese – and transforms them into an incredibly addictive dip. Perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dish, this dip is guaranteed to disappear fast.

Inspired by a trip to Mexico and a desire to create something beyond the usual appetizers, this recipe was born from a love for authentic Mexican flavors and the fun, communal nature of dips. Forget boring veggie platters; this creamy corn dip is a total game-changer. It captures the essence of elote in every bite, making it the ultimate summer appetizer.

What makes this Mexican Street Corn Dip so irresistible? It’s all about the combination of textures and tastes. The sweetness of the corn is perfectly balanced by a spicy kick from chili powder and cayenne pepper, while cream cheese and sour cream create a luxuriously creamy base. A drizzle of chili-infused butter and a generous sprinkle of cotija cheese on top add richness and salty, savory notes that will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that make this dip shine:

Sweet Corn: The star of the show! Fresh, frozen, or grilled corn all work beautifully in this recipe.
Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These create the creamy, dreamy texture that makes this dip so addictive.
Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, & Cayenne Pepper: This spice blend delivers that signature smoky, spicy flavor of Mexican street corn.
Cotija Cheese: Salty and crumbly, cotija cheese provides the perfect finishing touch. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is a good substitute.
Lime Juice & Mayo: These add a tangy creaminess and brightness that ties all the flavors together.
Spicy Chili Butter: Melted butter infused with spices elevates the dip to another level of deliciousness. Don’t skip this step!

Ready to make this amazing appetizer? Here’s how:

Spice it Up: In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. This spice blend is the foundation of our elote flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced yellow onion until softened, then add corn, minced garlic, and a portion of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the corn is tender and slightly caramelized.
Get Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then, mix in sour cream for extra creaminess. Keep warm over low heat while you prepare the toppings.
Make Spicy Butter Magic: In a separate skillet, melt butter until golden brown. Stir in the remaining spice mix and a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick. Cook for a minute until fragrant, then remove from heat. This chili butter is liquid gold!
Lime Mayo Zing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This tangy mayo will drizzle beautifully over the dip.
Assemble and Devour: Spoon the warm corn dip into a serving bowl. Top with grilled corn kernels (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor and texture), dollops of lime mayo, and swirls of spicy chili butter. Generously sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro over the top. Serve immediately with plenty of tortilla chips for scooping!