Name: Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 cobs); 1 4oz can diced green chilis, drained and rinsed (use hot chiles); ⅓ cup sour cream; ½ cup cotija cheese; ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped; 2 Tbsp red onion, finely chopped; 1 jalapeno, deseeded and finely chopped; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 1 lime, juiced; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp salt

There’s something about the creamy, tangy, and spicy mix of corn and cheese that just sings. This Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe brings the mouthwatering flavors of street corn into a warm, scoopable form you’ll want to share (or maybe not). It’s a simple dip that packs big flavor, perfect for any occasion.

A round white bowl is filled with a colorful mix of yellow corn kernels blended with green herbs and white cheese crumbles, sprinkled with a light dusting of red spice for a pop of color. The textured mix shows small bits of creamy sauce holding the ingredients together. Three lightly speckled yellow tortilla chips are partially dipped into the mix on the bowl's left side and front, with more chips scattered around on a light wooden board beneath the bowl. In the background, a plate with halved lime wedges and some chopped green herbs can be seen on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this dip countless times for gatherings and casual hangouts, and it’s never disappointed. The flavors are fresh, bright, and balanced — you’ll find it hard to stop at just one chipful.

Minimal Ingredients: You probably have almost everything in your kitchen already.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 15 minutes, giving you more time to enjoy company.
Flexible Flavors: Easily customized for heat, freshness, or cheesiness.
Great Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the vibrant, creamy taste and texture combo.

A white bowl filled with a colorful corn salad sits on a wooden board covered with many yellow tortilla chips speckled with black seeds. The salad has bright yellow corn mixed with green herbs and small bits of white cheese sprinkled on top. A few tortilla chips are dipped into the salad, sticking out from the side of the bowl. Around the board, there are lime wedges in a white bowl on a white marbled surface and a small wooden bowl with chopped green herbs. The scene looks fresh and inviting with a mix of textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe comes down to using fresh, punchy ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Here’s why each one earns its place:

Flat lay of fresh golden corn kernels, bright green chopped cilantro, small piles of crumbled white cotija cheese, finely diced red onion, a split green jalapeno pepper with seeds removed, a halved lime showing its juicy interior, a small clove of garlic, and a can of diced green chilies arranged in neat clusters, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Fresh Corn Kernels: They bring natural sweetness and crunch; grilling or sautéing them adds a nice smoky depth.
Diced Green Chilis: Adds a mild heat and subtle complexity—I like using hot chiles for a little extra kick.
Sour Cream: Provides creaminess and tang that balances the spice.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese adds salty, savory richness—substituting feta works too.
Cilantro: Its fresh, citrusy notes brighten the whole dip.
Red Onion: Offers a crisp, sharp bite without overpowering the other flavors.
Jalapeno: Enhances the heat—deseed it if you prefer less spice.
Garlic: Adds warmth and depth—just a small clove is enough to keep it balanced.
Lime Juice: The secret to lively freshness; always add a bit more if it feels flat.
Chili Powder and Salt: Rounds out flavors perfectly, making sure each bite pops.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe is so forgiving and open to personalization. Feel free to tweak it to fit your cravings and what you have on hand—it’s part of the fun! Here’s a little of how I make it my own and some ideas for you to try.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out cotija for feta cheese when I’m in a pinch—it still gives that salty, crumbly goodness. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika also layers on an earthy smokiness that’s simply irresistible.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Corn to Perfection

Start by heating a large pan over medium-high heat; make sure it’s hot before spraying with cooking spray. Then toss in your fresh corn kernels and sauté them until they’re tender and have those lovely golden brown spots—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the flavor deepens, so don’t skip the browning! Once done, transfer the corn to a large bowl and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix in the Flavor Bomb

Next, add the diced green chilis, sour cream, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, and salt right into the bowl with the corn. Give everything a good mix until the sour cream is fully combined and the dip looks homogenous. Taste it and adjust — I often find myself adding a bit more lime juice or an extra handful of cilantro to brighten things up.

Step 3: Serve and Garnish Generously

Sprinkle a final layer of cotija cheese on top for that extra cheesy punch right before serving. Grab your favorite tortilla chips and dive in!

Top Tip

From my many batches of this dip, a few simple tips consistently make the difference between a good dip and a memorable one:

Get that corn golden: Don’t rush the sautéing step. The slight charring adds depth and mimics the smoky flavor of street corn perfectly.
Don’t skimp on lime: Lime juice is the secret layer of brightness that keeps the dip from feeling too heavy.
Adjust spice carefully: If you prefer mild, remove jalapeño seeds completely. For those who love heat, keep them in or even add a pinch of cayenne.
Fresh cilantro is key: It adds freshness you just can’t replicate with dried herbs.

How to Serve Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Mexican Street Corn Dip - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping this dip with a little extra cotija cheese and freshly chopped cilantro—it makes it look as inviting as it tastes. A sprinkle of chili powder or even a few thin slices of jalapeño adds a pop of color and heat if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs beautifully with classic tortilla chips, but I’ve also enjoyed it alongside grilled chicken, fresh veggie sticks, or even as a condiment on tacos and burrito bowls for an extra kick.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes serve this dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl or layered in a clear trifle dish for a colorful presentation. Adding charred corn on top for decoration always gets compliments and sparks conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dip keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle stir and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to refresh the flavors.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dip because the texture changes a bit—the creamy sour cream turns grainy upon thawing. I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated instead.

Reheating

If you want to serve it warm, gently heat the dip in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring in between. Avoid high heat to keep the texture smooth and avoid breaking the mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?

Absolutely! I’ve used frozen or canned corn when fresh wasn’t available. Just thaw or drain and rinse well before sautéing to get that nice caramelization and avoid excess moisture.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta is my go-to substitute for cotija — it’s crumbly and salty, giving a similar texture and flavor. You can also experiment with Parmesan or even queso fresco, depending on your taste preferences.

How spicy is this dip?

This dip has a moderate heat level thanks to the jalapeno and green chilis. If you prefer it milder, remove the jalapeno seeds or reduce the amount used. For more heat, keep the seeds or add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.

Can this dip be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dip a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature and add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or more lime juice before serving to freshen it up.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to — so simple but bursting with fresh, bold flavors that never get old. It’s my go-to for last-minute parties or when I want something that feels special without the fuss. You’ll love how fast it comes together and how often it disappears at your table. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!