Name: Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 16 oz. low-fat cream cheese (room temperature, 2 bricks); ½ cup sour cream (Greek yogurt and mayo also work); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp hot sauce; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from 1 lime); 2 cups freshly shredded pepper jack cheese (divided, or Mexican blend cheese for a milder flavor); 4 oz. low-fat feta cheese (or Cotija cheese, crumbled); 30 oz. canned corn (fully drained and rinsed, 2 cans; fresh or defrosted frozen also work); 1 jalapeno pepper (chopped, seeds in for extra spice or removed for milder flavor); 2 tbsp chopped red onion; ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Nothing beats that creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy bite of Mexican street corn, right? This Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe takes all those fantastic flavors and transforms them into a shareable, crowd-pleasing dip that’s just perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you want a little fiesta in your mouth.

A white bowl filled with a creamy, melted cheese dip base that has a light golden-brown top, layered with bright yellow corn kernels scattered evenly on the surface. There are thin green jalapeño slices and small diced red onions spread throughout. On the left side, a cluster of yellow tortilla chips scoop up the dip which looks thick and creamy with bits of corn and herbs mixed in. A large bunch of fresh dark green cilantro leaves rests on top, adding a leafy texture and vibrant color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small part of a hot sauce bottle and wooden board visible nearby. 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 Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this dip because it’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and zesty with just the right kick from jalapeños and hot sauce. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to throw together, making it a total keeper in my recipe list.

Authentic Flavor: Captures all the delicious, bold flavors of classic Mexican street corn in a comforting dip form.
Easy Prep: Uses pantry staples like canned corn and cream cheese for a quick, fuss-free recipe you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
Versatile Serving: Great for dipping chips, veggies, or spreading on sandwiches – it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the jalapeño and hot sauce to suit your spice preference perfectly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe plays a key role in layering the flavors and textures that make it so addictive. Plus, you don’t have to hunt for anything exotic — most you’ll find at your local grocery store!

Flat lay of two uncracked cream cheese bricks, a small white bowl of sour cream, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of bright red hot sauce, a halved fresh lime with visible juice, a small white bowl with shredded pepper jack cheese, a small white bowl of fresh yellow corn kernels, a small white bowl of crumbled white feta cheese, one whole green jalapeno pepper, a small white bowl of chopped red onion, and a small white bowl of fresh cilantro leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cream Cheese: Acts as the rich, creamy base that holds all ingredients together smoothly.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and lightness to balance the cream cheese.
Garlic: Provides that punch of savory depth.
Hot Sauce: Brings the signature heat to mimic street corn’s spiciness.
Fresh Lime Juice: Offers brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a subtle kick.
Corn: The star ingredient – sweet, juicy kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) provide the classic corn flavor.
Feta or Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cheese gives that salty punch and crumbly texture that’s so authentic.
Jalapeño Pepper: Fresh heat that you can dial up or down by leaving seeds in or removing them.
Red Onion: Adds crunch and sharpness to keep things lively.
Fresh Cilantro: For that herbal freshness that ties everything perfectly together.

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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 playing around with this dip, adding a little more heat or swapping out cheeses depending on what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!

Variation: One time, I swapped Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten it up, and it was just as creamy and tangy — perfect if you want to keep things a bit healthier.
Make it Milder: Remove the jalapeño seeds and use a mild hot sauce to suit kiddos or less spicy palates.
Extra Crunch: Toss in some finely chopped bell peppers or roasted corn kernels for more smoky flavor and texture.
Veggie Version: Pair with crispy veggie sticks instead of chips for a fresh dip experience.

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

A clear glass bowl filled with a creamy mixture that has a thick white base with visible kernels of yellow corn and small pieces of green herbs mixed throughout. The texture looks rich and slightly lumpy, and a white and gold spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered in the mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface, creating a fresh and clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

First, get your cream cheese to room temperature — this makes mixing a breeze. Drain and rinse your canned corn well to avoid excess liquid, and finely chop your jalapeño (seeds in or out depending on your spice love). I also like chopping fresh cilantro and red onion while the oven preheats to 350°F.

Step 2: Blend the Creamy Base

Pop your cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, hot sauce, lime juice, and half the shredded cheese into a high-powered blender or stand mixer. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This base packs all that vibrant flavor and gets the dip super creamy.

Step 3: Combine & Fold in Corn and Extras

Transfer your creamy mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the rest of the shredded cheese, corn, crumbled feta, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro. Mixing by hand here ensures you keep the corn kernels whole and avoid over-blending the texture.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Gorgeous

Pour your filled dip mixture into a spray-coated 9x13-inch baking dish. If you love a cheesy crust, sprinkle some extra cheese on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots — that crispy cheese edge is the best! When it comes out of the oven, garnish with cilantro, feta, and a drizzle of hot sauce for that final zing.

Top Tip

Through making this dip over and over, I’ve learned a few small tricks that really elevate it and help prevent common hiccups.

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It blends so much easier this way – you’ll save time and avoid lumps in your dip.
DRAIN THOROUGHLY: Excess water from canned or frozen corn can make the dip watery — rinse and drain well before mixing.
Don’t Overmix Corn: Mixing by hand when combining corn preserves texture and prevents the kernels from turning mushy.
Customize Heat Gradually: Add jalapeño seeds a bit at a time to control spiciness without surprises.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Mexican street corn dip - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with extra crumbled feta, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a few dashes of hot sauce right before serving — it amps up the flavor and looks so inviting. Sometimes I add a wedge of lime on the side for guests who want that extra citrus punch.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips, pita chips, or even fresh veggie sticks like carrot and cucumber. It’s also great alongside grilled meats, making it a fantastic appetizer or side at cookouts and taco nights.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve this dip in mini cast iron skillets or bread bowls for that warm, rustic vibe. Creating a colorful platter with chips, fresh veggies, and lime wedges around the dip bowl makes a feast for the eyes and the stomach.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, just cover and pop leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found it stays tasty and creamy for up to 4 days without drying out.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dip because the texture changes a bit, but if you want to, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I heat them gently in a microwave or oven at 325°F until warm, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly. Adding a splash of sour cream or a few drops of lime freshens it up beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen or fresh corn instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh or defrosted frozen corn work wonderfully. Just roast or sauté fresh corn kernels first to bring out their sweetness before mixing.

Can I make this dip vegan or dairy-free?

You can! Substitute cream cheese and sour cream with vegan alternatives, and use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor. Just note the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How spicy is this dip?

The dip has a nice medium kick thanks to the jalapeño and hot sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat by removing the jalapeño seeds or using less hot sauce if you want a milder version.

What should I serve with Mexican Street Corn Dip?

Tortilla chips, pita chips, fresh veggie sticks, or even warm toasted bread are perfect for dipping. It also complements grilled meats and is great for casual gatherings or parties.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to again and again because it’s just so darn satisfying and flexible. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, it always delivers that familiar, comforting taste of elote in a way that’s easy to love. Trust me, once you try it, this dip will be your go-to for all the snack cravings life throws your way — so grab your ingredients, and let’s get to dipping!