Description
This Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip is a flavorful and creamy appetizer inspired by classic Mexican street corn. Made with smoky sautéed corn kernels, creamy Mexican crema, tangy Cotija cheese, and a blend of spices, this dip is perfect for serving with tortilla chips or fresh veggies. It comes together quickly and offers a delicious smoky, spicy, and tangy taste that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Serving
- Tortilla chips or sliced veggies, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Corn: If using fresh corn, grill or roast the corn on the cob until lightly charred to impart a smoky flavor, then cut the kernels off. For frozen corn, thaw completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- Cook Corn: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the corn kernels, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn is slightly browned and smoky in appearance and flavor.
- Mix Cream Base: In a large bowl, combine the Mexican crema (or sour cream), mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, minced garlic, and finely chopped jalapeño. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked corn to the cream mixture along with crumbled Cotija cheese, shredded mozzarella (or Monterey Jack), chopped fresh cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together evenly to create a cohesive dip.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and some additional cilantro for visual appeal and extra flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve the dip warm or at room temperature with tortilla chips, sliced bell peppers, or cucumber rounds for dipping.
Notes
- Fresh corn is highly recommended for the best smoky flavor, but frozen corn works well as a convenient option.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spiciness according to preference.
- If Mexican crema is unavailable, sour cream is an excellent substitute.
- For a vegetarian-friendly version, ensure the mayonnaise and cheeses are vegetarian certified.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
