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Creamy Street Corn Elote Dip Recipe Easy Homemade Cotija Cheese Dip

creamy street corn elote dip - featured image

A quick and easy creamy street corn elote dip with Cotija cheese, perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or snack attacks. This dip combines roasted corn, mayo, lime juice, and chili powder for a smoky, tangy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels (thawed and patted dry if frozen)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 small jalapeño, finely diced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the corn: If using frozen corn, thaw completely and pat dry. If fresh, husk and cut kernels off the cob.
  2. Roast the corn: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels in a single layer without oil. Let sit undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to char, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Mix the base: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  4. Combine ingredients: Add roasted corn, crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño if using. Gently fold until evenly mixed.
  5. Taste and adjust: Add more lime juice or chili powder if desired. Be cautious with salt due to Cotija’s saltiness.
  6. Chill (optional): Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors, or serve immediately.
  7. Serve: Scoop into a serving bowl and garnish with extra Cotija cheese and cilantro leaves.

Notes

Roasting the corn is key for smoky flavor. Use fresh lime juice for brightness. Be gentle folding in Cotija cheese to keep texture crumbly. The dip tastes better after chilling but is delicious immediately. Can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn dip, elote dip, Cotija cheese dip, creamy corn dip, Mexican appetizer, game day dip, easy dip recipe