"I've been making this at least once a week for the past month! I can't seem to keep it in the house. I've passed the recipe along to a few friends and they have the same problem, haha." I have a favor to ask, please. Express something to keep getting my post

 

Why This Mexican Corn Dip Works

✔ Charred corn = intense flavor

Fresh or frozen kernels sautéed with butter and spices create a smoky base.

✔ Creamy, tangy, perfectly balanced

The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, lime, and mayo is luxurious without being heavy.

✔ Flavor depth from real Mexican spices

Cumin, chili powder, paprika, and optional chipotle give warmth and smokiness.

✔ Real cheese, not artificial

Cotija, queso fresco, or pepper jack melt into the dip beautifully.

✔ Completely customizable

Make it spicy, mild, vegan, gluten-free, or extra cheesy.

✔ Perfect for any event

Serve hot from the oven, chilled, or at room temperature.

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🧾 Ingredients (Serves 8–10 as a Party Appetizer)

This recipe uses authentic ingredients while keeping everything accessible for home cooks.

Corn Base

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; charred for best flavor)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jalapeño, minced (remove seeds for mild)

Creamy Dip Mixture

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sour cream

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 teaspoon lime zest

Cheese

• ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled

• 1 cup shredded pepper jack or Monterey jack

Seasoning & Flavor

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder (optional but delicious)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

• ½ red onion, finely diced

• ½ red bell pepper, finely diced

Optional Mix-ins

• ½ cup roasted poblano peppers

• 1 can diced green chiles

• bacon bits

• pickled jalapeños

• hot sauce

• green onions

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🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

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STEP 1 — Char the Corn (The Flavor Foundation)

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Add:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

When hot, add corn kernels. Spread them out so they have room to brown — overcrowding causes steaming instead of charring.

Let the corn sit for 2–3 minutes at a time before stirring. You want:

• caramelized edges

• deep golden brown spots

• smoky sweetness

Add garlic and jalapeño in the last 2 minutes so they don’t burn.

Set aside to cool slightly.

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STEP 2 — Prepare the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• cream cheese (softened is essential!)

• sour cream

• mayonnaise

• lime juice

• lime zest

Mix until smooth.

The blend should be silky, tangy, and slightly fluffy.

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STEP 3 — Add the Cheese

Fold in:

• ½ cup cotija

• 1 cup shredded pepper jack or Monterey jack

Cotija adds salty tang; pepper jack adds meltiness and spice.

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STEP 4 — Season Generously

Add:

• chili powder

• smoked paprika

• cumin

• chipotle powder

• salt

• pepper

Taste, adjust salt and lime to balance richness.

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STEP 5 — Combine Vegetables

Add:

• charred corn mixture

• red onion

• cilantro

• bell pepper

• any optional mix-ins

Stir until everything is evenly coated.

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STEP 6 — Choose Your Serving Style

This Mexican Corn Dip is stunning both ways — hot or cold.

Option A: Warm Baked Dip (Crowd Favorite)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Spread dip into a greased baking dish.

3. Top with extra shredded jack cheese.

4. Bake 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

5. Broil 2 minutes for charred cheesy top.

Option B: Chilled Dip

Refrigerate 1–2 hours before serving so flavors meld.

Option C: Stove-Top Warm Dip

Heat gently in a saucepan until cheese melts.

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STEP 7 — Garnish Like a Pro

Right before serving, add:

• extra cotija

• chopped cilantro

• lime wedges

• paprika or Tajín sprinkle

• sliced jalapeños

• roasted corn kernels on top

Presentation matters — it hints at the big flavor inside.

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🌽 Flavor & Texture Profile

Flavor

• Sweetness from roasted corn

• Creamy tang from sour cream and cream cheese

• Smoky warmth from paprika and chipotle

• Zesty splash of lime

• Fresh herbal notes from cilantro

• Salty umami from cotija

Texture

• Creamy base

• Pockets of melted cheese

• Slight crunch from charred corn

• Crisp vegetables (onion, peppers)

• Smooth yet layered

This is a dip that makes you go back for seconds (and thirds).

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🌶 Variations & Creative Twists

This recipe is endlessly customizable. Here are the best variations:

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🔥 1. Spicy Street Corn Dip

Add:

• 1 minced serrano pepper

• cayenne or hot sauce

• roasted poblano peppers

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🥓 2. Bacon Mexican Corn Dip

Add ½ cup crispy bacon bits.
The smoky-salty richness pairs beautifully with corn sweetness.

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🧀 3. Extra Cheesy Version

Double the pepper jack.
Stir in 1 cup melted queso blanco.

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🥗 4. Lighter Yogurt-Based Dip

Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Use low-fat cream cheese.

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🌱 5. Vegan Mexican Corn Dip

Use:

• vegan cream cheese

• vegan mayo

• coconut yogurt or cashew cream

• vegan cotija or nutritional yeast

• plant-based butter

Surprisingly excellent.

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🌶🌽 6. Elote-Inspired Dip

Stir in:

• Tajín seasoning

• crema instead of sour cream

• extra lime

• cotija

• roasted corn on top

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🧄 7. Roasted Garlic Mexican Corn Dip

Roast one head of garlic, squeeze into dip for deep sweetness.

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🌶🟩 8. Green Chile Corn Dip

Add canned or fresh roasted Hatch green chiles.

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🥬 9. Spinach Corn Dip

Fold in 1 cup sautéed spinach for color and nutrition.

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🫘 10. Black Bean & Corn Fiesta Dip

Add 1 cup rinsed black beans for added protein.

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🧂 Expert Tips for Perfect Results

✔ Char your corn well

This dramatically enhances flavor.

✔ Use room-temperature dairy

Cold cream cheese creates lumps.

✔ Balance fat with acid

Add lime gradually until it brightens the dish.

✔ Chill if serving cold

Flavors deepen after resting.

✔ Serve warm for maximum creaminess

The melted cheese turns each scoop into a stretch of deliciousness.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

Lasts 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Freezing

You can freeze it if made without fresh vegetables and without cotija.
Cream cheese dips freeze decently but may need vigorous stirring after thawing.

Reheating

Warm in:

• microwave

• stovetop on low

• oven at 350°F

Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

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🍽 Serving Ideas

Mexican Corn Dip is wildly versatile. Serve it with:

Dippers

• tortilla chips

• pita chips

• Fritos

• warm flour tortillas

• toasted baguette slices

• cucumber or bell pepper slices

As a Topping

• baked potatoes

• burgers

• grilled chicken

• nachos

• tacos

As Part of a Meal

• served over rice bowls

• stuffed inside quesadillas

• added to burritos

• mixed into mac and cheese

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🎉 Where to Serve Mexican Corn Dip

• potlucks

• Super Bowl parties

• Cinco de Mayo gatherings

• family cookouts

• holiday appetizers

• birthday parties

• camping trips

• movie nights

Anywhere there are people and snacks — this dip thrives.

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🎨 Presentation Tips

• Serve in a rustic cast-iron skillet for a street-food feel.

• Garnish heavily for color contrast.

• Put lime wedges on the side for fresh squeezing.

• Add a drizzle of Mexican crema.

• Serve with a ring of tortilla chips arranged around the bowl.

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📜 Condensed Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Corn, butter, garlic, jalapeño, cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, lime, cotija, jack cheese, cilantro, onion, bell pepper, spices.

Instructions:

1. Char corn in butter and oil.

2. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, lime.

3. Add cheeses and spices.

4. Fold in vegetables and corn.

5. Serve warm or chilled.

6. Garnish with cotija, cilantro, lime.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Mexican Corn Dip is a celebration of contrast and flavor: sweet roasted corn, creamy cheese, smoky spices, fresh herbs, and bright lime come together to create a dip that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s a dish that tells a story — of street food, of gatherings, of summer, of shared meals and laughter.

Yet what makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Make it mild for kids, spicy for adults, dairy-free for vegans, or extra cheesy if you’re indulging. Serve it with chips, in tacos, over grilled meats — or eat it straight from the bowl.

Once you make it, it will become a regular in your culinary rotation.
It’s:

• vibrant

• creamy

• addictive

• crowd-pleasing

• and unbelievably easy

A true party star in every sense.

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If you’d like, I can also create:
✅ A slow cooker corn dip version
✅ A healthy low-cal version
✅ A baked skillet corn dip with cheese crust