This Mexican Corn Dip is a fun and tasty mix of sweet corn, creamy cheese, and zesty spices. Perfect for parties or movie nights, it’s just the right amount of cheesy goodness!
You’ll find yourself dipping tortilla chips into this delightful mix before you know it. I can never resist going back for another scoop—it’s that good! 😄
Making this dip is super easy; just combine everything and enjoy! It’s a hit every time, and you’ll love how quick it comes together for sharing with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn gives the best flavor, but frozen corn works just as well. Make sure it’s thawed and drained. You can also use canned corn, but rinse and drain it to avoid extra liquid.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese. They impart creaminess without the full calorie load!
Cotija Cheese: Cotija offers a crumbly, salty flavor. Feta is a great substitute if you can’t find cotija. You could also try goat cheese for a different twist!
Jalapeños: For spice, add 1-2 jalapeños. If heat isn’t your thing, leave them out or use a milder pepper like bell peppers instead. You could also use pickled jalapeños for a tangy flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Charred Corn?
Charred corn adds a delicious depth of flavor. To achieve this, heat your skillet until it’s hot before adding the corn. Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium-high heat and spread the corn in a single layer.
- Let it cook without stirring for a couple of minutes. This helps it create those lovely char marks.
- Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, until you see golden spots.
- Remove it from heat to cool slightly before mixing; this enhances the taste.
Taking the time to char the corn can make a huge difference in the flavor of your dip! Enjoy the delicious results!
How to Make Delicious Mexican Corn Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Mexican Corn Dip will take you about 15 minutes to prepare. After mixing everything together, you can serve it right away, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days for even better flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, start by cutting the kernels off the cob. If you opt for frozen corn, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained well. This step is important to avoid excess moisture in your dip!
2. Char the Corn:
Take a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the corn starts to get a little charred and has golden spots. This adds a nice depth of flavor! Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Make the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. You want a nice, even texture here!
4. Add the Flavors:
Now it’s time to amp up the flavor! To the cream cheese mixture, add the crumbled cotija cheese, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Incorporate the Corn and Jalapeños:
Gently fold in the roasted corn and add the finely chopped jalapeños if you want some heat. This is where the dip really comes together!
6. Add Freshness:
Finally, squeeze in the fresh lime juice and add the chopped cilantro. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. This adds a lovely freshness to the dip!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your delicious dip to a serving bowl. If you like, garnish with extra chopped cilantro and a light sprinkle of chili powder or smoked paprika for decoration.
8. Enjoy:
Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping. You can also cover it and refrigerate for up to 2 days, which allows the flavors to meld even more. Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Corn Dip!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Yes, canned corn can be used as a convenient alternative! Just make sure to drain and rinse it well to remove excess liquid before adding it to the dip.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Dip?
If you prefer a milder dip, simply omit the jalapeños or use a smaller amount. For more heat, consider adding some diced serrano peppers or mixing in a splash of hot sauce to your taste.
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the dip a day ahead of time and refrigerate it. In fact, allowing it to chill for a few hours or overnight helps the flavors blend beautifully. Just stir it well before serving!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To serve, you can enjoy it chilled or let it come to room temperature before enjoying it with chips again!
