Creamy Elote Dip Recipe

Velvety Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe That Wows Guests

Corn lovers rejoice as this creamy elote dip bursts with authentic Mexican street food flavors.

Vibrant kernels dance through a rich, tangy sauce that captures the essence of summer.

Smoky chili powder and fresh lime juice mingle effortlessly in this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of creamy and zesty notes that will transport you straight to a bustling street market.

The combination of mayo, sour cream, and cotija cheese creates an irresistibly smooth texture that makes this dip impossible to resist.

Crisp tortilla chips provide the ideal vehicle for scooping up every last delicious bit of this mouthwatering creation.

Prepare to become the ultimate party hero with this simple yet spectacular elote dip that will have everyone coming back for more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Calories: 510 kcal

Servings: 8

Elote Dip Recipe Ingredient Essentials

For Base Ingredients:
  • Corn: Sweet summer staple with delightful charred flavor when pan-roasted.
  • Butter: Creates rich golden caramelization and prevents corn from sticking.
For Creamy Blend:
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Delivers luxurious tangy base with silky smooth texture.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth without overwhelming raw garlic intensity.
  • Chili Powder: Introduces warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements corn's sweetness.
  • Smoked Paprika: Provides smoky complexity reminiscent of grilled street corn.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning enhancers that balance overall flavor profile.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Cotija Cheese: Traditional Mexican cheese offering salty, crumbly texture.
  • Lime Juice: Bright acidic element that cuts through richness and awakens taste buds.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb bringing vibrant green color and zesty herbaceous notes.
  • Jalapeno: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers seeking extra excitement.
  • Tortilla Chips: Perfect crispy vehicle for scooping this irresistible dip.

Tools to Make a Creamy, Cheesy Elote Dip

  • Large Skillet: Perfect for charring corn to get those delicious smoky flavors.
  • Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining creamy dip ingredients smoothly.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring corn and mixing dip components.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for chopping cilantro and preparing garnishes.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for precise herb and jalapeno chopping.
  • Serving Dish: Ideal for presenting the dip attractively.

How to Mix and Serve Elote Dip Easily

  • Fire Up the Skillet

Melt butter in a large pan over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface ready for corn magic.

  • Char the Corn

Toss corn kernels into the hot skillet, stirring every minute until golden edges and smoky spots appear, about 5-7 minutes.

  • Create the Creamy Base

Whisk together mayo, sour cream, and a blend of spicy seasonings in a mixing bowl, creating a tangy foundation.

  • Combine and Mix

Fold the charred corn into the creamy mixture, adding crumbled Cotija cheese, zesty lime juice, and fresh cilantro for a flavor explosion.

  • Garnish and Present

Transfer the dip to a serving dish, sprinkle extra Cotija cheese, scatter fresh cilantro, and add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

  • Serve and Devour

Grab your favorite chips, crackers, or veggie sticks and dive into this irresistible Mexican-inspired dip – perfect for parties or solo snacking.

Flavor Options for Classic or Spicy Elote Dip

  • Achieve perfect caramelization by using a cast-iron skillet and avoiding overcrowding corn kernels, allowing natural sugars to develop rich, smoky flavor.
  • Replace canned corn with fresh corn on the cob during summer months for enhanced sweetness and authentic Mexican street corn taste.
  • Create a low-fat version by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reducing mayonnaise quantity, maintaining creamy texture while cutting calories.
  • Adjust heat by removing jalapeno seeds for mild version or adding extra chili powder and diced fresh peppers for intense spiciness that suits different taste preferences.
  • Prepare dip one day in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld together and intensify, making party prep easier and taste more complex.

Serve Elote Dip With Chips or Veggie Sticks

  • Mexican Street Corn Party Platter: Create a stunning spread with an array of dippable delights like crispy tortilla chips, colorful bell pepper strips, and crunchy cucumber rounds.
  • Appetizer Fiesta Station: Set up a DIY station where guests can scoop the elote dip onto various carriers like toasted baguette slices, corn chips, and fresh vegetable sticks.
  • Spicy Taco Night Companion: Pair this zesty dip alongside grilled meats, tacos, or as a vibrant side dish during casual weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends and family.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve chilled or warm during sports events, movie nights, or backyard barbecues, guaranteeing a delicious and crowd-pleasing snack that everyone will love.

Refrigeration Advice for Elote Dip Leftovers

  • Whip up this vibrant dip up to 3 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious snack.
  • Let the corn cool completely before mixing into the dip to prevent moisture and maintain the perfect creamy texture. This step helps prevent separation and keeps the consistency smooth.
  • Choose glass or ceramic containers with tight-fitting lids to lock in freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Glass containers also make reheating and serving easier.
  • Enjoy this dip chilled for a refreshing appetizer or warm it gently in the microwave for 30 seconds to revive its original creamy consistency. Stir well before serving to redistribute the ingredients evenly.
Print
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Creamy Elote Dip Recipe

Creamy Elote Dip Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 12 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy Mexican street corn dip, Elote, brings zesty flavors straight from street vendors to your table. Spicy, tangy, and irresistibly cheesy, this dip will make you the star of any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (720 ml) corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter (or olive oil)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 small jalapeno, minced (optional, for spice)

Instructions

  1. Corn Charring: Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, then introduce corn kernels and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring intermittently until edges develop a rich, caramelized appearance.
  2. Flavor Fusion: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, creating a creamy base. Fold in the charred corn, crumbled Cotija cheese, freshly squeezed lime juice, and chopped cilantro until thoroughly combined.
  3. Presentation & Serving: Transfer the vibrant mixture to a serving vessel, garnishing generously with additional Cotija cheese, scattered cilantro, and optional sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Accompany with crisp tortilla chips, artisan crackers, or an array of fresh vegetable crudités, serving either warm or thoroughly chilled.

Notes

  • Achieve a perfect char by using a cast-iron skillet and avoiding overcrowding. Let corn sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes between stirs to develop deep, smoky flavor.
  • Crumble Cotija cheese freshly for best taste and authentic texture. If unavailable, substitute with feta or queso fresco for similar salty profile.
  • Adjust chili powder and add diced jalapeños gradually to customize heat intensity. Remove seeds for milder version or add more for extra kick.
  • Prepare dip a day in advance to allow flavors to meld. Store covered in refrigerator and stir before serving to revive consistency and brightness.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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