This Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip is a creamy and cheesy delight! With sweet corn, tangy lime, and spicy seasonings, every bite is bursting with flavor.
I love serving this dip with crispy tortilla chips. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering—perfect for summer BBQs or cozy nights in. Bring on the fun! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob gives the best flavor when grilled or charred. If that’s not available, frozen corn can work just fine—just make sure to thaw it first!
Cheese: Cotija is traditional for this dip due to its tangy and crumbly texture. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is a great substitute. For a milder flavor, you could use cream cheese mixed with a bit of salt.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These ingredients add creaminess. You can swap them for Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or use vegan mayo if you’re looking for a plant-based substitute.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but if you’re not a fan, try using green onions or parsley instead. You can always adjust the amount to your taste!
How Do You Achieve the Perfectly Charred Corn?
Getting that perfect char on the corn really brings out its flavor! Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your skillet until it’s hot, but not smoking. Medium-high heat works best.
- Add the butter and let it melt, then toss in the corn. Make sure to stir occasionally to help it brown evenly.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes until you see nice golden bits—this is where the flavor shines.
Be patient and don’t rush this step; a good char adds an incredible depth to the dip!
Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 1 medium tomato, diced (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying this dish in around 25-30 minutes, which makes it a perfect quick and tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skillet:
Start by heating a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt, giving your dip a rich flavor right from the start. If you’re using fresh corn, getting it nice and charred will elevate the flavor even more!
2. Sauté the Corn:
Once the butter is melted, add the corn kernels to the skillet. Cook and stir occasionally for about 8-10 minutes until the corn is slightly charred and has a nice golden color. This caramelization imparts a smoky flavor that’s typically found in street corn!
3. Mix in the Creaminess:
Next, reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the mayonnaise, sour cream, 3/4 cup of the crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling spicy). Add the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Mix everything together until it’s creamy and well combined. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Final Touches:
Once everything’s heated and blended nicely, remove the skillet from the heat. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Now, sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese, a bit more chili powder, diced tomatoes, and cilantro on top for a beautiful presentation!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the dip with lime wedges in the center of the skillet, perfect for squeezing over each serving. Serve it warm right from the skillet with plenty of crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
Enjoy this creamy, tangy, and spicy Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip at your next gathering or as a delicious snack for yourself!
Can I Use Frozen Corn for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet to achieve that perfect char.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip ahead of time! Make it up to 2 days in advance, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it gently in the skillet or microwave until warmed through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Serve Instead of Tortilla Chips?
If you’re looking for alternatives to tortilla chips, try serving this dip with veggie sticks (like carrots and celery), pita chips, or even pretzel crisps for a fun variation!