This Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip brings all the flavors of street corn right to your table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with sweet corn, spices, and a hint of lime!
Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in, you’ll find it hard to stop dipping! I love serving it with crunchy tortilla chips for that extra fun touch—who can resist? 🌽✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn is the best for that sweet, crunchy texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen corn works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first. Canned corn is another option, but it might be softer.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese gives a great flavor. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is a good alternative, though it’s a bit saltier. For a milder option, consider using ricotta, but be aware it won’t have the same sharp taste.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: A combination of these gives creaminess. If you’re looking for lighter options, Greek yogurt works well. You can use all mayo or all yogurt if you prefer, just keep the amounts the same.
Chili Powder: This spices things up! Feel free to add more or less based on your heat preference. If chili powder isn’t available, taco seasoning can work in a pinch.
How Do You Get the Perfect Charring on Corn?
Charring the corn is key for that smoky, street food flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium-high heat; this helps to brown the corn without burning it.
- Keep stirring occasionally, which helps evenly cook the kernels and promotes charring.
- Cooking time matters—aim for 6-8 minutes, just until some grains are golden brown.
If you want extra char, you can also cook the corn on an outdoor grill before adding it to the skillet! Just make sure to watch it closely.
Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Tortilla chips or sliced vegetables for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dip will take you about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes sautéing the corn, mixing the creamy goodness, and finally, garnishing before serving. It’s a quick and easy treat that’s perfect for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Corn:
Start by heating a large cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the corn kernels to the skillet. Sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and get a little charred, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This step adds that wonderful smoky flavor!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 more minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Make the Creamy Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, half of the crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), cumin, fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine it All:
Pour the creamy mixture over the cooked corn in the skillet. Stir well to combine, making sure the corn is evenly coated. Spread the mixture out evenly in the skillet.
5. Top it Off:
Sprinkle the remaining cotija cheese on top of your dip for that cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can place the skillet under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes to slightly brown the top. If you prefer, just keep it on low heat to warm through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once ready, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime slices. Serve it warm with tortilla chips or fresh sliced vegetables for a delightful dipping experience.
Enjoy the creamy, spicy, tangy flavors of this fun Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Absolutely! If you go for canned corn, just make sure to drain and rinse it thoroughly to remove excess salt and preservatives. Since canned corn is softer, you might skip the sautéing step or cook it for less time to avoid mushiness.
How Can I Make This Dip Vegetarian-Friendly?
This dip is already vegetarian, but for a vegan version, swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for plant-based alternatives like vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. Make sure to use a dairy-free cheese if you want to keep the cheesy flavor!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the corn mixture and the creamy sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake shortly before serving for the best flavor and texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.