This fun and creamy Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip brings all the delicious flavors of street corn right to your table! It’s packed with sweet corn, cheese, and a hint of lime.
Serve this dip warm with crispy tortilla chips, and you’ll be the star of any gathering. I can’t help but grab a second helping—it’s just that good and totally worth it! 🌽✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn gives you that sweet, crunchy bite, but frozen corn works just as well. If corn is out of season or hard to find, you can even use canned corn—just drain it well!
Cotija Cheese: Cotija adds a salty, crumbly texture. If you can’t find it, you can substitute feta cheese or even goat cheese. They won’t be exactly the same, but they’ll still taste great!
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: For a twist, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy flavor with less fat. If mayo isn’t your thing, go for extra crema or yogurt.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh parsley or just leave it out altogether. You’ll still have a delicious dip without it!
How Do I Get the Corn Perfectly Charred?
Charring the corn is key to bringing out sweetness and adding depth to the dip. Take your time with this step—it really enhances the flavors.
- Heat your skillet on medium-high before adding the corn to ensure it sizzles right away.
- Stir the corn occasionally, allowing it to cook for about 5-7 minutes until it gets some nice brown spots.
- Don’t rush this! A little char goes a long way in flavor and texture.
How Can I Make This Dip More Spicy?
If you like a bit of heat, add more cayenne pepper or consider including diced jalapeños to the mix. You could also top it with a drizzle of hot sauce before serving for an extra kick!
Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dip:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
- Lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for last-minute get-togethers or movie nights. Plus, it’s another 5-10 minutes for serving prep if you’d like to garnish it nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by placing a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and adding the butter. Let the butter melt completely so it coats the bottom of the skillet—it’ll help the corn char nicely!
2. Cook the Corn:
Now, toss in the corn kernels. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to see some lovely brown spots form on the corn. That’s where the yummy flavor comes from!
3. Mix in the Creamy Ingredients:
Once the corn is slightly charred, lower the heat to medium. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream (or crema), cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Squeeze in that fresh lime juice as well!
4. Combine Everything:
Give everything a good stir to combine! Spread the mixture evenly across the skillet. Let it cook for another 3-5 minutes, warming through and letting the flavors meld together perfectly.
5. Taste and Season:
Take a quick taste! Adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and maybe a little extra lime juice if you want more zing. It’s all about what pleases your palate!
6. Garnish Your Dip:
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle additional cotija cheese on top. Add a dash of chili powder, chopped cilantro, and arrange lime wedges in the center for a pretty presentation.
7. Time to Serve!
Serve this warm and cheesy dip with crispy tortilla chips. Dive in and enjoy every bit of this fabulous Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Absolutely! Canned corn works well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before adding it to the skillet. This helps remove any excess salt and ensures a better flavor!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of lime juice to revive the flavors.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip ahead of time! Just follow the instructions until the final step, then cool and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it and garnish, and it’ll be as good as fresh!
What Can I Use Instead of Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija, feta or goat cheese are good substitutes that provide a similar tangy saltiness. Adjust the amount to your taste, as these cheeses can have strong flavors!