This cheesy Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip brings all the flavors of street corn right to your table! Creamy, cheesy, and full of sweet corn, it’s a perfect party food.
Every scoop is a delightful burst of flavor, and I can’t resist pairing it with crunchy tortilla chips. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast—like, really fast! 🌽✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn is great, but frozen corn works perfectly too! It’s usually sweeter and easier to handle. If you find canned corn, just rinse and drain it well to avoid excess liquid.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, feta or queso fresco can be good substitutes, though they are slightly different in taste. I often use feta for a creamier dip!
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: These create the base creaminess. Greek yogurt is a healthy swap for either if you’re looking to lighten it up.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro ties the flavors together. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a good substitute for a similar look and freshness.
How Do I Get the Corn to Perfectly Char?
Charring the corn is key to bringing out its sweetness and adding depth. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your pan on medium-high before adding the butter. It should be hot enough to sear the corn.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If it’s too full, the corn will steam instead of char. Cook in batches if needed.
- Leave the corn undisturbed for a minute or two to allow a nice char to develop before stirring.
These simple tips will help you get that delightful smoky flavor and perfect texture! Enjoy making this dip at home! 🌽
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (if using frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lime (zested and juiced, plus wedges for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Just a few minutes to sauté the corn and mix everything together, and then it’s ready to serve! It’s perfect for parties or as a cozy snack at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Corn:
Start by heating a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Then, add your corn kernels. Sauté them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to char and brown slightly. This will give your dip that delicious, smoky flavor!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime zest, and lime juice. Give everything a good mix until well combined.
4. Season and Heat:
Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and blended nicely.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle some extra cotija cheese, a dash of chili powder, and chopped cilantro on top for garnish. Add lime wedges in the center of the skillet for a fresh touch.
6. Enjoy:
Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips for dipping. Get ready for your guests (or yourself!) to love this creamy, tangy, and flavorful treat straight from the skillet!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Yes, you can use canned corn! Just make sure to drain and rinse it thoroughly to remove excess sodium and liquid. Canned corn might not char as nicely, but it will still taste delicious in the dip!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point of mixing the ingredients, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
What Can I Use Instead of Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute feta or queso fresco for similar texture, though they may vary slightly in flavor. Just crumble it as you would cotija before mixing it into the dip!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
