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Creamy Street Corn Elote Dip Recipe with Cotija and Tajin

creamy street corn elote dip - featured image

A quick and easy creamy street corn elote dip with cotija cheese and tajin seasoning, perfect for parties and casual gatherings. This dip combines smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 600g), thawed
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120ml)
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (about 75g)
  • Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons/30ml)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons tajin seasoning, to taste
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. If using fresh corn, shuck and remove the kernels. Heat a dry skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the corn for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry before cooking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh lime juice, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  4. Fold in the charred corn kernels and crumbled cotija cheese gently, preserving the corn’s texture and distributing cheese evenly.
  5. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of tajin, then taste and adjust seasoning, adding up to another teaspoon if desired. Stir in chopped cilantro for fresh herbal notes.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. The dip can be served immediately but tastes best chilled.
  7. Before serving, give the dip a quick stir and sprinkle extra cotija and tajin on top for presentation and extra flavor.

Notes

For a lighter dip, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan mayo to make it vegan-friendly. Add diced jalapeño or cayenne pepper for extra heat. Roasting fresh corn adds a smoky flavor. If dip is too thick after chilling, stir in a teaspoon or two of milk or cream to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn dip, elote dip, cotija cheese, tajin, creamy dip, party appetizer, Mexican dip, corn dip