If you love classic elote (Mexican street corn), you are going to fall in love with this Cold Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe. It’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and packed with sweet corn flavor — but served chilled for the ultimate easy appetizer.

This no-bake dip comes together in minutes and is perfect for cookouts, taco nights, potlucks, game day, or whenever you need a quick crowd-pleaser. Serve it with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or even spoon it over grilled chicken or tacos.

Let’s make it!

Why You’ll Love This Cold Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

No cooking required
Ready in under 15 minutes
Creamy, bold, and fresh flavors
Perfect make-ahead appetizer
Always a hit at parties

It’s everything you love about Mexican street corn — just scoopable.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need:

3 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned drained, or thawed frozen)
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt, to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board

How to Make Cold Mexican Street Corn Dip

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

If using canned corn, drain it very well. If using frozen corn, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture keeps the dip thick and creamy.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir until smooth and fully blended. This creates the rich, creamy foundation that makes this dip irresistible.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Mix in the minced garlic, fresh lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir well to evenly distribute all those bold, zesty flavors.

Step 4: Add the Corn and Cheese

Fold in the corn kernels and crumbled cotija cheese. Stir gently so the corn stays intact while everything gets nicely coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Mix in Fresh Ingredients

Add diced red onion and chopped cilantro. Stir until evenly combined. These fresh ingredients bring brightness and texture to balance the richness of the dip.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and gives you that classic cold, refreshing texture.

What Is Mexican Street Corn?

Mexican street corn, also called elote, is grilled corn on the cob coated in mayo, chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime juice. This dip transforms those same bold flavors into a scoopable, chilled version that’s perfect for sharing.

Tips for the Best Corn Dip

Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
Pat the corn dry to prevent watery dip.
Adjust the heat by adding more cayenne or diced jalapeño.
For extra smoky flavor, use grilled corn.

Serving Suggestions

This Cold Mexican Street Corn Dip pairs perfectly with:

Tortilla chips
Fritos scoops
Fresh veggie sticks
Grilled chicken
Tacos or burrito bowls
As a topping for nachos

It’s incredibly versatile and always disappears fast.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead:
You can prepare this dip up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Do Not Freeze:
Because of the mayonnaise and sour cream, freezing will change the texture and make it watery once thawed.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:

Add diced jalapeños for extra spice
Mix in diced avocado just before serving
Substitute feta if cotija isn’t available
Add crumbled bacon for a smoky twist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned corn?

Yes! Just make sure to drain it thoroughly and pat dry for best results.

Is this dip spicy?

It has mild warmth. You can easily control the spice level by adjusting or omitting the cayenne.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try dairy-free sour cream and cheese substitutes, but flavor and texture may vary.

Final Thoughts

This Cold Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe is creamy, fresh, slightly spicy, and unbelievably easy to make. It’s the perfect chilled appetizer for warm weather, backyard parties, or anytime you want bold Mexican-inspired flavor in minutes.

Once you make it, don’t be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!