Mexican Street Corn Dip 🌽😋
This dip is packed with creamy goodness from cream cheese and sour cream, a little spice from Tajín, and a cheesy, savory kick from the pepper jack cheese. It’s perfect for serving at parties, barbecues, or as a comforting snack. Here’s how to make it in different ways, including slow cooker, oven, and smoker options.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cans southwest corn (drained, or you can use regular corn and season it with chili powder, paprika, or smoked paprika for a similar effect)
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese (shredded; you can substitute with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses if you prefer)
- 1 bunch cilantro (fresh, chopped finely)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for added creaminess)
- Tajín seasoning (a generous amount—this is what gives it the signature flavor, but you can adjust based on your spice preference)
- Optional topping: Crumbled feta or cotija cheese (these cheeses add a tangy, salty finish that complements the richness of the dip)
Methods for Making:
Slow Cooker Method:
This is an excellent hands-off method for busy days when you want to just toss everything in and forget about it while the magic happens!
- Prepare Ingredients:
- In your slow cooker, add softened cream cheese, drained corn, shredded pepper jack cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and a generous amount of Tajín seasoning. If you like your dip spicier, add extra Tajín, or even a pinch of chili powder or cayenne.
- Cook on Low:
- Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir the dip once or twice during the cooking process to ensure everything melts evenly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once everything is thoroughly melted and combined, top with crumbled feta or cotija cheese for that extra savory, salty flavor.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, corn chips, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Oven Method:
If you want that crispy, bubbly top, the oven method is great!
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized baking dish, combine the softened cream cheese, corn, shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and Tajín seasoning. Stir everything together until it’s well-mixed and creamy.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. The dip should be bubbling and golden brown around the edges.
- Top and Serve:
- Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and sprinkle with crumbled feta or cotija cheese. You can also add a little extra fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips or other dippables.
Smoker Method:
For a more authentic smoky flavor, the smoker method is unbeatable!
- Prepare the Smoker:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Make sure to use your preferred wood chips for smoking—applewood or hickory would work nicely with this recipe.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a disposable aluminum pan or a heatproof dish, combine the softened cream cheese, drained corn, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and Tajín seasoning. Stir until well combined.
- Smoke:
- Place the pan in the smoker and let it cook for 2 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the flavors combine beautifully.
- Finish and Serve:
- After 2 hours, take the dip out of the smoker and top with crumbled feta or cotija for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos or grilled meats.
Additional Tips for Customizing Your Mexican Street Corn Dip:
- Add Extra Spice:
- If you want a more fiery dip, add diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Corn Variety:
- For an extra flavor boost, you can use fire-roasted corn or even grilled corn for a smoky, charred taste. This will bring an added depth of flavor to the dip.
- Make It Vegan:
- To make this dip dairy-free or vegan, you can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese, use dairy-free sour cream, and choose a vegan cheese that melts well. Make sure to check the ingredients of your corn and seasonings as well.
- Add Bacon:
- For a more indulgent dip, sprinkle in some crispy crumbled bacon for extra crunch and a savory, meaty flavor.
- Top It with Lime or Fresh Herbs:
- After baking, add a squeeze of lime juice or a few extra sprigs of fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Tortilla Chips: Classic, crispy, and perfect for dipping.
- Corn Chips: They complement the street corn flavor and add extra crunch.
- Vegetables: For a lighter alternative, try serving the dip with sliced cucumbers, baby carrots, or bell pepper strips.
- Tacos: Use the dip as a topping for your tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for added richness.
- Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a delicious pairing.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving):
- Calories: ~250-300 (depending on the cheese and toppings)
- Fat: ~20g
- Carbs: ~15g
- Protein: ~8g
- Fiber: ~2g
This Mexican Street Corn Dip is creamy, cheesy, spicy, and the perfect crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re using your slow cooker, oven, or smoker, this recipe is guaranteed to bring lots of flavor to your table. It’s versatile enough for any method, and the results are always mouthwatering! Enjoy it at your next gathering or as a fun snack with friends and family! 🌽🧀🎉