Print

Creamy Elote Dip Recipe with Cotija and Spicy Jalapeño

creamy elote dip - featured image

A quick and easy creamy elote dip that captures the smoky, tangy, and spicy magic of street corn with fresh jalapeño and crumbled Cotija cheese. Perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 large ears)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 medium jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for milder heat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Remove kernels from about 4 large fresh ears of corn.
  2. Heat a dry skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the corn kernels and roast, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
  5. Stir in minced garlic, fresh lime juice, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
  6. Fold in crumbled Cotija cheese and finely diced jalapeño. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Add the slightly cooled roasted corn kernels and chopped cilantro (if using). Gently fold to combine.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use gloves or wash hands thoroughly after chopping jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. Let cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. Roast corn kernels in a single layer for even charring. Chill dip for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and texture. For dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and mayo with vegan alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of Cotija cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy elote dip, cotija cheese dip, spicy jalapeño dip, party dip, Mexican dip, corn dip, easy dip recipe