Inspired by the flavors of authentic Mexican street corn (elote), this baked dip takes everything you love about the classic treat and transforms it into a rich, bubbly appetizer. With sweet kernels of corn, tangy lime, creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, plus two layers of cheese, each bite is indulgent yet balanced with smoky spices.
Perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers, this dish is designed to be shared though you might just want to keep it all to yourself. Serve it straight from the oven with tortilla chips or crusty bread, and watch it disappear in minutes. The combination of textures soft corn, creamy base, and gooey cheese makes this a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1 cup sour cream
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2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
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1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (plus extra for garnish)
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2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded Mexican cheese, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
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Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
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Remove from the oven and garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and an extra sprinkle of chili powder for presentation.
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Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: ~280 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Mexican Baked Cheesy Street Corn Dip: A Crowd-Pleasing Twist on a Classic Favorite
When you think of irresistible appetizers, few things can compete with the allure of something warm, cheesy, and deeply flavorful fresh from the oven. The Mexican Baked Cheesy Street Corn Dip fits this description perfectly a luscious combination of creamy texture, savory cheese, sweet corn, and a gentle kick of spice that transforms a beloved street snack into a shareable centerpiece.
This dish draws inspiration from elote, the classic Mexican street food that has captured hearts and taste buds far beyond its country of origin. Traditionally, elote consists of grilled corn slathered in mayonnaise or crema, sprinkled generously with chili powder, cotija cheese, and fresh lime juice. It’s a balance of smoky, tangy, spicy, and sweet a flavor profile that feels both indulgent and refreshing. In this baked dip version, those same vibrant notes are reimagined into a rich, bubbly, and easily scoopable format.
Why This Recipe Works
There are plenty of cheese-based dips out there, but this one stands apart for a few key reasons:
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Flavor Layers – The sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with tangy lime juice and creamy mayonnaise/sour cream. A smoky undertone from chili powder and paprika adds depth, while cotija cheese lends a salty, crumbly bite.
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Texture Perfection – Instead of a one-note gooey cheese dip, this recipe delivers multiple textures: the pop of corn kernels, the smooth cream base, and the crisp topping from oven baking.
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Approachable Yet Elevated – It’s easy enough for weeknight snacking but flavorful enough for holiday tables or dinner parties. Guests always feel like they’re eating something “special,” even if you’ve thrown it together in under 30 minutes.
The Cultural Influence
Mexican cuisine is built on layers of flavor and texture, often combining sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy in a single dish. Elote, in particular, is a reflection of that harmony. Found at markets, street corners, and festivals across Mexico, it’s not just food it’s part of the atmosphere, a sensory experience that includes the smell of roasting corn, the sizzle of the grill, and the vibrant colors of garnishes.
By turning elote into a baked dip, you’re adapting the flavors for more casual, shareable settings think Super Bowl parties, backyard barbecues, or potluck dinners. It’s a modern, North American twist that keeps the spirit of the original intact while making it more practical for gatherings.
When to Serve It
One of the best qualities of Mexican Baked Cheesy Street Corn Dip is its versatility in different contexts:
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Game Day Appetizer – Serve it alongside nachos, chicken wings, and sliders for a complete snack spread.
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Summer BBQ Side Dish – Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, and fresh salads.
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Holiday Party Favorite – Its warm, cheesy nature makes it perfect for cooler weather gatherings.
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Movie Night Treat – Skip the popcorn and indulge in a bubbling dish of this dip with a pile of tortilla chips.
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Potluck Hero – Easy to transport, easy to reheat, and guaranteed to be one of the first dishes to disappear.
Serving Suggestions
While tortilla chips are the most obvious vehicle for this dip, you can get creative with your serving style:
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Crusty Bread – Sliced baguette or toasted sourdough offers a heartier option.
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Vegetable Sticks – Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips add freshness and crunch.
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Soft Pretzels – Perfect for scooping and soaking up the cheese.
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Taco Filling – Spoon the dip into soft tortillas for an instant taco twist.
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Over Baked Potatoes – A decadent topping that turns simple spuds into a meal.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own. This dish lends itself beautifully to customization:
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Extra Heat – Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra cayenne pepper.
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Protein Boost – Stir in shredded chicken, crumbled chorizo, or ground beef before baking.
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Different Cheeses – Experiment with pepper jack for more spice, or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
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Charred Corn – Use fire-roasted corn kernels to introduce a smoky grilled flavor.
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Herb Variations – Swap cilantro for parsley if serving to guests who aren’t fans of cilantro’s unique taste.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you’re planning for a party, you can prepare this dip ahead of time and bake it just before serving:
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Make Ahead – Mix all ingredients and store in the refrigerator (covered) for up to 24 hours. Simply bake when ready.
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Storage – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F until bubbly again, or reheat in the microwave in smaller portions.
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Freezing – While possible, freezing may slightly affect the creamy texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Nutritional Perspective
While this dip is certainly on the indulgent side, you can make a few tweaks to lighten it up without sacrificing too much flavor:
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Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein.
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Choose light mayonnaise or a mix of mayo and yogurt to reduce fat.
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Opt for reduced-fat cheese to lower calories while keeping the cheesy texture.
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Add more vegetables such as diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
Pairing Ideas
The flavor profile of this dip makes it easy to pair with drinks and other dishes:
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Beverages – Light Mexican lagers, margaritas, or citrus-infused sparkling water balance the richness.
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Sides – Fresh guacamole, salsa, and a crisp salad help cut through the creaminess.
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Main Courses – Works wonderfully alongside grilled chicken, carne asada, or shrimp skewers.
Why Your Guests Will Love It
There’s something inherently comforting about a baked cheese dip it’s warm, inviting, and almost impossible to resist. Add in the sweetness of corn, the tang of lime, the creaminess of the sauce, and the savory-salty contrast from cheese and spices, and you have a dish that appeals to nearly everyone.
It’s also visually appealing: the golden top, flecks of green cilantro, and bright pops of corn make it a dish that draws people in before they even take a bite.
Conclusion:
The Mexican Baked Cheesy Street Corn Dip is more than just an appetizer it’s a conversation starter, a flavor-packed centerpiece, and a bridge between traditional Mexican street food and modern comfort cooking. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, watching a big game, or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, this dish delivers on all fronts: taste, texture, and ease of preparation.
By honoring the vibrant flavors of elote while adapting it to a baked dip format, you create something that feels both familiar and exciting. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a go-to in your kitchen the one you pull out whenever you want guaranteed smiles and empty bowls.
If you’ve never made it before, give it a try. Once you see how quickly it disappears at your table, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in so many home cooks’ repertoires.