Elote Dip: In just 15 minutes, you can have this warm, cheesy Mexican street corn dip on the table! This is the best dip – it’s quick & easy and will be your new go-to appetizer! Similar to this crack corn dip, it’s full of corn, a creamy base, and delicious flavors.

Why you’ll love this recipe
I love food with a good spice kick, but not everyone feels the same way. If you are looking for a Mexican themed dish that won’t melt sensitive tastebuds, this elote dip recipe is it! This dip is full of flavor without any spicy heat (and it’s also delicious – this is a seriously elite corn dip)!
It’s also gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be made with canned or frozen corn so it’s easy to whip up on short notice. This is one of those dips you’ll be making for every party you go to and the guests will be begging you for the recipe.
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Ingredients
Good food doesn’t have to be difficult to be delicious, and this is a prime example. This Mexican elote dip recipe is made with fairly simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores! If you can’t find cotija cheese at your grocery store, see our substitutions section for ideas on what else you can use.

- 2 – 15 ounce cans whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup cotija cheese
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
See the printable recipe card below for ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Instructions
This easy elote dip is a breeze to make. In just 5 simple steps you’ll have a delicious Mexican street corn dip that your guests will rave about!
- In a large skillet with a heavy bottom (like a cast iron skillet) set over medium heat, melt the butter and add in the corn.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, or until the corn kernels have started to char on some pieces.

- Remove from the heat and transfer the corn to a medium bowl. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.

- Mix mayonnaise, roasted corn and the rest of the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

- Scoop this into your favorite serving bowl and enjoy with warm corn chips! This warm elote dip makes a great side dish for a summer bbq and would be perfect to serve for a cinco de mayo celebration!

Substitutions
Need to make a swap? Here are my suggestions…
- Corn – if you don’t have cans of corn, you can use frozen corn or corn cut straight off the cob for this recipe!
- Cotija – this might be tough to find if you don’t have a lot of Mexican inspired ingredients at your local grocery stores. The best replacement for cotija is queso fresco, but you could also use feta cheese for this recipe – the flavor will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious!
- Mayo/Sour Cream – only have one or the other? While using both creates the best flavor, you can opt to use one or the other for the full amount (8 tablespoons) and you will still end up with a delicious, creamy dip. You could even replace the sour cream with greek yogurt if you like.
- Lime Juice – I’m a big fan of lime juice, but you could absolutely use lemon juice in this recipe instead.
- Parsley – I know cilantro is a bit of a not a fan or love it type thing, but if you are one of those people who loves it then be sure to add it! Chop up some fresh cilantro and use it in place of the parsley in this recipe for a more authentic flavor.
Variations
Looking to have some fun and get creative? I have suggestions for that, too!
- Spicy – add some chopped jalapeños and a splash of your favorite hot sauce into this dip if you’re a spice lover like me! You could also add some pepper jack cheese in addition to the cotija to add some kick in cheese form as well!
- Add Protein – if you’re looking to turn this dip into more of a main dish and add some protein, you could add some taco meat or pulled chicken!
- Add Onion – dice up some red onion and mix it into your elote recipe for some added flavor.
Storage
Store your elote dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert tips and FAQs
Elote isa Mexican dish that is made by grilling corn cobs and then slathering them with mayonnaise. Typically it is seasoned with chili powder, lime juice and then sprinkled with cotija cheese and cilantro.
When a recipe says it is “elote style”, it simply means that it has been modelled after the elote corn that is sold by street vendors at Mexican markets and festivals. This delicious recipe incorporates all the flavors of Mexican street corn, but in an easy dip form!
Did you make this? I’d be so grateful if you left a “star” rating below to let me know what you thought! Then, the next time you need a quick and easy recipe, come back to Fantabulosity to browse all of my easy recipes!
Related Recipes
If you’re looking for more easy recipes for an amazing dip, you have to check out this smoked queso recipe (smoked sausage, beer, and cheese…need I say more?) and this easy taco layer dip recipe (a huge hit at every party I go to).
Recipe

Elote Dip
Ingredients
- 2 – 15 ounce cans whole kernel corn drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup cotija cheese
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a medium sized heavy-bottomed skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter and add in the corn.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, or until the corn has started to char on some pieces.
- Remove from the heat and transfer the corn to a large mixing bowl. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Add in the rest of the ingredients and stir together well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy with warm tortilla chips!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Jennifer says
The yummiest summer recipe ever!! Soooo good!
Toni says
This is such a remarkable dip!! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Allyssa says
Thanks a lot for this fantastic recipe, it’s really delicious and super easy to make! Will surely have this again. Highly recommended!