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Flavorful Elote Dip Recipe Easy Roasted Corn Cotija Tajin Swirl

flavorful elote dip - featured image

A creamy, smoky, and tangy Mexican street corn-inspired dip featuring roasted corn, cotija cheese, and a tajín swirl. Perfect for parties and quick snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn, husked and kernels cut off the cob (or 3 cups frozen corn, thawed and drained)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (can substitute with Greek yogurt)
  • 3/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 teaspoons tajín seasoning, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the corn with melted butter to help caramelize the kernels.
  2. Place the corn directly on the grill and cook, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the kernels are charred in spots and smell sweet—about 8-10 minutes total. If using a broiler, arrange the corn on a baking sheet and broil, turning occasionally.
  3. Let the corn cool slightly, then stand each ear upright on a cutting board and carefully slice the kernels off the cob with a sharp knife. You should have about 3 cups of roasted kernels.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lime juice, and 2 teaspoons of tajín. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  5. Fold in the roasted corn kernels and crumbled cotija cheese gently, preserving some texture. Add chopped cilantro if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final gentle stir.
  6. Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, sprinkle extra tajín over the top for a colorful swirl and a little extra kick.

Notes

Taste the dip before chilling and adjust seasoning as needed. If too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or lime juice to loosen. Roasting the corn properly with charred spots is key for smoky flavor. Fold gently to keep kernel texture intact. Chilling for at least 30 minutes helps flavors meld. Can substitute cotija with feta or queso fresco. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo, coconut yogurt, and plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote dip, roasted corn dip, cotija cheese dip, tajín dip, Mexican street corn, party dip, easy dip recipe