Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Smoky Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe That Sparks Joy

Creamy and zesty, this smoked mexican street corn dip captures summer’s vibrant essence in one irresistible bite.

Kernels of sweet corn dance with smoky undertones, creating a flavor explosion that surprises and delights.

Charred edges and bold spices tell a story of street food reimagined for casual gatherings.

Rich cream cheese provides a luxurious base that hugs each golden kernel perfectly.

Our recipe brings the excitement of street markets directly to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Unexpected depth and complexity await in every scoop, promising to make you the star of any potluck or game day spread.

Dive in and savor the magic of this crowd-pleasing appetizer that transforms ordinary moments into memorable celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip

  • What is Tajin seasoning?

Tajin is a popular Mexican spice blend made with chili peppers, lime, and salt that adds a tangy, spicy kick to dishes.

  • Can I make this dip without a smoker?

Yes, you can bake the dip in a preheated oven at 225F for 2 hours to achieve a similar flavor profile.

  • What are good dippers for this corn dip?

Tortilla chips, sliced baguette, fresh vegetables like bell peppers, and crackers work great with this smoky Mexican street corn dip.

  • How spicy is this dip?

The heat level depends on the pepper Jack cheese and Tajin seasoning, but it’s generally mild to medium spicy with a zesty flavor.

Why Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip Is So Tasty

  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Infuse your dip with smoky, bold Mexican-inspired tastes that transform a simple appetizer into a gourmet experience.
  • Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Create a shareable snack perfect for game days, parties, and casual gatherings where everyone craves something deliciously unique.
  • Master Smoking Technique: Learn an easy smoking method that elevates regular dips into restaurant-quality appetizers without requiring advanced culinary skills.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adding extra spices, or experimenting with different dipping sides to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed For Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip

Main Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy base that provides smooth texture to the dip.
  • Baja-Style Corn: Adds a signature Mexican street corn flavor and corn kernels.
  • Sour Cream: Enhances the tangy and creamy consistency of the dip.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: Brings a spicy and melty cheese element to the recipe.
Herb and Seasoning:
  • Cilantro: Provides a fresh, bright herb flavor typical of Mexican cuisine.
  • Tajin Seasoning: Adds a zesty, citrusy, and slightly spicy Mexican-style seasoning.
Optional Serving Components:
  • Dippers: Recommended for serving the warm and smoky dip, such as tortilla chips or vegetables.

How To Prepare Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip

Step 1: Blend Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together velvety cream cheese, zesty Baja-style corn, and tangy sour cream until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated. Gently fold in:
  • Shredded pepper Jack cheese
  • Freshly chopped cilantro

Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for maximum flavor explosion.

Step 2: Kick Up the Flavor

Sprinkle Tajin seasoning generously across the mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a bold and vibrant taste profile that captures the essence of Mexican street food.

Step 3: Infuse With Smoky Goodness

Fire up your smoker to a steady 225F (107C). Carefully transfer the corn mixture into a sturdy, heat-resistant dish. Slide the dish into the smoker and let the magic happen. Allow the dip to absorb those incredible smoky notes for 2 hours, giving it a gentle stir midway through the smoking process to ensure even flavor distribution.

Step 4: Serve and Devour

Once the dip emerges from the smoker looking bubbly and irresistible, remove it carefully. Serve piping hot alongside an array of crunchy tortilla chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or crispy crackers for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that will transport taste buds straight to the streets of Mexico.

Pro Tips For Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip

  • Swap cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting Tajin seasoning or using mild pepper Jack cheese for less heat.
  • Experiment with wood chips like hickory or mesquite to enhance smoky depth and create unique flavor profiles.
  • Use fresh corn kernels instead of canned for a brighter, more vibrant taste and added crunch.
  • Prep dip ahead of time and refrigerate before smoking to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Different Versions Of Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip

  • Grilled Mexican Street Corn Dip: Replace smoking method with direct grilling. Place the dish on the grill and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally for even heat distribution.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Corn Dip: Add finely chopped fresh jalapeños or roasted green chiles to increase heat and complexity of flavor. Adjust seasoning to balance the extra spiciness.
  • Vegetarian Elote Dip: Swap pepper Jack cheese with plant-based cheese alternative. Use grilled corn instead of canned for more authentic street corn texture and flavor.
  • Chipotle Mexican Street Corn Dip: Mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, intense flavor profile. Reduce Tajin seasoning to balance the strong chipotle notes.

What To Serve With Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip

  • Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Blend tequila, fresh lime juice, and a splash of orange liqueur to complement the smoky, spicy flavors of the Mexican street corn dip.
  • Crispy Tortilla Chip Companions: Select thick, sturdy corn tortilla chips with a hint of salt to scoop up the creamy, cheesy dip without breaking.
  • Fresh Cilantro Garnish Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh cilantro on top just before serving to enhance the herb's bright, citrusy notes and add a pop of green color.
  • Mexican Beer Sidekick: Choose a crisp, light Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to cut through the richness of the cheese and provide a refreshing contrast.

Proper Storage For Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip

  • Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
  • Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
  • Spread dip in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.
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Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe

Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Mexican street corn digs deep into summer comfort with creamy, smoky goodness that whispers of backyard barbecues and zesty flavors. Cheese, chili, and charred corn blend into an irresistible dip you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) pepper Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 blocks cream cheese
  • 2 cans Baja-style corn

Dairy and Cream Components:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 bunch cilantro, diced
  • Tajin seasoning, to taste

Instructions

  1. Blend cream cheese, Baja-style corn, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl until smooth and homogeneous.
  2. Fold in pepper Jack cheese and fresh cilantro, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  3. Enhance flavor profile by generously sprinkling Tajin seasoning and thoroughly incorporating.
  4. Ignite smoker and calibrate temperature precisely to 225F (107C) for optimal infusion of smoky essence.
  5. Carefully transfer corn mixture into a heat-resistant vessel, positioning strategically within smoker’s chamber.
  6. Allow dip to absorb rich, woody aromatics for approximately 2 hours, gently rotating contents midway through smoking process.
  7. Monitor texture until mixture becomes luxuriously bubbly and develops deep, complex flavor notes.
  8. Extract dip from smoker using protective mitts, ensuring immediate serving while temperature remains invitingly warm.
  9. Accompany with an array of complementary dipping instruments like tortilla chips, vegetable crudités, or artisan crackers for maximum gustatory enjoyment.

Notes

  • Chill cream cheese beforehand for smoother blending and easier mixing.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like cotija or queso fresco for unique flavor profiles.
  • Adjust Tajin seasoning gradually to control spice level and prevent overwhelming heat.
  • For vegetarian option, replace cream cheese with dairy-free alternative and use plant-based cheese substitute.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Smoking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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