Smoked Street Corn Dip Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on the Classic Elote

Smoked street corn dip, or Smoked Elote Dip, is a vibrant, creamy, and smoky take on the beloved Mexican street food known as “elote.” If you’ve ever enjoyed elote—corn on the cob coated in a spicy, tangy dressing—this dip is an elevated version that brings those same mouthwatering flavors to a convenient and shareable dish. With a rich blend of smoked corn, tangy cream cheese, and flavorful spices, this Smoked Street Corn Dip is perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or as a side dish alongside your favorite grilled cheese sandwich.

What is Smoked Street Corn Dip?

Smoked Street Corn Dip, often called Smoked Elote Corn Dip, Smoked Corn Queso Dip, or Smoker Corn Dip, brings together all the best parts of grilled corn on the cob and transforms them into a creamy, cheesy dip. The key to this dip’s distinctive flavor is the smoky char from the corn, which is roasted on a smoker or grill. Smoked Corn Queso Dip is packed with flavors from the smoky corn, creamy cream cheese, and a tangy mixture of lime, chili, and cotija cheese.

This dip makes a wonderful addition to any spread. Whether served as a topping for grilled meats or alongside tortilla chips, it’s a crowd-pleaser that blends savory, smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors in every bite. It’s so versatile and can even be made into a Street Corn Dip with Cream Cheese that’s extra indulgent.

Ingredients for Smoked Street Corn Dip

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the key ingredients for making this Smoked Corn Dip With Cream Cheese:

Fresh Corn on the Cob (4-6 ears): The main ingredient! Smoked corn adds the crucial smoky flavor that gives this dip its signature taste.
Cream Cheese (8 oz): Provides the creamy, velvety texture that binds all the ingredients together.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds richness and a subtle tanginess to the dip.
Sour Cream (½ cup): For additional creaminess and a slight tang.
Cotija Cheese (¾ cup): This crumbly cheese is essential for giving the dip an authentic street corn taste. If you can’t find cotija, feta is a good substitute.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Adds sharpness and extra cheesiness to the dip.
Fresh Lime Juice (2 tbsp): Balances the richness with acidity and brightness.
Chili Powder (1 tsp): For a bit of heat and depth of flavor.
Cayenne Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds extra spice. Feel free to adjust based on your heat preference.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): For that savory, umami note.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): To bring all the flavors together.

For garnish:

Fresh Cilantro (chopped): Adds freshness and color to the finished dip.
Extra Cotija Cheese: For sprinkling on top for an extra cheesy touch.
Lime Wedges: For a final burst of zesty lime flavor.

How to Make Smoked Street Corn Dip

Now, let’s break down how to make this Smoked Elote Dip at home:

Step 1: Smoke the Corn

To create that signature smoky flavor, we need to roast the corn on the smoker or grill. If you’re using a smoker, here’s how:

Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Remove the husks and silk from the corn cobs.
Lightly brush the corn with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from drying out during the smoking process.
Place the corn directly on the smoker or grill. Smoke the corn for about 30-40 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes to ensure an even char. The corn should be tender with a good amount of grill marks and a slight char.
Once the corn is done, remove it from the smoker or grill and let it cool slightly before cutting the kernels off.

If you’re in a rush and don’t have access to a smoker, you can roast the corn in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the corn on a baking sheet, and roast for about 20 minutes, rotating halfway through. You’ll miss the smoky flavor, but the roasted corn will still work in the dip.

Step 2: Prepare the Dip Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ Tasse de mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 tasse de cheddar râpé
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Sel et poivre au goût

Use a spatula to mix everything together until the cream cheese and sour cream are well blended and smooth. This will form the creamy base of your dip.

Step 3: Add the Smoked Corn

Once the corn is slightly cooled, carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. For the best results, cut the kernels into a separate bowl to catch any stray kernels that might fall. Add the smoked corn kernels to the dip base and fold them in gently.

Step 4: Add Cotija Cheese and Lime

Now, for the key flavors! Add ¾ cup of crumbled cotija cheese to the dip, along with 2 tbsp of fresh lime juice. Cotija is a hard, crumbly Mexican cheese that is often used to finish off elote, and it provides that perfect salty and tangy kick that makes this dip irresistible.

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, give the dip a taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more lime juice, chili powder, or cayenne pepper as needed, depending on your flavor preference.

Étape 6: Garnir et Servir

Transfer the dip to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of extra cotija cheese, a few sprigs of fresh cilantro, and some lime wedges on the side. The garnish not only adds color and vibrancy but enhances the flavor of the dip as well. For an added crunch, you can also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top.

Serving Suggestions for Smoked Street Corn Dip

This Smoked Elote Dip is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for how to serve it:

With Tortilla Chips: The classic pairing! Scoop up the creamy dip with crispy chips for a delicious appetizer or snack.
On Grilled Chicken: Spoon the dip over grilled chicken for a flavorful, smoky topping.
As a Side Dish for Grilled Cheese: If you’re enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich, this dip makes a fantastic side dish. The richness of the dip complements the crispy cheese sandwich perfectly.
With Fresh Veggies: Serve the dip with fresh-cut veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrot sticks for a healthier option.
With Tacos or Burritos: Add a dollop of this dip as a creamy topping to tacos or burritos.

Variations on Smoked Street Corn Dip

Vegan Smoked Street Corn Dip: For a plant-based version, substitute the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives. There are plenty of vegan cream cheeses and sour creams available in most grocery stores today, and vegan shredded cheeses can also be used.
Spicy Smoked Corn Queso Dip: To kick up the heat, add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dip. If you want to make it a bit more like queso, you can melt the cheese into the dip for a smooth, cheesy texture.
Street Corn Dip with Bacon: For a savory twist, cook up some crispy bacon and crumble it over the top of the dip. The smoky bacon flavor will complement the corn perfectly.
Smoked Corn Dip With Cream Cheese and Avocado: For extra creaminess and a refreshing twist, add mashed avocado to the dip. This adds a subtle creaminess and pairs wonderfully with the smoky corn.

Why You’ll Love Smoked Street Corn Dip

Smoky Flavor: The key to this dip is the smokiness from the grilled corn, which adds a depth of flavor that you can’t get from regular corn.
Creamy and Cheesy: With a blend of cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, and shredded cheese, the dip is rich and indulgent.
Polyvalent: Whether you serve it with chips, as a topping for grilled meats, or as a side dish for grilled cheese sandwiches, this dip goes with nearly anything!
Foule-Pleaser: It’s the perfect dip for parties, BBQs, or family gatherings, and it’s sure to disappear quickly!

Conclusion

Smoked Street Corn Dip is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, flavorful dishes. With its smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors, this dip is perfect for any occasion, from backyard BBQs to cozy evenings with family. The blend of smoked corn, cream cheese, and spices creates a decadent treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Try making this Smoked Corn Queso Dip at your next gathering, and watch as it becomes an instant favorite!

Whether you’re looking for Smoked Corn Recipes, Smoked Elote Dip, or just a fun and unique dip to spice up your meal, this Smoked Street Corn Dip with Cream Cheese will satisfy all your cravings and then some.