Mexican Corn Dip Recipe

I absolutely adore this Mexican Corn Dip Recipe because it perfectly blends creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors into something irresistibly delicious. Every time I make it, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together so easily. It combines wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and corn with bold spices to create a dip that feels both fresh and comforting. Sharing this with friends or family, I always get asked for the recipe — and I’m excited to share it with you too!

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Corn Dip Recipe

What I love most about this Mexican Corn Dip Recipe is its vibrant, layered flavor profile. The smokiness of cumin and chili powder balances perfectly with the tang of Greek yogurt and the richness of mayonnaise. Then, the sweetness of the Mexican-style corn plays off the mild heat of jalapeño, creating a dip that’s far from boring. It’s like a fiesta in every bite!

Besides the flavors, the ease of preparation makes this dip a go-to for me. There’s no cooking involved—just mix, chill, and serve. Whether I’m throwing a last-minute get-together or just craving a tasty snack, this recipe comes together in minutes but tastes like I’ve been simmering it all day. It stands out as such a fresh, colorful appetizer that suits any occasion, from casual movie nights to festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl in the center holds a smooth, creamy white sauce with light brown specks mixed throughout, with a silver spoon resting inside. Around the bowl, there are three white bowls: one with bright yellow corn kernels on the upper left, another with orange shredded cheese on the lower right, and green vegetables including a whole jalapeño and green onions on a white marbled surface. The overall setting is clean with soft natural light casting gentle shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Mexican Corn Dip Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering its signature taste, texture, and lively color. From creamy bases to spicy kickers, here’s everything you’ll want to have on hand:

1 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy creaminess and boosts protein without overpowering the dip.
3/4 cup olive-oil mayonnaise: Brings richness and smooth texture that balances the spices and yogurt.
2 teaspoons chili powder: Infuses the dip with warm, smoky notes for that authentic southwestern flavor.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Packs in subtle savory depth without needing fresh garlic hassle.
2 teaspoons cumin: Essential earthy spice that adds complexity and enhances the corn’s sweetness.
3 cans Mexican-style corn (11-ounce cans), drained: The star ingredient providing sweet, juicy bursts and vibrant yellow color.
16 ounces shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the mixture adding gooey, sharp flavor.
4 large green onions, sliced: Adds freshness and a little bite with both white and green parts.
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped: Delivers a mild heat that wakes up the taste buds without overwhelming.
Tabasco (Cholula or similar hot sauce, optional for serving): Provides an extra layer of heat and tangy zing when you want to spice things up at the table.
Fritos Scoops (for serving): The perfect crunchy vehicle to scoop up every creamy, cheesy bite.

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive-oil mayonnaise, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Stir vigorously until all the spices are evenly incorporated into the creamy mixture.

Step 2: Add the drained Mexican-style corn, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped jalapeño to the bowl. Carefully fold everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients without crushing the corn.

Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This chilling time really allows all the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 4: When ready to serve, sprinkle the top with a few drops of your favorite hot sauce like Cholula or Tabasco for an optional extra kick. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside Fritos Scoops or your favorite chips.

Servings and Timing

This Mexican Corn Dip Recipe makes about 8 generous servings, perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings. Prep time is just 10 minutes, making it quick to put together any day of the week. The necessary chilling time is 2 hours or more, allowing the flavors to develop fully. Because there is no cooking involved, total time is mainly about waiting for the dip to rest in the fridge, so plan accordingly if you want it for a specific event.

How to Serve This Mexican Corn Dip Recipe

A woman's hand holds a single yellow corn chip with a creamy, chunky dip on top that has visible pieces of corn, red pepper, and green herbs, showing a mix of white, yellow, red, and green colors. In the blurred background, there is a round clear container filled with the same dip, showing a creamy, textured mix of yellow, orange, and green bits inside. Below the container, scattered yellow corn chips are partly visible, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this dip with crunchy chips like Fritos Scoops because their sturdy shape holds up to the creamy, chunky texture perfectly. Besides chips, it also pairs wonderfully with crudite—think crisp celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, or cucumber rounds—which add freshness and balance the creaminess. When I want to make it part of a larger spread, I set out this dip with guacamole, salsa, and warm tortillas for a full Mexican-inspired feast.

Presentation-wise, I like to serve it in a vibrant, colorful bowl that complements the yellow corn and green flecks of onion and jalapeño. Garnishing the top with a sprinkle of extra cheddar or a few diced fresh cilantro leaves really elevates the look and offers an inviting contrast. For drinks, a crisp Mexican lager or a tangy margarita pairs beautifully, but if you want non-alcoholic, a sparkling lime agua fresca adds a refreshing zing.

This dip is best served chilled or at room temperature to let the flavors shine through without dulling the creamy texture. It’s perfect for casual game nights, summer barbecues, or holiday parties where guests can snack and chat. Portion-wise, I find 2–3 tablespoons per person is a satisfying start, especially when served alongside other snacks and appetizers.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy most about this Mexican Corn Dip Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to swap out ingredients, try using vegan mayo and a plant-based cheese to make it entirely vegan while maintaining its creamy texture. For a lighter version, swapping the mayo for more Greek yogurt or using a reduced-fat mayo also works well without sacrificing flavor.

If you prefer a bit more heat, add finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne powder for a smoky, fiery twist. For a milder option, simply omit the jalapeño or replace it with diced sweet bell pepper. You can also experiment with grilling or roasting the corn before adding it to the dip to deepen the sweetness and add a lovely smoky aroma.

Another variation I’ve tried is adding a handful of black beans or chopped cherry tomatoes for extra texture and color, which turns it into a heartier dip or side dish. If you want a warm dip, you can bake the mixture for about 15 minutes at 350°F until bubbly and slightly golden on top—perfect for cozy gatherings!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Mexican Corn Dip Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers to keep it fresh and prevent any odors from seeping in. Stored this way, the dip stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as some separation can occur.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze this dip, I find it affects the texture a bit because of the dairy and corn content. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe, airtight container and consume within 1 to 2 months for best flavor. To thaw, transfer it to the fridge overnight. After thawing, the texture may be slightly less creamy, so stirring well before serving helps restore some smoothness.

Reheating

If you baked the dip for a warm serving, reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or oven at low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to promote even heating. For the chilled version, I prefer serving it cold or at room temperature, so reheating is usually unnecessary. Avoid overheating as it can separate the dairy components and change the consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this Mexican Corn Dip Recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap out the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond yogurt, use vegan mayonnaise, and replace the cheddar cheese with a vegan shredded cheese. Keep the rest of the seasonings the same for that authentic flavor.

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh corn, especially when in season, adds wonderful sweetness and texture. You can boil, grill, or roast the corn before cutting the kernels off the cob. Just make sure to cool it before mixing into the dip.

Is this dip spicy?

The dip has a mild to moderate level of heat thanks to the jalapeño and chili powder. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less jalapeño or skipping the hot sauce topping. It’s easy to customize according to your spice preference.

How long should I chill the dip before serving?

For the best flavor meld, I recommend chilling the dip for at least 2 hours. If you have the time, letting it rest overnight in the fridge intensifies the seasoning perfectly.

What’s the best chip to serve with this dip?

Fritos Scoops are my absolute favorite because their bowl shape holds the chunky dip without breaking. However, sturdy tortilla chips or even fresh vegetable sticks also work beautifully.

Conclusion

I’m so excited for you to try this Mexican Corn Dip Recipe because it’s truly one of my all-time favorite dips that never fails to impress. It’s flavorful, easy, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a big party or a cozy night in, I promise this dip will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Dive in, and enjoy every delicious bite!