Smoked Street Corn Dip with Cotija and Tajin

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Tajin seasoning for garnish
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Steps

1. 1 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add corn and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. 2 Sprinkle smoked paprika and chili powder over corn; cook 2 more minutes.
3. 3 Transfer corn to a mixing bowl. Let it cool slightly.
4. 4 Add cream cheese, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, green onions, jalapeño, lime zest, lime juice, and cumin to the corn.
5. 5 Mix until well combined.
6. 6 Season with salt to taste.
7. 7 Transfer dip to a serving bowl.
8. 8 Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes, or until bubbly.
9. 9 Garnish with additional cotija cheese, Tajin, and cilantro.
10. 10 Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish or oven-safe serving bowl

Variations

• Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky bacon version.
• Include diced avocado for a creamy avocado version.

Substitutions

• Substitute cotija cheese with feta if cotija is unavailable.
• Use a mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Pairings

• Margaritas
• Grilled shrimp skewers

Nutrition

Tips

• For a smokier flavor, use chipotle chili powder instead of regular chili powder.
• If fresh corn isn't available, frozen corn works well; just skip the skillet step.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven until bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks.
• Pair with a cold cerveza for an authentic experience.

FAQ