There’s something magical about smoky summer air, a fired-up grill, and the sizzle of sweet corn in the background. Every gathering needs a show-stopper dish, and this smoked Mexican street corn dip is just that. Packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of heat, it brings the spirit of Mexican street food right to your backyard BBQ.
Whether you’re firing up a Traeger, Pit Boss, or a traditional smoker, this dip will be the star of your spread.
A Dip Born from Elote Tradition
If you’ve ever walked through a bustling market in Mexico and caught the scent of grilled elote (Mexican street corn), you already know how addictive those flavors are. That classic blend—roasted corn, chili, lime, cotija cheese, and mayo—translates beautifully into this warm, smoky, creamy dip.
Now imagine taking that flavor up a notch with real wood smoke and cream cheese. That’s where the smoked Mexican street corn dip shines.
Why This Smoked Street Corn Dip Recipe Works
This isn’t your average party dip. This smoked street corn dip with cream cheese is:
-
Smoky from real wood-fired corn
-
Creamy thanks to rich cream cheese and a touch of sour cream
-
Zesty with lime juice, Tajín, and roasted jalapeños
-
Cheesy with a mix of cotija and melty cheddar
-
Easy to make ahead, ideal for tailgates or cookouts
Whether you’re making a smoked elote dip or a smoked corn queso dip, the key is balancing smokiness, creaminess, and a little heat.
If you’re new to smoking, using a Traeger, Pit Boss, or another pellet grill makes this even easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
4–5 ears of sweet corn (grilled or smoked)
-
1 block cream cheese (softened)
-
½ cup sour cream
-
½ cup mayo
-
1 lime (zest + juice)
-
½ cup cotija cheese
-
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
-
1 jalapeño (smoked or roasted, minced)
-
½ tsp smoked paprika
-
1 tsp Tajín or chili powder
-
Salt & pepper to taste
-
Optional: chopped cilantro, hot sauce
Pro Tip: For a cheesier finish, try adding cream cheese and cheddar. This creates a next-level smoked corn cheese dip that melts beautifully in a skillet.
Step-by-Step: Smoked Corn Dip Recipe
-
Smoke the corn
Coat corn lightly in oil, season with salt, and smoke at 225°F for 45–60 minutes until lightly charred. This gives you the essential flavor for any great smoked street corn recipe. -
Make the dip base
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and seasonings until smooth. -
Add corn and cheeses
Cut kernels off the smoked corn and stir into your mixture with cheddar and cotija cheese. Add smoked jalapeños for extra heat. -
Smoke it again (optional)
Pour into a cast iron skillet and smoke at 300°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbling. Top with more cheese and fresh cilantro before serving.
Want a no-smoke version? You can roast your corn in the oven, but for that deep flavor, smoking on a Traeger or Pit Boss is worth it.
How to Serve Your Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip
This is where the fun begins! Serve your smoked corn dip with cream cheese:
-
With tortilla chips at a party
-
Tucked inside tacos or burritos
-
As a topping on grilled meats
-
With veggies for a lower-carb option
It’s a killer appetizer or side dish for BBQs, especially if you’re already firing up the smoker for brisket or ribs.
And yes, it goes fast—so make extra!
Variations to Try
-
Fiesta corn dip with cream cheese: Add diced red peppers and green onions for more color.
-
Smoked sweet corn dip: Use fresh sweet corn at peak season and add a touch of honey.
-
Smoked street corn dip Traeger version: Add a smoky chipotle kick or top with crispy bacon.
-
Smoked corn dip Traeger with jalapeño popper twist: Add chopped bacon and extra cheddar.
Looking for something creamier? Go for an elote dip with cream cheese that’s baked instead of smoked.
Related Recipe to Explore
Try our Mango Elote Corn Salad — it’s a refreshing twist for summer meals!
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is smoked Mexican street corn dip made of?
Smoked Mexican street corn dip is made with smoked corn kernels, cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and spices like chili powder or Tajín. It’s a creamy, smoky version of classic elote in dip form.
2. Can I make Mexican street corn dip with cream cheese on a Traeger grill?
Yes, you can make Mexican street corn dip with cream cheese on a Traeger grill by smoking the corn first and then baking the assembled dip in a cast iron skillet on the Traeger until hot and bubbly.
3. How long should I smoke corn for street corn dip?
Smoke corn for 45 to 60 minutes at 225°F for street corn dip. This adds a rich, smoky flavor to the kernels, which is essential for an authentic smoked corn dip recipe.
4. Is smoked street corn dip spicy?
Smoked street corn dip can be mildly spicy depending on the ingredients. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño, chili powder, or Tajín used in the recipe.
5. Can I use canned or frozen corn for smoked corn dip?
Yes, canned or frozen corn can be used for smoked corn dip. Make sure to drain and dry it before smoking or sautéing for best texture and flavor.
6. What’s the difference between elote dip and smoked street corn dip?
Elote dip is typically made with grilled corn, while smoked street corn dip uses corn that’s been wood-smoked for a deeper, smokier flavor. Both include cream cheese, lime, and spices.
7. How do I store and reheat smoked Mexican corn dip?
Store smoked Mexican corn dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 300°F or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason people go back for seconds—and thirds—of this smoked Mexican street corn dip. It’s the perfect mashup of creamy, smoky, spicy, and tangy. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, tailgate, or game night, this dip guarantees your snack table will be the most popular spot.
So grab your corn, fire up that Traeger, and dive into this smoked street corn dip recipe that everyone will be asking for.
Let us know how yours turned out, and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram if you make it!
Want more smoked recipes and corn creations? Explore our full blog for more.
