Copycat Rojo’s Street Corn Dip Recipe

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My love affair with street corn started on a bustling street corner in Mexico, where flavors danced under the moonlit sky, and every bite felt like a celebration. However, it wasn’t until I discovered Rojo’s Street Corn Dip take on this classic treat that I realized this party favorite could be enjoyed from my home. Imagine combining the smoky, charred sweetness of corn with creamy, zesty layers—all within a dip. Yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds.

How to make Rojo’s Street Corn Dip

Rojo’s Street Corn Dip is a popular dip that brings the flavors of Mexican street corn, or elote, into a creamy, easy-to-serve form. It’s typically made with a base of cream cheese or sour cream mixed with shredded cheese, lime juice, and spices, then combined with corn, often charred to mimic the grilled flavor of street corn.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of corn (fresh off the cob works best, but frozen and thawed is perfectly fine too)
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (for sautéing the corn)
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro (plus a bit more for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust based on your heat preference)
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1/2 cup of cotija cheese (crumbled, plus extra for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 jalapeño (finely chopped for that extra kick)
• Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corn: If you’re using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. If you’re using frozen corn, ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained.
2. Cook the Corn: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and let it sauté, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely charred and golden brown. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the corn to a large mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Ingredients: To the bowl with the charred corn, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, chili powder, and lime juice. If you’re including jalapeño, add it now. Mix everything until well combined.
4. Add Cheese: Stir in the crumbled cotija cheese. Taste and then season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Chill: Let the dip chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve: Before serving, give it a final stir and check if it needs any additional seasoning. Transfer your Rojo’s Street Corn Dip to a serving bowl, and garnish with extra cilantro, cotija cheese, and chopped green onions if using.

Tips for the Perfect Rojo’s Street Corn Dip:

• Fresh is Best: While you can use frozen corn, nothing beats the sweetness and crunch of fresh corn off the cob.
• Adjust the Heat: You can adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeño according to your heat preference. Start with less; you can always add more!
• Quality Matters: Use good quality mayonnaise and sour cream for the creamiest, most flavorful result.
• Let It Rest: Chilling the dip improves its flavors and thickens it, making it perfect for scooping.
• Serving Suggestions: This dip is versatile! Serve it with a big bowl of tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, or even as a side with grilled meats.

What to serve with

Rojo’s Street Corn Dip is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that pairs wonderfully with various foods, making it perfect for any gathering or meal. Here are some delightful suggestions on what to serve with this creamy, flavorful dip:

Tortilla Chips and Veggies

• Crunchy Tortilla Chips: The classic partner to any dip, tortilla chips offer the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy texture of the street corn dip.
• Fresh Veggies: For a healthier option, cut up some fresh vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and celery sticks. Their crisp texture and fresh flavors complement the creamy, spicy dip beautifully.

Bread

• Grilled Sourdough Bread: Toast slices of sourdough bread lightly on the grill or in a toaster, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. The charred flavor of the grill adds an extra dimension to the dip.
• Baguette Slices: A sliced and lightly toasted French baguette makes for a simple yet elegant accompaniment.

Main Courses

• Grilled Meats and Seafood: Rojo’s Street Corn Dip’s zesty lime and chili flavors make it a fantastic topping or side for grilled meats such as chicken, steak, and pork, as well as seafood like shrimp and fish.
• Tacos, Fajitas, and Quesadillas: The dip is a flavorful addition to tacos, fajitas, or quesadillas, adding a creamy corn element that enhances these classic dishes.

Additional Snack Pairings

• Mini Bell Peppers: Stuff mini bell peppers with the dip and top with a sprinkle of cheese before giving them a quick broil for a warm, cheesy treat.
• Nachos: Layer your favorite nacho ingredients on a baking sheet, dollop spoonfuls of the street corn dip on top, and broil until everything is warm and melty. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
• Potato Skins: Fill crispy potato skins with the street corn dip, add some extra cheese, and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This is perfect for a heartier appetizer!

Drinks

To complete your dining experience, pair the dip with drinks that complement its flavors:

• Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea balances the richness of the dip without overpowering its flavors.
• Cold Beers: Light lagers or pale ales are great choices that do not compete with the flavors of the dip. The crispness of the beer can be a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Margaritas: For a truly festive occasion, nothing beats classic margaritas. Their sweet, sour, and slightly salty profile pairs exceptionally well with the creamy, spicy dip.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re looking to make Rojo’s Street Corn Dip but are missing some ingredients or wish to make substitutions due to dietary restrictions or taste preferences, there are plenty of options. Here’s a detailed guide on substitutes for key ingredients in making a delicious corn dip that stays true to the spirit of the original.

Corn

• Fresh Corn: If the recipe calls for canned or frozen corn, fresh corn kernels cut off the cob can provide a sweeter and more robust flavor. This is great during the summer when corn is in season.
• Frozen Corn: If you don’t have access to fresh corn, frozen corn is a fantastic alternative that maintains a closer taste to fresh corn than canned versions without adding salt.

Mayonnaise

• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version of the dip. This substitution cuts down on calories and adds a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Avocado: Blended avocado can give the dip a creamy texture while adding beneficial fats, making it a healthier alternative.

Cheese

• Cotija Cheese: If you can’t find Cotija cheese, which is traditional in street corn dip, try using Parmesan, feta, or even crumbled queso fresco. Although the flavor profile will change, these cheeses offer a similar texture and saltiness.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: Many plant-based cheese alternatives can approximate the texture and tanginess of Cotija cheese for a dairy-free version.

Chili Powder

• Paprika with a Dash of Cayenne: If you’re out of chili powder, you can mix paprika with a dash of cayenne pepper for a similar flavor profile. Adjust the amount of cayenne based on your heat preference.

Lime Juice

• Vinegar: If you don’t have fresh limes, a splash of white vinegar or even apple cider vinegar can provide the acidity the dip needs. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Jalapeños

• Green Chilies: If you’re looking for a milder option than jalapeños, canned green chilies can be a good substitute. They’re less spicy but still provide a nice flavor.
• Bell Peppers: For those who are sensitive to heat, bell peppers (though not spicy) can add a sweet, vegetal flavor that complements the other ingredients without adding any spice.

Cilantro

• Parsley: If you don’t like cilantro or simply don’t have it on hand, flat-leaf parsley can be a good substitute. It won’t replicate the unique flavor of cilantro but will add a similar burst of freshness.

Final Thoughts

With this Rojo’s Street Corn Dip recipe, you’re bringing a dish to the table and a piece of culinary joy. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something spectacularly delicious.

More Mexican Recipes:

• Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco Recipe
• Chuleta Ahumada
• Chilindrinas Recipe
• Empalmes Recipe