This Cottage Cheese Elote Dip is a creamy, high-protein twist on classic Mexican street corn. Made with cottage cheese, fire-roasted corn, lime, chili powder, cotija cheese, and cilantro, it’s ready in just 15 minutes and perfect for chips, tacos, or fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups 4% cottage cheese
12-ounce bag frozen fire-roasted corn, thawed and divided
1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Zest of 2 medium limes
Juice of 2 medium limes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons crumbled cotija cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Optional:
Hot sauce
Finely diced jalapeño
Extra lime wedges for serving
Tortilla chips or fresh vegetables
Instructions
1. Thaw the fire-roasted corn according to the package directions. If using plain frozen or canned corn, roast it in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes until lightly charred.
2. Add the cottage cheese to a food processor or high-powered blender and blend until completely smooth.
3. Add 1/4 cup of the roasted corn, mayonnaise (if using), chili powder, smoked paprika, lime zest, lime juice, garlic powder, and sea salt.
4. Blend again until creamy while leaving a slight amount of texture.
5. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl.
6. Fold in the remaining roasted corn, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, lime juice, hot sauce, or diced jalapeño if desired.
8. Garnish with extra cotija cheese, cilantro, lime zest, and a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
9. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, crackers, tacos, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
Fire-roasted corn gives the best smoky flavor.
Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest consistency.
Blend the cottage cheese thoroughly for a smooth restaurant-style dip.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for even better flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This dip also makes an excellent topping for tacos, burrito bowls, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.