I made these Pull-Apart Street Corn Dip Sliders Recipe last weekend and oh my gosh — my kitchen smelled like a fiesta the entire time. I was craving something fun and cheesy, so I took my favorite street corn dip and turned it into sliders. The first bite was gooey, savory, spicy, and completely irresistible.
Every guest asked for the recipe, and I couldn’t stop nibbling on them long after dinner was over. You’ll find this appetizer delivers all the bold flavors of Mexican street corn in soft, buttery slider buns — seriously next-level goodness, and you can also enjoy similar flavors like my Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl Recipe when you crave something hearty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into these sliders, plus why each ingredient matters for flavor and texture.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder – brings classic street corn spice and warmth.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika – adds smoky depth that pairs beautifully with corn.
- ½–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper – adjust based on how spicy you like it.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – helps sauté veggies and enhances the spice coating.
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped – adds sweetness and texture.
- 2 cups corn, fresh or frozen – fresh tastes best but frozen works great too.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – gives that aromatic punch everyone loves.
- Kosher salt & black pepper – balance and enhance all other flavors.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature – makes the dip rich and creamy.
- ¼ cup sour cream – lightens the mixture and adds tang.
- 1 (12-count) package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise – soft buns that soak up deliciousness.
- 3 tablespoons salted butter – used for a spicy garlic butter drizzle.
- 1⁄3 cup olive oil mayo (or plain Greek yogurt) – creamy drizzle with a tiny tang.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice – adds citrus brightness to contrast richness.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped – fresh herbal finish.
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey or pepper jack cheese – melty, gooey goodness.
Note: Several servings — this recipe makes about 12 hearty sliders.
Variations — Make This Recipe Your Own
Dairy-Free – Swap cream cheese and sour cream for dairy-free versions, and use a plant-based shredded cheese.
Extra Heat – Add diced jalapeños or chipotle in adobo for smoky heat.
Protein Add-In – Fold in shredded chicken or cooked spicy beef for a heartier version.
Flavor Brighteners – Sprinkle cotija or queso fresco on top for a salty finish.
Creamy Swap – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter drizzle, just like in my Garlic Mushroom Chicken Bites Recipe where the creamy texture makes every bite irresistible.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – to sauté the corn dip base.
- Mixing bowls – for combining spices and sauces.
- Baking sheet – to bake the sliders.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and eases cleanup.
- Sharp knife & cutting board – for chopping vegetables and herbs.
- Measuring cups & spoons – for accuracy.
How to Make Pull-Apart Street Corn Dip Sliders
Here’s the simple, step-by-step way to assemble these cheesy sliders.
Preheat and Prep
Warm your oven to 400°F. Slice the dinner rolls in half while everything heats up. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so you’re ready to assemble with ease.
Make the Spiced Corn Dip
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high, then sauté the onion until soft. Add corn, garlic, salt, and pepper, then stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Let everything cook until the corn is tender and coated in warm spices.
Add Creaminess
Reduce heat and fold in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in the sour cream next. The mixture should be creamy and thick — perfect for spooning into the buns.
Make Spicy Butter & Sauce
Melt butter and mix with some of the spice blend for a flavorful butter. In another bowl, whisk together mayo (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a tangy topping drizzle.
Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottoms of the rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the corn dip evenly across them. Add cilantro and top generously with shredded cheese. Drizzle with spicy butter and lime sauce, then add the top halves of the rolls.
Bake and Serve
Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 until golden and melty. Drizzle remaining sauces over the top and finish with cilantro. Pull apart and enjoy immediately.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are a few tricks I learned after making these several times:
- I always adjust seasonings before assembling — tasting the corn mix helps ensure perfect flavor.
- Letting cream cheese soften first makes the dip smoother.
- A little extra cilantro brightens everything.
- Lightly toasting buns beforehand makes them sturdier.
- Serving straight from the oven ensures the cheese is perfectly gooey.
How to Serve Pull-Apart Street Corn Dip Sliders
These sliders are perfect for parties, game nights, and potlucks. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of paprika for color. Pair with fresh salsa, coleslaw, or tortilla chips. Pickled jalapeños make a great add-on too.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Here’s a quick look at what’s in each slider:
- Calories: ~179
- Protein: ~7g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~9g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storage
Once cooled, store the sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven so they stay crispy and melty.
Freezing
You can freeze them before baking. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Reheating
Oven reheating works best — 10–12 minutes at 350°F revives them perfectly. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the buns too much.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sliders are a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s why:
- Super easy: Simple steps and quick assembly make it beginner-friendly.
- Big flavor: Sweet corn, spices, lime, butter, and gooey cheese — unforgettable.
- Great for gatherings: Pull-apart style makes serving effortless.
- Customizable: Adjust heat, cheese, or add protein easily.
- Tastes amazing reheated: They hold up well for leftovers too.
