Elote Dip
All the incredible flavors of Mexican street corn transformed into a warm, creamy, and cheesy dip. This crowd-pleasing appetizer with charred corn, cotija cheese, and a hint of lime is perfect for your next party.
For 8 servings
7 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish or a 9-inch pie plate.
- 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat
- a.Add the thawed and dried corn in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kernels are lightly charred in spots. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix with a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon until smooth and well combined.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1/2 cup of crumbled cotija cheese, diced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- 5
Gently fold the charred corn into the cheese mixture
- a.Spread the dip evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- 7
Remove from the oven
- a.Garnish generously with extra crumbled cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, Fritos, or fresh vegetable sticks.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use fresh corn on the cob. Grill or roast the cobs until charred, then carefully cut the kernels off.
- 2Ensure the corn is patted dry before charring. This helps it brown and char rather than steam.
- 3To adjust the heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño for a spicier dip, or omit it entirely for a mild version.
- 4This dip can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- 5For a creamier texture, bring the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to room temperature before mixing.
Adapt it for your goals.
Ingredient Swap
If you can't find cotija cheese, crumbled feta cheese is an excellent substitute. You can also use queso fresco.
Add inAdd-in
For extra texture and flavor, stir in 1/2 cup of drained and rinsed black beans or 1/4 cup of finely diced red onion with the cheese mixture.
Spice LevelSpice Level
For a smokier flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a diced serrano chile.
Serving StyleServing Style
Instead of baking, you can serve this dip cold. Simply mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Fiber
Corn is a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health, helping to promote regularity and maintain a healthy gut.
Rich in Calcium
The combination of cream cheese, Monterey Jack, cotija, and sour cream provides a significant amount of calcium, a mineral essential for strong bones and teeth.
Provides Antioxidants
Ingredients like cilantro, jalapeño, and chili powder contain various antioxidants that help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
A 1/2 cup serving of this Elote Dip contains approximately 320-360 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific brands of mayonnaise, cheese, and sour cream used.