Elote Dip Recipe Creamy Mexican Corn Bliss

Creamy Mexican street corn brings vibrant elote dip to your appetizer table with unexpected deliciousness.

Kernels burst with smoky chile and tangy lime zest, creating a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Sophisticated yet simple, this recipe captures authentic street food charm.

Bright colors and bold flavors make gathering around the bowl irresistible.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with charred corn kernels, delivering a rich texture.

Fresh cilantro and cotija cheese add authentic Mexican street-style magic.

Let this incredible dip become your next party superstar.

What Makes Elote Dip Recipe a Party Favorite

• Captures the essence of classic Mexican street corn with a creamy, smoky twist that elevates traditional dip experiences.
• Requires only 15 minutes of total preparation time, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings, game nights, or last-minute appetizer needs.
• Adaptable to multiple serving temperatures and accompaniments, from warm tortilla chips to fresh vegetable sticks, ensuring crowd-pleasing flexibility.
• Allows simple modifications like adjusting spice levels, adding extra cheese, or incorporating different herbs to match personal taste preferences.

Ingredients to Make Elote Dip at Home

• Corn: Sweet and smoky base of the dip, best when fresh or high-quality frozen corn.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps char the corn for deep flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that provides tangy and smooth texture, full-fat versions recommended for best results.
• Cotija Cheese: Authentic Mexican cheese with salty, crumbly texture, traditional in elote dishes.

• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika: Spice blend that creates complex, warm flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy tang to cut through richness.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides authentic Mexican cuisine touch and vibrant green color.
• Jalapeno: Optional spicy element for those who enjoy extra heat.

How to Put Together an Elote Dip

Step 1: Char The Corn

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in fresh corn kernels and cook while stirring occasionally. Let the corn develop gorgeous golden-brown edges and smoky spots, which will take around 5-7 minutes. The caramelization creates incredible depth of flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Base

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Fold In Flavor Boosters

• Charred corn kernels
• Crumbled Cotija cheese
• Fresh lime juice
• Chopped cilantro

Mix everything until evenly distributed, creating a vibrant and exciting dip.

Step 4: Garnish And Serve

Transfer the dip to a beautiful serving dish. Sprinkle additional Cotija cheese on top. Add extra chopped cilantro and thinly sliced jalapenos for those who love a spicy kick. Accompany with crispy tortilla chips, crunchy crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Enjoy this zesty Mexican-inspired dip that brings street food magic right to your table!

Kitchen Tips for the Creamiest Elote Dip

• Char Corn Perfectly: Use a cast-iron skillet for the best caramelization and smoky flavor, ensuring each kernel gets a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and jalapeno quantities to match your heat tolerance, making the dip mild or fiery as desired.
• Cheese Selection Tip: Substitute Cotija with feta or queso fresco if unavailable, maintaining the creamy, tangy essence of the original recipe.
• Maximize Freshness: Prepare ingredients just before serving to keep cilantro vibrant and corn crisp, enhancing the overall texture and taste.
• Versatile Serving Suggestion: Transform this dip into a salad topping or use as a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps for added Mexican-inspired zest.

Leftover Storage Tips for Elote Dip

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dip fresh and delicious.
• Warm gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to ensure even heating and maintain creamy texture.
• Mix well before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore original consistency after chilling.
• Discard if any off-odors or signs of spoilage appear, prioritizing food safety and quality.

The Best Foods to Serve with Elote Dip

• Zesty lime margaritas complement the dip's Mexican-inspired flavors, cutting through the creamy texture with bright citrus notes.
• Select thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips with sea salt for maximum texture and authentic southwestern experience.
• Arrange crisp cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and jicama sticks for a light, cool contrast to the rich, spicy dip.
• Serve alongside grilled proteins like chicken skewers or carne asada for a complete flavor-packed meal that celebrates Mexican street food vibes.

Spicy, Cheesy, or Sweet: Elote Dip Variations

• Vegan Mexican Corn Dip: Replace mayonnaise and sour cream with cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Cotija cheese. Add extra spices for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta Corn Dip: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free corn chips or vegetable sticks. Swap Cotija for a dairy-free alternative like almond cheese.
• Low-Carb Elote Dip: Reduce corn quantity and add cauliflower rice. Use Greek yogurt for extra protein. Increase spices to boost flavor profile without adding carbohydrates.
• Spicy Southwest Corn Dip: Add diced green chilies and increase chili powder. Mix in crumbled bacon for non-vegetarian option. Incorporate roasted red peppers for smoky undertones.

Common Elote Dip Questions

• What is Cotija cheese, and can I substitute it?

Cotija is a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese. If unavailable, you can replace it with feta or parmesan cheese for a similar tangy flavor.

• How spicy is this dip?

The recipe has mild heat from chili powder and optional jalapenos. You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or omitting jalapenos completely.

• Is this dip best served warm or cold?

The dip tastes great both warm and chilled. The flavors meld together nicely, so you can enjoy it immediately after preparing or refrigerate for later.

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and stir well before serving to redistribute the ingredients.

Elote Dip Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Mexican elote dip delivers a fiesta of flavors, blending charred corn, zesty spices, and tangy crema for an irresistible appetizer. Scoop up this crowd-pleasing sensation with tortilla chips, and savor the authentic street corn magic that transports you straight to a bustling Mexico City street corner.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small jalapeno, minced (optional)

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 lime (juice)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Fire up a large skillet with butter over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for the corn kernels to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
2. Tumble corn into the skillet and allow it to roast for 5-7 minutes, occasionally shifting the kernels to ensure even charring and maximum flavor development.
3. Blend mayonnaise, sour cream, and a harmonious symphony of spices including garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing vessel.
4. Incorporate the expertly charred corn kernels into the creamy spice mixture, folding gently to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Add crumbled Cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, and finely chopped cilantro to the dip, creating a vibrant and textured appetizer.
6. Elegantly transfer the mixture to a serving dish, garnishing the top with additional Cotija cheese crumbles, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and optional sliced jalapenos for an extra kick.
7. Present the dip alongside crisp tortilla chips, rustic crackers, or an array of sliced vegetables, allowing guests to enjoy at their preferred temperature – warm or chilled.

Notes

• Char corn perfectly by ensuring high heat and minimal stirring for those delicious caramelized edges.
• Use fresh corn kernels during summer season for maximum sweetness and authentic flavor profile.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños according to personal spice tolerance.
• Keep dip creamy by using full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for richer, more indulgent texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg