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Elote corn dip is a creamy and flavorful dip made with corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a blend of spices. The word “elote” comes from the Mexican street food dish of grilled corn on the cob that is typically slathered in a mixture of mayo, cheese, and chili powder. The dip version of elote takes those same flavors and combines them in a bowl. It’s also known as Mexican Street Corn Dip.
To make this dip, corn kernels are first cooked and then mixed with a mixture of mayo, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, and other seasonings. The dip can be served cold or warm, and is often garnished with crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and more chili powder. It can be served with tortilla chips, crackers, or even as a topping for grilled meats or vegetables.
3-4 Corn On The Cob
Cilantro
1 Lime
1 Red Onion
1 Jalapeno
1 Garlic Clove
1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
1/4 Cup Sour Cream
1/2 Cup cheese
8 oz Cream Cheese (optional)
Elote Seasoning
Start by cutting all of your produce up so you can easily cook them and combine them.
The key ingredient behind the a quality corn dip is…well, corn. You can use either fresh corn off the cob, frozen corn, or just canned corn for convenience. However, it’s important to note some differences behind the two ingredients.
Fresh corn kernels off the cob have a sweeter, fresher taste and a firmer texture than canned corn. The sweetness of fresh corn comes from natural sugars that start to break down and convert to starch as soon as the corn is picked. Canned corn, on the other hand, is typically cooked and then preserved in water or brine, which can impact its flavor and texture. Canned corn may also contain added salt and sugar, which can affect the overall taste.
Fresh corn kernels also offer more nutritional value than canned corn. Fresh corn contains more vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Canned corn, on the other hand, may lose some of its nutritional value during the canning process. It may also contain added preservatives or other ingredients that can impact its nutritional value.
In terms of convenience, canned corn is easier to use than fresh corn kernels off the cob. Canned corn is already cooked and can be easily added to recipes without any additional prep work. Fresh corn, on the other hand, needs to be shucked and cooked before the kernels can be removed from the cob. This can be more time-consuming, especially if you are working with a lot of corn.
I opted for fresh corn on the cob to ensure I’m getting the best version of this recipe. Here are the steps to properly remove the corn off the cob:
Once you’ve removed the corn from the cob, add your corn to a large skillet along with 1 tbsp of butter, cook on medium high heat for about five minutes.
Cooking corn with butter in a skillet can add flavor and richness to the corn, as well as help to enhance its natural sweetness. Butter has a rich, creamy flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn, and it also helps to keep the corn moist and tender during cooking.
When you cook corn in a skillet with butter, the heat from the pan causes the natural sugars in the corn to caramelize and intensify in flavor. This can result in a deliciously sweet and savory dish that is perfect as a side dish or as an ingredient in recipes like corn chowder, cornbread, or corn salsa.
After you’ve given your corn a 5 minute head start, add in your diced red onion and jalapenos.
Red onion and jalapeno pair well with corn because they bring complementary flavors and textures to the dish. Red onions have a mild, sweet flavor that adds a slightly tangy and crunchy element to the dish. They also have a beautiful red color that can add visual interest to a corn dish.
Jalapenos, on the other hand, add a spicy kick to the dish that can balance out the sweetness of the corn. Jalapenos have a slightly sweet, smoky flavor that pairs well with the natural sweetness of the corn. They also have a crunchy texture that can add a satisfying crunch to a corn dish.
Together, red onions and jalapenos can add depth and complexity to a corn dish. They bring a combination of sweet, tangy, spicy, and crunchy flavors and textures that can create a harmonious balance in the dish.
Cook these together for an additional 5 minutes.
Add your minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Lower the heat to low as you begin to add your seasoning.
Aside from corn, the second key ingredient to this recipe is the seasoning. We’re going with Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend, which is essentially a combination of:
Elote seasoning is known for its bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profile, which can complement the sweetness of the corn and the creaminess of the cheese that is often used to top elote. The seasoning can be used to add flavor to grilled corn on the cob or to fresh corn kernels that have been sautéed or roasted. It can also be used to add flavor to other dishes, such as tacos, quesadillas, or roasted vegetables.
Add about 1 tbsp to the skillet and cook on low heat for about 2-3 minutes.
Similar to the Bacon Onion Dip recipe, we’re using a combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream cheese as the base for this corn dip. You can also substitute the sour cream with an healthier alternative of Greek yogurt as well.
The cream cheese is completely optional, there are some pros and cons to adding it.
Adding cream cheese to an this type of dip can be a great way to add a creamy, smooth texture and a tangy flavor to the dish. The cream cheese can help to balance out the sweetness of the corn and add a richness to the dip. Additionally, cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that can complement a wide range of flavors and spices, making it a great addition to the already complex and flavorful elote seasoning. The cream cheese can also help to bind the ingredients together, making for a more cohesive and easy-to-dip dish.
However, adding cream cheese can also make the dip heavier and more caloric, which may be a con for some. Additionally, it may alter the traditional flavor and texture of the corn dip, so it may not be the best choice for those looking for a more authentic or classic version of the dish.
Without the addition of cream cheese, this kind of makes it feel like less of a dip and more of a corn salad.
Once you’ve decided on the base for your dip, add in the freshly cooked vegetables an mix thoroughly.
Next, you will want to add some herbs with the some fresh cilantro, and some acidity with fresh squeezed lime juice. If you are looking to add even more heat, you can add some hot sauce here as well, but between the elote seasoning and the jalapeno, I don’t find it necessary.
The cilantro will provide a fresh and bright flavor to a dip, while the lime will add some acidity and a tangy flavor to the dip, can help to balance out richer or sweeter flavors.
Lastly is the addition of cotija cheese.
Cotija cheese is a crumbly, salty cheese that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It is named after the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, where it originated. The cheese is made from cow’s milk and is similar in texture and flavor to feta cheese, though it is typically saltier and drier.
Cotija cheese is made by curdling the milk with rennet, draining the curds, and pressing them into a mold. The cheese is then aged for several weeks or months, during which time it develops its distinctive salty and tangy flavor. The cheese is typically crumbled or grated over dishes like tacos, tostadas, and salads, and can also be used in dips, sauces, and spreads.
Cotija Cheese often compared to Parmesan cheese due to its strong, salty flavor and crumbly texture. However, Cotija cheese has a more tangy and pungent flavor than Parmesan, and is typically used in Mexican dishes that call for a salty, savory flavor profile.
Add about 1/2 a cup of this to the dip, especially if you didn’t include the cream cheese.
Pour your dip into a serving bowl worthy of sharing with friends and family, and garnish it with some additional cilantro, Cotija Cheese, and elote seasoning.
Enjoy!
“He should’ve planted corn like the rest of us” – Cooper
Elote corn dip is a popular Mexican-inspired dish that has become popular in the United States in recent years. Its origins can be traced back to Mexico, where elote, or grilled corn on the cob, has been a popular street food for many years.
The traditional way of preparing elote involves grilling fresh ears of corn until they are charred and then slathering them with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder. This flavorful combination of ingredients is what gives elote its unique and delicious taste.
Over time, people began experimenting with different ways to enjoy the flavors of elote, leading to the creation of this type of corn dip.. This dish typically includes many of the same ingredients found in traditional elote, such as corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder, but is served in dip form, making it easier to share and enjoy at parties and gatherings.
While the exact origins of this corn dip are unclear, it is likely that it was developed by Mexican-American communities in the United States who were looking for a way to celebrate and share their culture with others. Today, it’s a beloved dish that is enjoyed by many people of all backgrounds and is often served at Mexican-themed parties, cookouts, and other events.
