Baked Elote Dip
This Baked Elote Dip transforms the beloved Mexican street corn into a comforting, shareable appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with the sweet-savory flavor of corn, a hint of spice, and the tang of lime, it's an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Served warm with your favorite dippers, this vibrant dish brings authentic Mexican-inspired flavors right to your table.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
6 to 8 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Transforms the beloved Mexican street corn into an easy, shareable, and comforting dip.
- Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with vibrant sweet and savory flavors, enhanced by a hint of spice.
- Perfect for entertaining, potlucks, game day, or a cozy night in, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Quick to prepare and bakes in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute appetizers.
- Offers a unique and satisfying twist on traditional dips, showcasing authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) olive oil
- 6 whole scallions (spring onions), thinly sliced, dark green portion reserved for garnish
- 1.25 grams (¼ teaspoon) kosher salt
- 450 grams (16 ounces) frozen corn kernels (or 700 grams / 3 cups fresh corn kernels)
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) Tajín or Trader Joe's Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend
- 115 grams (4 ounces) ⅓-less-fat cream cheese, softened
- 60 ml (¼ cup) light sour cream
- 200 grams (7 ounces / 1¾ cups) Cotija cheese, freshly grated, divided
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your oven by adjusting one rack to the center position and a second rack approximately 15 cm (6 inches) from the broiler element. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). This strategic rack placement allows for both initial baking and a quick broil to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
- In a 25 cm (10-inch) ovenproof skillet, preferably a cast iron skillet for even heating, heat the 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Set aside about 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of the thinly sliced dark green scallion tops for a fresh garnish later. Add the white and light-green parts of the scallions to the skillet along with 1.25 grams (¼ teaspoon) of kosher salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the scallions have softened and become fragrant, which typically takes 2 to 3 minutes.
- Introduce the 450 grams (16 ounces) of corn kernels and 5 grams (1 teaspoon) of Tajín or Elote Seasoning Blend to the skillet. Continue to sauté, stirring frequently, until the corn begins to soften and develops a slight char, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Next, add the 115 grams (4 ounces) of softened ⅓-less-fat cream cheese, stirring vigorously until it is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the corn mixture, creating a rich and creamy base.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the 60 ml (¼ cup) of light sour cream along with 75 grams (¾ cup) of the grated Cotija cheese. Stir just enough to combine all the ingredients evenly. Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven on the center rack and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the dip are visibly bubbling and starting to brown.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and change your oven setting to broil. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 125 grams (1 cup) of grated Cotija cheese over the top of the dip. Place the skillet back into the oven, this time on the rack positioned 15 cm (6 inches) from the broiler element. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching constantly and very carefully to prevent burning, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown.
- With extreme caution, remove the skillet from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the reserved dark green scallion tops and a generous amount of fresh, finely chopped cilantro over the piping hot dip. Serve the Baked Elote Dip instantly with your favorite sturdy tortilla chips, pita bread, or crisp vegetable sticks for dipping.
Tools You’ll Need
- 10-inch ovenproof skillet (cast iron recommended)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Grater (for Cotija cheese)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and softened before adding it to the skillet; this prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- When sautéing the corn, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Giving the corn space allows it to achieve a desirable char rather than simply steaming, which deepens its flavor.
- Always keep a very close eye on the dip during the broiling stage. Broilers can vary significantly in intensity, and the cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- For the best texture and flavor, use freshly grated Cotija cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting and browning.
- Taste the corn mixture before baking and adjust the salt or seasoning to your preference. Remember that Cotija cheese is quite salty, so factor that into your seasoning.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To infuse an extra layer of smoky depth, char your fresh corn kernels on a hot grill or in a dry cast iron skillet until slightly blackened before incorporating them into the dip mixture. This amplifies the authentic 'street corn' essence.
- A final squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished, hot dip just before serving is transformative. It brightens all the rich flavors and adds that essential tangy, zesty counterpoint characteristic of classic elote.
- For an even richer, more authentic creamy texture, consider substituting a portion of the light sour cream with Mexican crema, if available. Crema offers a milder tang and a silkier consistency.
Notes
- Storage: Any leftover Baked Elote Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or oven until it is heated through.
- Variations: For those who enjoy a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeño to the corn mixture. For extra richness, you can opt for full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the corn and cream cheese mixture, without adding the sour cream and Cotija, up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply fold in the sour cream and Cotija, then proceed with the baking and broiling steps.
What are the best accompaniments for Baked Elote Dip?
This dip is fantastic with sturdy tortilla chips, pita bread cut into triangles, warm flour tortillas cut into wedges, or even a selection of fresh vegetable sticks such as bell peppers, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks for a lighter dipping option.
Is Cotija cheese an essential ingredient, or can I use a substitute?
Cotija cheese is a staple for authentic elote flavor, providing a unique salty, crumbly texture and distinct savory profile. While Parmesan or a blend of Parmesan and feta could offer a salty, cheesy alternative, the true 'elote' taste and texture are best achieved with Cotija.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 320, Protein: 18g, Fat: 22g, Carbs: 18g (Note: These are estimated values and can vary based on specific brands and exact ingredient quantities.)
Allergy Information
This dish contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, Cotija cheese). For a gluten-free version, ensure your chosen seasoning blend is certified gluten-free and serve the dip with gluten-free tortilla chips or crackers. This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
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