master-cooks | Warm Elote Corn Dip Recipe

Warm Elote Corn Dip is a delightful twist on the traditional Mexican street food known as elote, or Mexican street corn. This dip combines the rich flavors of roasted corn with creamy, tangy, and spicy elements that create an irresistible appetizer. The base of the dip is made with a mixture of cream cheese and mayonnaise, which provides a smooth and creamy texture. Freshly roasted or grilled corn kernels are folded into the mixture, offering a sweet, smoky flavor. The addition of crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty complexity, while diced jalapeños or chili powder give the dip a subtle heat that can be adjusted to taste. Fresh lime juice and cilantro bring brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the cheese and cream. Often topped with extra cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder, this dip is best served warm, allowing the flavors to meld together. It is typically enjoyed with tortilla chips, but can also be served with sliced vegetables or bread for dipping. Perfect for gatherings or casual snacking, Warm Elote Corn Dip offers a vibrant and comforting taste of Mexican street food culture in a convenient and shareable format.

Gather the ingredients for warm elote corn dip

Before diving into this recipe, it's a good idea to collect all the essential ingredients to streamline the process. Head to the freezer aisle for frozen sweet corn, and from the dry goods section, pick up mayonnaise, garlic powder, lime juice, Mexican hot sauce, and tortilla chips. In the refrigerated section, grab some sour cream, shredded Mexican blend cheese, and cotija cheese. Lastly, don’t forget to get a jalapeño and fresh cilantro from the produce section. By simply gathering these ingredients, you’ll already be over one-third of the way through the recipe!

Step 1: Set the oven to broil

Preheat the oven to high broil.

Step 2: Prep a baking sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3: Spread corn

Distribute the frozen corn evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Broil corn

Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the corn begins to turn golden brown.

Step 5: Reduce the oven temperature

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 6: Mix the dip

In a mixing bowl, blend together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, lime juice, 1 cup of cotija cheese, and chopped jalapeño. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference.

Step 7: Add corn

Incorporate the heated corn into the blend.

Step 8: Transfer to a baking dish

Pour the mixture into a dish that can be used in the oven.

Step 9: Top with more cheese

Sprinkle with shredded cheese and the remaining ½ cup of cotija cheese.

Step 10: Bake

Cook for 5–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11: Broil

Broil on high for 2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown cheese topping.

Step 12: Top with cilantro

Take it out of the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Step 13: Serve the warm elote dip

Enjoy the warm dip alongside tortilla chips.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen to make this elote corn dip?

Although the original recipe specifies frozen sweet corn, you can easily substitute fresh or canned corn to create this elote dip. When choosing between fresh, frozen, or canned corn, remember that both frozen and canned varieties have already been blanched, so they only require a brief roasting in the oven to enhance their sweetness and achieve a slight caramelization. In contrast, fresh corn will need a bit more cooking time before being added to the dip. If you opt for fresh corn, it's advisable to grill, broil, or sauté it first to achieve a nice char on the kernels and enhance their natural sweetness. We recommend cutting the corn off the cob and then baking it at 350°F for 7–10 minutes until it is lightly browned. A quick broil may be necessary afterward to deepen the color. Canned corn can also be used instead of frozen corn; just be sure to drain and rinse it beforehand to eliminate any excess liquid or salt.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese in this elote corn dip?

Cotija cheese is a staple in Mexican cuisine, especially in elote recipes, where it contributes a salty and crumbly texture. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find! If you’re unable to locate cotija, there are several alternatives you can try. The closest substitute in terms of texture and flavor is likely feta cheese. Like cotija, feta is a firm, crumbly cheese with a salty tang that maintains its shape when baked or grated. For a milder taste, you can opt for queso fresco or even ricotta salata instead of cotija. Queso fresco has a similar crumbly consistency, while ricotta salata offers a creamy, gentle saltiness. If you're looking for cotija's unique aged, nutty flavor, parmesan or romano cheeses are excellent options. Just be sure to use freshly grated cheese in the dip base and sprinkle some on top of the baked dip. These hard Italian cheeses provide the salty, umami kick that the recipe requires. While they may not be identical, any of these cheeses can effectively deliver the flavor and texture needed in place of traditional cotija cheese.

Can I make this elote corn dip ahead of time?

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is the ability to prepare the dip in advance! This elote dip can be made 1–2 days ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining and parties. To get started, mix all the ingredients—corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, spices, lime juice, cheese, and more—up to the point of combining them. Then, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, but don’t bake it just yet. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it overnight or for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to serve, take the chilled dip out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to warm up slightly. Next, bake the dip in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly. For a golden brown finish, turn on the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately with tortilla chips while it’s still warm. This approach significantly reduces the amount of work you’ll need to do on serving day, while still providing your guests with a delicious, melty dip to enjoy!

Warm Elote Corn Dip Recipe