Craving the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn, but short on time? Look no further! Mexican Street Corn Elote Dip delivers that authentic taste you love in a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious dip. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight snack. As a busy mom who craves flavorful options, I appreciate it’s easy to put everything together fast without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to experience the magic of elote in every single bite!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother, Abuela Elena, had a knack for making everything taste better. Even the simplest things were special because of the love and care she put into them. Every summer, she will go to the market the get corn and make the best elotes for everyone! Sadly, I didn’t inherit her patience. Mexican Street Corn Elote Dip reminds me of her summer elotes, but in a quick and easy format that even the busiest modern cook will enjoy. All the flavors I grew up with, without a lot of time wasted!
Ingredients
Corn Base:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, thawed and drained)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Elote Mixture:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Sauté the Corn: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add corn, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), cotija cheese, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Mix Together: Add the sautéed corn to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the dip and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or crudités.
Expert Tips for Best Results
For a deeper, smokier flavor, grill the corn on the cob until slightly charred, then cut the kernels off. Roasting the corn in the oven also works great. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of jalapeño to your spice preference or substitute it with a pinch of cayenne pepper. Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a big difference, but bottled will do in a pinch. If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a reasonable substitute, although it is a little saltier. Allowing the dip to chill for at least thirty minutes lets the flavors fully develop; if you’re short on time, even a quick chill will improve the taste. This dip is also delicious served warm; you can gently heat it in the microwave or oven, being careful not to overheat it and melt the cheese too much.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Mexican Street Corn Elote Dip is more than just a dip; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The obvious, and always appreciated, choice is serving it with crispy tortilla chips for that classic dip experience. But why stop there? Elevate game night by pairing it with crunchy veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for a healthier twist. Or, spread it onto toasted baguette slices for a sophisticated appetizer that will impress your guests. For dinner, dollop it over grilled chicken or fish for a taste of summer even in the colder months. It’s also fantastic as a topping for tacos or stuffed peppers, adding that signature elote flavor to your favorite dishes.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Elote Dip is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of elote without all the fuss. It’s quick, easy, and packed with that irresistible combination of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and zesty spices. Its health benefits are a good reason to enjoy Elote more offen in your diet! Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it as a snack, or using it to spice up a meal, this dip is sure to be a hit that takes you to that special summer with your family. The ease of preparation means you can have authentic Mexican flavor without the authentic Mexican hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!
Mexican Street Corn Elote Dip
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add corn, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), cotija cheese, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Add the sautéed corn to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- For best results, cover the dip and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or crudités.
Notes
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