Description
This Baked Elote Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer inspired by Mexican street corn. Made with corn, cream cheese, light sour cream, and Cotija cheese, it’s seasoned with Tajin or a similar seasoning blend and finished with fresh scallions and cilantro. Baked until bubbly and broiled to a golden top, it’s perfect for parties or game day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 6 whole scallions, thinly sliced (dark green portion kept separate)
- 16 ounces frozen corn kernels (or 3 cups fresh corn)
- 1 teaspoon Tajin or Trader Joe’s Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend
- 4 ounces ⅓-less-fat cream cheese
- ¼ cup light sour cream
- 7 ounces Cotija cheese, grated (1¾ cups)
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Adjust an oven rack to the center and another rack 6 inches from the broiler element. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃).
- Sauté Scallions: In a 10-inch ovenproof or cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the scallion greens for garnish. Add the white and light-green parts of the scallions with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Corn and Seasoning: Stir in the corn kernels and the Tajin seasoning. Continue to sauté until the corn starts to soften, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients and Bake: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the light sour cream and ¾ cup of the grated Cotija cheese. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the edges begin to bubble and brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Broil with Topping: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and preheat the broiler. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Cotija cheese evenly over the top. Place the skillet on the rack under the broiler and broil until the cheese is browned and slightly crispy, watching very carefully to avoid burning, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the reserved scallion greens and chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve immediately while warm and bubbly.
Notes
- Using a cast iron or oven-safe skillet is crucial to transfer directly from stove to oven without extra dishes.
- If fresh corn is in season, it will enhance the flavor and texture, but frozen corn works perfectly well.
- Tajin seasoning adds a tangy, mildly spicy kick, but you can substitute with chili powder and lime zest if unavailable.
- Watch the broiler carefully to prevent burning the cheese topping, as it can brown very quickly.
- This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, sliced vegetables, or warm crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
