Description
This Baked Elote Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican street corn. Made with sweet corn, creamy cheese, tangy sour cream, and zesty seasoning, it’s baked until bubbly and golden, then topped with fresh scallions for the perfect crowd-pleasing dip. Ideal for game day, parties, holidays, or anytime you’re craving an easy and irresistible snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 6 whole scallions, thinly sliced (dark green portions reserved for garnish)
- 16 ounces frozen corn kernels (or 3 cups fresh corn kernels)
- 1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning or Trader Joe’s Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend
- 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup light sour cream
- 7 ounces Cotija cheese, grated (about 1¾ cups), divided
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Adjust one oven rack to the center position and another about 6 inches below the broiler.
- Heat olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of the dark green scallion tops for garnish.
- Add the white and light-green scallion pieces and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the corn and Tajin seasoning. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the corn begins to soften.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the sour cream and ¾ cup of the grated Cotija cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until bubbly around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and preheat the broiler.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup Cotija cheese over the top.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with reserved scallions and fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Fresh corn can be substituted for frozen corn when in season.
- Cotija cheese can be replaced with queso fresco or feta if needed.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Watch carefully while broiling, as the cheese can brown quickly.
- Best served warm and fresh from the oven.
- Great for parties, potlucks, game day spreads, and holiday appetizers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg