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This simple Elote Dip recipe is everything you love about classic Mexican street corn…in an easy 15-minute dip!
The very first time we invited our European friends over for Mexican food here in Spain, we made our usual round of tacos, rice, beans, and dips…and totally spiced everyone out. ???
Ha, to our taste, everything was pretty mild. But as we watched everyone non-chalantely avoiding the salsa and piling their plates high with rice and kindly trying to down their tacos with tears in their eyes, we realized that there’s a reason why you can’t find jalapeños in Barcelona. This country doesn’t do “picante” in the least!
Of course, as the host that night, I was totally kicking myself and scrambling to bring out more tortillas and rice and anything else mild that might come to the rescue. But as it turned out, everyone was perfectly happy to make practically an entire dinner out of this elote dip! I had made an enormous batch earlier that week with a bunch of leftover corn on the cob, and pulled it out as an afterthought that evening to serve as a taco topping. But the second I popped it on the table with a side of tortilla chips, everyone dove in…and literally polished off every last bite…and then begged for the recipe.
Ha, elote! Who knew?!
Ever since then, I’ve been whipping up batches to bring to parties and serve at our (now zero-spiced) Mexi nights with friends here, and people devour it every time. Also, the good news? It only takes about 15 minutes to make, it’s naturally gluten-free (and vegetarian), easy to make with frozen or canned corn (or leftover corn on the cob!), and muy delicioso.
Let’s make some.
What Is Elote?
Actually, let’s back up for a second and talk about what elote is, just in case any of you are wondering. “Elote” literally translates to “corn on the cob” in Spanish. But most people know it as the famous Mexican street corn, which is traditionally coated in a mixture of mayo, cotija, chili, garlic and cilantro, then grilled to perfection and served with a wedge of lime. I’ve been obsessed with it since I was a kid, so much so that Barclay and I even had a DIY-elote stand our wedding! But I have a bit of a thing about getting food stuck in my teeth. So I have always preferred to eat my elote with a spoon. ?
Thus…elote dip for the win!
Elote Dip Ingredients:
The classic Mexican street corn ingredients you’ll need for this elote recipe include:
whole-kernel corn (I usually use either canned or frozen, or you can cut corn off the cob)
crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
red onion (optional, but I love the extra flavor it adds)
jalapeño (also optional, especially if you’re cooking in Spain, but highly recommended)
Greek yogurt (or sour cream or mayo)
fresh cilantro
garlic
lime
chili powder
How To Make Elote Dip:
Pan-roast your corn. This step is optional if you’re in a hurry, but I think it makes all of the difference if you have time. Simply melt a little butter (or olive oil) in a sauté pan, add the corn, and let it cook until it gets nice and roasted and caramelized around the edges. Meanwhile, as the corn is roasting…
Prep the rest of your ingredients. Chop your garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, red onion, and measure out the remaining ingredients.
Add everything together. Then combine the corn and remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and stir until combined.
Taste and adjust seasonings. I recommend adding a bit of salt and pepper, and then also adding any extra ingredients that you might prefer (such as more lime juice for tang, more Greek yogurt for a creamier dip, more jalapeño for heat, etc).
Serve! Then you’re ready to go!
How To Serve Elote:
The magic of Mexican corn is that it can be served all sorts of ways — hot, cold, on the cob, in a cup, as a dip, as a topping, you pick! I typically make a big batch, and then repurpose it in various ways over the course of a week. Unfortunately — since I know many will ask — it does not freeze well. But if you refrigerate in a sealed container, it will keep well for up to five days.
This simple Elote Dip recipe is everything you love about classic Mexican street corn…in a quick and easy dip! Feel free to adjust ingredient amounts to taste.
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 pound (about 3.5 cups) whole kernel corn*
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or mayo)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
juice of 1 lime
Kosher salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
Instructions
Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. Add in the garlic, and sauté for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Remove from heat and add the corn to a mixing bowl. Add in the remaining ingredients and stir until combined. Taste, and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to five days.
Notes
*Feel free to use frozen or canned corn. Or fresh corn cut off the cob that has been cooked.
I love elote, but have never made it. This dip sounds like the perfect way to go. Actually, it just occurred to me that it would also be a good taco filling…
I’ve made a very similar dip using the frozen roasted corn from Trader Joe’s. (I’ve seen other brands in the grocery stores as well.) Can’t wait to try this version. Thanks!
This looks amazing! I had also thought the frozen roasted corn from TJ’s would be good for this. I don’t know too much about Spanish food, but I’m surprised they found the Mexican food spicy!
interesting, I’ve probably had this without realizing it, certainly never deliberately set out to make it, so nice to read about what I would otherwise have only thought of as just some simple corn since I already love all of the spices and will definitely be including the jalapeno, sorry to realize that you have to tone it done so much in Spain!
Yummy, Just Yummy. Easy to make and full of flavor. This one is a hit. The queso fresco melts into the sweet warm corn and adds a rich creaminess. I loved making this almost as much as eating it.
We loved this dip! So easy to make and so hard to stop eating. I used frozen corn and was surprised how well it roasted. My dip turned out a bit creamier looking than yours but still presented well sprinkled with some cilantro and extra chili powder. I even liked it cold the next day as sort of a salad. Will definitely make again. Thanks!
I made this over the weekend and added chopped tomatoes but instead of eating it as a dip we just had it as a side to our tacos and it wadls DELICIOUS and also reheated very well. Thanks for the idea.
I just tried this on a whim. I had gotten the cotija cheese like a week or two ago and some frozen corn but never made it. The tip re: roasting the corn in butter prior to is essential. That makes all the difference in terms of flavor. But this is a quick, easy and flavorful dish. I didn’t need to add any extra anything, I followed your recipe to a tee, a bit more garlic and yogurt and cheese simply because of my preference. And extra cilantro. It’s like street corn off the cob. Yum!
I am thinking of making this for a Spanish themed party. How do you eat it, besides using a spoon. Do you use tortilla chips? Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks!
Yum! I’ve made this recipe 3 times in the past month! My boyfriend took some to work with him and people were begging for the recipe. The first two times I used fresh corn–cut it off the cob and threw it in the pan to roast with some butter. This last time, I bought Trader Joe’s roasted corn (frozen) to use to eliminate that first step. If roasting, I suggest to let it cool before mixing with remaining ingredients. But in my opinion, roasting the corn is absolutely necessary! I also used 2-2-1/2 T mayo instead of greek yogurt, a tad more cotija and chili powder than called for (personal taste). Overall, really good! I will be making this all summer!
This is the most delicious recipe I have ever made!!!! I am for sure doubling the recipe next time. I didn’t even need to add anything to it. It was perfect! I didn’t have any Greek yogurt, so I used Dukes mayonnaise. And I used fresh corn off the cob (about 4 ears of corn…I didn’t measure it out to see if it was enough). This is now my go-to recipe for all occasions – taco night, football night, family reunions, etc.
I made this for my book club potluck last week. Everyone raved and asked for the recipe. Since then, I know it’s been made by 6 different people and received amazing reviews from their guests as well. I’m not one to repeat recipes, but I’ll definitely keep making this one. It really only takes 15 minutes!
This is an amazing recipe. I made it once for a bbq i was throwing and now get requests to make it for every family gathering. In my sister’s words “it’s straight-up crack.”
I have become addicted to this dip, I can not stop making it – it is SO delicious! We’ve just been eating it with corn chips (there is lack of tortilla chips in NZ, sadly) but tonight we’re going to try it on prawn tacos. Can’t wait!
Made this for Superbowl party. It was a big hit. Daughter and son-in-law said “it’s soooo good!” So, it’s a keeper. Thanks Ali.
Pat Galvin —
By the way, I used TJ’s roasted corn (frozen) and just sauteed in butter to warm it and maybe get a little roasted (not much). The hot corn added to the bowl immediately melted the cheese and helped blend the flavors. Really quick and easy to make.
This was incredible! Made it last night and essentially ate the entire batch…by myself. Oops! Used a shallot instead of red onion because that’s what I had and Trader Joe’s frozen roasted corn to skip a step :) Delicious!
I love Mexican food, it’s one of my favourite cuisines (and I come from an Italian background so please don’t tell my mum LOL). This dish looks awesome & probably tastes awesome as well , but I’m not a fan of coriander, is there another herb that would work?
Feel free to just leave out the cilantro if you would like — it will still have great flavor. :) Or you’re welcome to sub in some fresh parsley, or for a totally different twist, some mint.
This dip is such a crowd-pleaser! So many people ask me for the recipe (as they’re gobbling it up, lol). Perfect for summer, tailgating, or just hosting friends.
I made this tonight. Paired it with a beef tamales recipe.
We ended up eating them together like it was it’s perfect match.
So so good ?. Even the kids gobbled it up.
I know it’s a hit when I hear ‘I can’t wait to eat more tomorrow!’
I used Mexican crema for the yogurt/sour cream. Everything else was exactly as written.
Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!
That looks tasty, but it’s not really traditional mexican style.
The main difference is mexican corn is white, it’s not sweet as the yellow one.
The color in your recipe seems to be the sweeter part, which we don’t really do here.
this is amazing! I adjusted the spices a tiny bit per our tastes, but mostly followed the recipe exactly. handed out a sample on a tortilla chip to my housemates and immediately got three clamorings of “more, please!” we’re addicted to the elote from the taco place down the street, so I was a little nervous about trying my own, but it’s delicious and very easy (and inexpensive), will definitely be making repeatedly.
Just made it and I love it warm! Do you serve hot or cold? Going to refrigerate the leftovers and see how it is the next day! I’m planning on using it for a party of 30 this weekend, and love the idea of serving it warm and creamy in a chafing dish. Any tips?
This turned out completely delicious and it’s currently a real struggle for me to not eat all of this dip before our guests come over! My husband grilled the corn for me because I liked the idea of having the char flavor in this dip (worked wonderfully), and all these flavors together are perfection. Thank you for this recipe!!
This dip was AWESOME. We inhaled it. Salty limey tangy creamy amazingness. The only negative thing about it was…that I didn’t double this recipe!! We demolished the bowl in no time. I won’t make that mistake next time! :)
I am making this! We were in Oaxaca, Mexico recently and I ate elotes everyday from the street vendors. So good!
I am going to try this as well. Must be GREAT to be invited to your home for dinner.
I love elote, but have never made it. This dip sounds like the perfect way to go. Actually, it just occurred to me that it would also be a good taco filling…
OMG. This looks so delicious!
Looks absolutely delicious. it’s giving me ideas for a Cinco de Mayo party. I just might!
Alexis
https://simplehealthstyle.com
I’ve made a very similar dip using the frozen roasted corn from Trader Joe’s. (I’ve seen other brands in the grocery stores as well.) Can’t wait to try this version. Thanks!
This looks amazing! I had also thought the frozen roasted corn from TJ’s would be good for this. I don’t know too much about Spanish food, but I’m surprised they found the Mexican food spicy!
I am so intrigued by this recipe…seriously cannot wait to try!! Perfect side dish for spring and summer gatherings :)
15 min AND gluten-free? I need nothing more, gonna make this TODAY! hahah Thanks for sharing!
If I use frozen corn, should I thaw it first or just toss it in the pan still frozen?
I used frozen corn as well. I popped it in the pan frozen. Make sure you’re on medium high heat to dry up any water as you’re browning the corn.
Do you prefer Greek yogurt or mayo? I get so confused when recipes say “or” lol. Which do I pick!?
I use a half yogurt & half Mexican crema and it turns out amazing.
interesting, I’ve probably had this without realizing it, certainly never deliberately set out to make it, so nice to read about what I would otherwise have only thought of as just some simple corn since I already love all of the spices and will definitely be including the jalapeno, sorry to realize that you have to tone it done so much in Spain!
Just made this for Cinco de Mayo/Kentucky Derby party!
I used Trader Joe’s Roasted Corn…easy peasy. Tastes great.
Yummy, Just Yummy. Easy to make and full of flavor. This one is a hit. The queso fresco melts into the sweet warm corn and adds a rich creaminess. I loved making this almost as much as eating it.
We loved this dip! So easy to make and so hard to stop eating. I used frozen corn and was surprised how well it roasted. My dip turned out a bit creamier looking than yours but still presented well sprinkled with some cilantro and extra chili powder. I even liked it cold the next day as sort of a salad. Will definitely make again. Thanks!
I made this over the weekend and added chopped tomatoes but instead of eating it as a dip we just had it as a side to our tacos and it wadls DELICIOUS and also reheated very well. Thanks for the idea.
I just tried this on a whim. I had gotten the cotija cheese like a week or two ago and some frozen corn but never made it. The tip re: roasting the corn in butter prior to is essential. That makes all the difference in terms of flavor. But this is a quick, easy and flavorful dish. I didn’t need to add any extra anything, I followed your recipe to a tee, a bit more garlic and yogurt and cheese simply because of my preference. And extra cilantro. It’s like street corn off the cob. Yum!
I am thinking of making this for a Spanish themed party. How do you eat it, besides using a spoon. Do you use tortilla chips? Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks!
I made this for my family tonight and it was an instant hit! Absolutely delicious and easy to make–this will be my new go-to for pot lucks :)
Yum! I’ve made this recipe 3 times in the past month! My boyfriend took some to work with him and people were begging for the recipe. The first two times I used fresh corn–cut it off the cob and threw it in the pan to roast with some butter. This last time, I bought Trader Joe’s roasted corn (frozen) to use to eliminate that first step. If roasting, I suggest to let it cool before mixing with remaining ingredients. But in my opinion, roasting the corn is absolutely necessary! I also used 2-2-1/2 T mayo instead of greek yogurt, a tad more cotija and chili powder than called for (personal taste). Overall, really good! I will be making this all summer!
I was fortunate to enjoy this wonderful dip that one of my book club friends made. We all loved it!!
This is the most delicious recipe I have ever made!!!! I am for sure doubling the recipe next time. I didn’t even need to add anything to it. It was perfect! I didn’t have any Greek yogurt, so I used Dukes mayonnaise. And I used fresh corn off the cob (about 4 ears of corn…I didn’t measure it out to see if it was enough). This is now my go-to recipe for all occasions – taco night, football night, family reunions, etc.
I’ve made this dip twice now. It fabulous!!! And now my sister has asked for your recipe!!!
I made this for my book club potluck last week. Everyone raved and asked for the recipe. Since then, I know it’s been made by 6 different people and received amazing reviews from their guests as well. I’m not one to repeat recipes, but I’ll definitely keep making this one. It really only takes 15 minutes!
This is an amazing recipe. I made it once for a bbq i was throwing and now get requests to make it for every family gathering. In my sister’s words “it’s straight-up crack.”
This is so amazingly good! I’m taking it as a side for Thanksgiving! It will be a hit.
I have become addicted to this dip, I can not stop making it – it is SO delicious! We’ve just been eating it with corn chips (there is lack of tortilla chips in NZ, sadly) but tonight we’re going to try it on prawn tacos. Can’t wait!
This recipe is sooo good!!! It was gone so fast. I left out the onions and jalapeno and it was still fantastic! Thanks for sharing!☺️
This recipe has been an absolute crowd pleaser anytime we have people over. The corn dip actually was the highlight of the super bowl party lol.
Made this for Superbowl party. It was a big hit. Daughter and son-in-law said “it’s soooo good!” So, it’s a keeper. Thanks Ali.
By the way, I used TJ’s roasted corn (frozen) and just sauteed in butter to warm it and maybe get a little roasted (not much). The hot corn added to the bowl immediately melted the cheese and helped blend the flavors. Really quick and easy to make.
Just made this dip. It is delicious. I am going to add black beans to the leftovers.
This was incredible! Made it last night and essentially ate the entire batch…by myself. Oops! Used a shallot instead of red onion because that’s what I had and Trader Joe’s frozen roasted corn to skip a step :) Delicious!
I love Mexican food, it’s one of my favourite cuisines (and I come from an Italian background so please don’t tell my mum LOL). This dish looks awesome & probably tastes awesome as well , but I’m not a fan of coriander, is there another herb that would work?
Thank you
Rita
Feel free to just leave out the cilantro if you would like — it will still have great flavor. :) Or you’re welcome to sub in some fresh parsley, or for a totally different twist, some mint.
This is absolutely fabulous! Will be making again and again!
Delicious!!! I made this today, tried a bite, and immediately doubled the recipe because I knew it would disappear (and it did)! So good!
This was REALLY good!! We used soy yogurt as I couldn’t find a small container of greek.
This dip is such a crowd-pleaser! So many people ask me for the recipe (as they’re gobbling it up, lol). Perfect for summer, tailgating, or just hosting friends.
Easy and delicious. It really does come together in 15 minutes. Canned corn works well.
I made this tonight. Paired it with a beef tamales recipe.
We ended up eating them together like it was it’s perfect match.
So so good ?. Even the kids gobbled it up.
I know it’s a hit when I hear ‘I can’t wait to eat more tomorrow!’
I used Mexican crema for the yogurt/sour cream. Everything else was exactly as written.
Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!
That looks tasty, but it’s not really traditional mexican style.
The main difference is mexican corn is white, it’s not sweet as the yellow one.
The color in your recipe seems to be the sweeter part, which we don’t really do here.
this is amazing! I adjusted the spices a tiny bit per our tastes, but mostly followed the recipe exactly. handed out a sample on a tortilla chip to my housemates and immediately got three clamorings of “more, please!” we’re addicted to the elote from the taco place down the street, so I was a little nervous about trying my own, but it’s delicious and very easy (and inexpensive), will definitely be making repeatedly.
Just made it and I love it warm! Do you serve hot or cold? Going to refrigerate the leftovers and see how it is the next day! I’m planning on using it for a party of 30 this weekend, and love the idea of serving it warm and creamy in a chafing dish. Any tips?
Esquites is off the cob; Elotes is on the cob.
This turned out completely delicious and it’s currently a real struggle for me to not eat all of this dip before our guests come over! My husband grilled the corn for me because I liked the idea of having the char flavor in this dip (worked wonderfully), and all these flavors together are perfection. Thank you for this recipe!!
My family love this!
Loved this cute back on jalapeno, not a spicy person. YUM, making it again.
Looks lovely. Can leftovers be frozen?
I made this for a work potluck and everyone loved it. Most people just ate it with a spoon bc they didn’t realize it was a dip. It’s really tasty!
Love making this anytime of the year. Will be making this afternoon as we watch football.
This dip was AWESOME. We inhaled it. Salty limey tangy creamy amazingness. The only negative thing about it was…that I didn’t double this recipe!! We demolished the bowl in no time. I won’t make that mistake next time! :)