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Baked Elote Dip

Creamy baked elote dip with corn and cotija cheese

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Baked Elote Dip is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you are at a summer street fair, no matter the season. This warm, scoopable, shareable dip captures every bit of authentic Mexican street corn flavor in an easy party appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned and drained)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (for a lighter version, Greek yogurt works beautifully)
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Mexican crema for authenticity)
  • 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (feta is a good substitute if needed)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced (adjust for heat preference)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Juice of 1 large lime
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  2. Combine the Base: In the bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well-incorporated.
  3. Add the Good Stuff: Fold in the corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, red onion, cilantro, and diced jalapeño. Be gentle but thorough—you want every bite to have a bit of everything.
  4. Transfer and Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined oven-safe baking dish. A 9-inch cast-iron skillet or a 1.5-quart casserole dish works perfectly. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  5. Bake to Bubbly Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is lightly golden. For a more browned, cheesy top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely!
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly. Garnish with extra crumbled cotija, a sprinkle of chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Notes

This dip is very adaptable to different dietary needs. For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and use light sour cream. For dairy-free, use vegan alternatives. Always taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasoning. Do not freeze as the dairy base can separate. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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