5 Delicious Elote Recipes You Must Try

Mexican Street Corn

If you've ever wandered the vibrant streets of Mexico or enjoyed a Mexican festival, you've likely encountered Elote, Mexico's beloved street food. This delightful dish, known as Mexican street corn, involves grilling corn on the cob until charred, then slathering it with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, lime, and sometimes, a hint of cilantro. Here's how you can bring this flavor burst to your kitchen:

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn
• ¹⁄₂ cup of mayonnaise
• ¹⁄₄ cup of cotija cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• Lime wedges
• Cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill the corn over medium-high heat until kernels are lightly charred and tender. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to cook evenly.
2. While the corn is still warm, use a brush or a spoon to spread the mayonnaise all over each cob.
3. Sprinkle cotija cheese generously over the corn, ensuring even coverage.
4. Season with chili powder, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
5. If desired, garnish with cilantro.

🌟 Note: Authentic Elote uses cotija cheese, but if unavailable, feta or Parmesan can substitute for a similar texture and saltiness.

Elote Salad

For a twist on the classic street corn, consider making Elote Salad. This variation allows you to enjoy the flavors of elote in a shareable dish perfect for parties or as a side.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or from grilled cobs)
• ¹⁄₄ cup of mayonnaise or sour cream
• ¹⁄₄ cup of crumbled cotija cheese or feta
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
• ¹⁄₂ red onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup of cilantro, chopped
• 2 limes, juiced
• Salt and chili powder to taste

Instructions:

1. If using fresh corn, grill or boil until cooked, then remove the kernels. If using frozen, thaw it first.
2. In a large bowl, mix corn with mayonnaise or sour cream until coated.
3. Add the jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
4. Stir in the cotija cheese, reserving some for garnish.
5. Season with salt and chili powder to your taste.
6. Mix well and top with the remaining cheese before serving.

🌟 Note: This salad is great for making ahead. The flavors meld together even better if it sits for an hour before serving.

Spicy Elote Dip

Perfect for parties or a simple snack, this Spicy Elote Dip brings the heat and creaminess together in one bowl.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of corn kernels
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¹⁄₂ cup of mayonnaise
• ¹⁄₂ cup of sour cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup of cotija cheese, grated
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (with seeds for extra spice)
• ¹⁄₄ cup of cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Chili powder and salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.
3. Fold in the corn, jalapeño, most of the cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with chili powder and salt.
4. Spread the mixture into a baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
6. Serve warm with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.

🌟 Note: For an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or Tajin to the dip before baking.

Elote Pizza

Yes, you read that right. Elote meets pizza for a fusion that's both comforting and exciting. Here's how to make this inventive pizza:

Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• ¹⁄₂ cup of pizza sauce
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella
• 2 cups of corn kernels
• ¹⁄₄ cup of mayonnaise
• ¹⁄₄ cup of cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
• Chili powder, lime zest, and fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest setting possible, often around 500°F (260°C).
2. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
4. Layer on the shredded mozzarella, corn kernels, and sliced jalapeño.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. After removing from the oven, drizzle with mayonnaise, sprinkle cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime zest, then garnish with cilantro.

Elote Pasta Salad

Turn elote into a cold pasta salad for a refreshing twist on a classic picnic dish:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (small shapes like farfalle work well)
• 2 cups of corn kernels
• ¹⁄₂ cup of cotija cheese, crumbled
• ¹⁄₄ cup of mayonnaise
• ¹⁄₄ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1-2 limes
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup of cilantro, chopped
• Chili powder and salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, corn, cotija cheese, jalapeño, and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and salt to create the dressing.
4. Add dressing to the pasta salad, mix thoroughly.
5. Chill for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

To conclude, experimenting with elote recipes can elevate simple ingredients into exciting dishes. From the traditional street corn to innovative dishes like Elote Pizza, these recipes showcase the versatility and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. Whether it's the creamy, spicy notes or the playful mix of textures, elote brings joy and a burst of flavor to the table, making it a beloved food experience both in and beyond its native Mexico.