If you love Mexican food but have never had a dish called elote, we’re here to help.
Elote is one of those dishes that sounds weird at first, but then once you try it, you will understand why everyone loves this dish.
Here’s what you need to know about eating elote.
- What is elote?
- What is in elote dip?
- How do you make elote dip?
- What does elote dip taste like?
- What is the history of elote?
What Is Elote?
Elotes are sweet corn on the cob with lots of cheese and chili powder sprinkled all over them.
In fact, they can be found throughout Mexico and Central America.
They were brought into North America by Spanish settlers and became popular among Mexicans living in Texas as well as immigrants from other Latin American countries.
Today, elotes are available everywhere including grocery stores, restaurants and street stands.
Where did elotes come from?
The word “elote” comes from Nahuatl which means ‘sweet fruit.’
The original version of an elote was simply fresh corn served straight off the cob without any salt or spice seasoning.
However, when people ate elotes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the corn quickly lost its sweetness and started tasting bland.
So, instead of serving just corn on the cob, cooks began adding spices such as cumin, chili powder and lime juice to give the corn more flavor.
Can I eat elotes raw?
No — raw corn has no nutritional value whatsoever.
You would get sick if you tried to eat raw corn because there are many harmful bacteria present inside the husk.
To avoid getting ill, always cook your elotes before consuming them.
How long can elotes stay good?
When cooked properly, elotes can last up to four hours in the refrigerator.
If you plan to serve elotes immediately after cooking, keep them in the fridge until you are ready to serve them so they don’t dry out.
What Is In Elote Dip?
Elotes are sweet corn on the cob with some cheese melted over them.
That’s pretty much all there is to an elote, right?
Well, not exactly.
There are so many different variations of elote dips out there, each with its own unique flavors and ingredients.
You can find any number of different versions of elote dip recipes online, from simple cream cheese or sour cream to more complex options like guacamole, salsa, refried beans, and even chili!
How Do You Make Elote Dip?
Elotes are cubed sweet corn on the cob with a few spices sprinkled over them.
The most common way to eat elotes is by dipping them into an appetizer or snack type of dip made from cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, onion powder, and sometimes even hot sauce.
The best part about making your own elote dip is that you can customize which flavors go inside.
You can add whatever seasonings you want, including different types of peppers, chiles, herbs, etc.
If you don’t care for spicy foods, feel free to leave out the jalapeños and habaneros (I recommend leaving out the habanero if you use fresh ingredients).
This is also a great opportunity to get creative when it comes to creating new recipes.
Experimenting with different kinds of sauces gives you a ton of options for how to serve your delicious creation.
Step 1: Peel and chop up some corn kernels.
You should be able to find canned corn easily at any grocery store near the produce section.
In addition to being easy to buy, canned corn has no added sugar so there won’t be any extra sweetness after adding the other ingredients.
Plus, it’s already cut up for you so all you need to do is dice it up before putting it into the bowl.
Step 2: Heat butter in a large skillet until melted.
Once the butter melts, pour it onto the bottom side of the pan to prevent it from burning while cooking the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan and stir well.
Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, black olives, and green chilies to the pan along with the canola oil.
Stir everything together thoroughly so that all of the ingredients are coated in the oil and covered in the mixture.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for another 5 minutes.
After stirring the mixture every couple of minutes, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for five more minutes.
Once cooked through, remove the pan from the stovetop and set aside.
What Does Elote Dip Taste Like?
Elote dips are typically made with roasted sweet corn (sometimes referred to as “cobs”) which has been cut into smaller pieces and mixed with cheese or sour cream.
The result is a crunchy, spicy snack that can be eaten on its own or used as an appetizer for tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and more.
The best part of this snack is how easy it is to prepare.
All you really need is some fresh buttery corn, a little bit of cheddar cheese, and your favorite salsa.
Once everything is combined together, you just wait for the magic to happen.
The combination of flavors creates something truly delicious.
What Is The History Of Elote?
Elotes are a traditional street food from Mexico served hot off the grill or baked fresh on the cob.
The name comes from the Spanish word for ear of corn (el oto), which is how they got their shape.
They can be made with sweet corn or grilled ears of corn as well.
The most popular way to enjoy them is by dipping them into an elote dip.
Some people prefer not to use any kind of dairy product when making the dip, while others add cheese and other ingredients to create different flavors.
There are even some who don’t like to serve the corn straight out of its husks, instead preferring to wrap it up and put it under the broiler until warm.
A lot of restaurants offer elote as part of their menu these days, so if you want to try your hand at making homemade elote dip, check out our recipes below!
1. How to Make Homemade Corn Tortillas
These tortilla chips are delicious, healthy, and easy to make.
You just need five basic pantry items – flour, baking powder, salt, oil, and water.
To get started, combine all dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
Add cold water slowly until you reach a consistency similar to pancake batter.
Once you’ve reached this stage, let the mixture rest 5 minutes before rolling out onto a floured surface using a rolling pin.
These tortillas keep well in plastic bags, so you can make extra batches whenever the mood strikes.
2. How to Peel Fresh Corn Off the Cob
Freshly cooked corn has no equal.
If you ever find yourself craving corn, but aren’t quite ready to pull out the stovetop pan that makes it possible, give this method a shot.
All you really need is a sharp knife and a little bit of patience.
Cut down along the side of each ear of corn, slicing through the kernels without cutting too deeply.
Now remove the silk from between the rows of kernels and cut down again.
Repeat this process until you’ve removed all of the silky material.
3. How to Grill Perfect Grilled Corn
Grilling corn brings out the natural sweetness that many people associate with summertime fare.
While grilling doesn’t take much longer than roasting it over direct heat, the result is far superior.
First, prepare an outdoor grill or smoker set to high heat.
Next, place the cobs directly on the grill grate and cook for 10-15 minutes per side depending on whether you’re cooking whole or shucked corn.
4. How to Bake Your Own Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are naturally low in calories, rich in vitamin A, and loaded with antioxidants.
Not only are they good for you, but they also pair wonderfully with savory fillings such as ham and bacon.
Here’s how to bake them stuffed with meatloaf mix, then topped with cranberries and pecans.
How Do You Eat Elote Dip?
Elotes come in three different flavors — sweet, sour, or spicy.
The most popular type of elote is the sweet variety, which has been around for decades.
The original dish was created by a chef from Mexico City who combined fresh corn with cheese and cream, giving us our beloved elote.
The elote dip can be served as an appetizer or snack.
You can find many recipes on Pinterest that use store-bought ingredients to create your own homemade version.
If you want something more authentic, however, head over to any local taqueria or taco shop.
There, you’ll see people making their own versions of elote dip using fresh corn, cilantro, queso fresco (a fresh white cheese), and mayonnaise.
Some even add avocado.
Creamy, Cheesy Corn Dip Recipe
This elote dip recipe uses canned creamed corn instead of fresh corn because it cuts down on prep time.
Instead of fresh corn, you could also buy frozen corn kernels and thaw them before adding them to the mixture.
Either way, the result is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons milk
- One 8 ounce package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- Two 10.5 ounce cans creamed corn
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
(Optional) 1 ripe avocado diced (about half a small avocado)
Directions:
- In a medium bowl combine all ingredients except the avocado, mixing well until smooth.
- Add the avocado if desired and mix again until evenly distributed throughout the dip.
You can serve this elote dip warm or cold, either plain or topped with salsa.
What Are Some Other Ways To Eat Elote?
Elote is a Mexican street snack made from fresh young corn on the cob, which has been cut off its cobs and grilled over an open flame until charred.
The kernels are then dipped into a variety of different sauces before being tossed back onto the grill for just another minute or two to finish cooking.
A popular way to enjoy elotes is with a side of warm tortillas to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Some people also add cheese to their elote dips.
Other options include using sour cream instead of mayo, frying the corn in butter, and sprinkling salt on top after grilling.
The best part about eating elote is how quickly you can get your hands dirty preparing it yourself.
No matter if you prefer to buy pre-cut elotes from a store or want to go the extra mile by cutting them yourself, there are plenty of recipes out there to satisfy any craving.
There are many different types of elotes available throughout Mexico. Some common varieties include:
- Pibil (or pibe) – This type of elote is fried in lard and seasoned with chili powder, lime juice, onions, garlic, and spices.
- Coco de Mermelada – A sweet version of elotes made with coconut milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Chimichanga – A traditional Mexican sandwich filled with ground beef, green chilies, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and more.
- Tacos al pastor – Similar to chimichangas, tacos al pastor are topped with shredded pork marinated in citrus juices.
- Huevos con mole – This breakfast favorite includes eggs cooked in a rich red chocolate sauce.
For even more ideas, check out these tasty elote recipes found on Pinterest.
What Are Some Other Recipes That Use Elote?
Elotes are an excellent snack for any occasion or time of day.
They can be eaten as a whole ear or cut into smaller pieces.
You can even slice them up yourself using your knife if you want to get creative with your snacks.
There are so many different types of elotes out there.
Some people prefer their ears sliced super thin while others enjoy thicker slices.
There are also different varieties of elotes available depending on where you live.
If you don’t see your favorite variety of elotes sold anywhere near you, feel free to substitute something else in its place.
That being said, most people opt for sweet corn rather than savory ones.
But before you head off to buy more ingredients, let us take a look at how to prepare these delicious treats.
What Are Some Other Ways To Use Elote Dip?
Elote, or corn on the cob, can be eaten as an appetizer, snack, main course or even dessert.
You can eat it straight from your ears with a knife and fork or pick out the kernels with your fingers.
The kernels come in different sizes so you don’t always want them all, depending on how much you enjoy the way they look, how crunchy they are and how many people are eating elotes.
You can also buy pre-cut pieces of fresh or frozen elote for dipping into various sauces and condiments.
The classic combo is just plain butter and salt, but there are tons more options if you want something unique.
We have compiled several easy elote recipes below.
Some of these include traditional versions while others offer new twists on a tried & true favorite.
1. Classic Corn Dip Recipe
This traditional corn dip is made by chopping up the sweetest part of the ear (the end) of the corn and mixing it together with melted butter, cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, cheddar cheese and green onions.
There are no preservatives added because this dip needs to stay good for days.
If you prefer, you could substitute regular white onion instead of green onions.
2. Jalapeño Popper Dip
This jalapeño popper dip uses canned beans mixed with shredded Cheddar cheese and seasoned ground beef along with jalapenos.
Serve this spicy treat with tortilla chips.
To add spice without the heat, sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper over top before serving.
3. Salsa Verde Elote Dip Recipe
Serve salsa verde elote dip with tortillas, flour tortillas or pita bread for dipping.
Add some diced avocado and lime juice to this tasty blend for extra flavor.
4. Roasted Tomato and Avocado Guacamole Dippers
To boost the flavors of this guacamole dip, mix roasted tomatoes, roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest and fresh basil leaves.
Then toss everything together with chopped avocados, parsley, salt and pepper.
Serve these delicious dippers with gluten free crackers or veggies sticks.
5. Spicy Chipotle Ranch Dip
For a little kick, serve this chipotle ranch dip with gluten free tortilla chips.
Mix plain Greek yogurt with minced chipotle chilies, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder and salt.
Spread this mixture onto warm tortilla chips and top with sliced scallions, chopped tomato and crumbled feta cheese.
6. Cream Cheese Quesadillas With Homemade Refried Beans
These quesadillas are loaded with homemade refried beans, sharp cheddar jack cheese, bacon bits, sour cream and crema fresca.
Top each quesadilla with sour cream and additional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, olives, lettuce, guacamole and salsa.
Use small tortillas for smaller appetites or large tortillas for larger groups.
7. Taco Salad
Taco salad combines two of our favorite foods – tacos and salads.
Toss cubed romaine lettuce with taco seasoning, shredded chicken, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, sour cream and diced limes.
Garnish with sour cream, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers and finely diced jalapeños.
8. Grilled Watermelon and Baja Shrimp Skewers
Grilling watermelon makes it juicy and flavorful.
For this grilled skewers, season shrimp with balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, sea salt and pepper.
Grill the skewers until cooked through and place them in a bowl.
Spoon marinade over top of the skewers and top with thinly sliced jalapeños, fresh mint and crushed red pepper flakes.
9. Smoky BBQ Pork Nachos
Smoked pork shoulder is slow smoked overnight using apple wood and hickory smoke.
Chop the meat and combine with barbecue sauce, sour cream, cumin, cilantro and lime juice.
Layer nacho cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, cabbage, tomatoes, scallion greens, cheese and pork on tortilla chips.
Sprinkle with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika and kosher salt.
What Are Some Other Elote Dips You Know Of?
There are many different types of elotes around the world.
In Mexico, people eat them fresh from the cob (with skin on).
They also add sour cream or crema into their dip recipes for added creaminess.
The most popular type of elote dip in America is made with mayonnaise and cheese.
But there are many others, too.
Guacamole elote
For something slightly more adventurous, here’s an easy way to get your avocado fix without having to peel yourself silly.
To make guacamole elote, slice up ripe avocados and toss them onto tortilla chips, top them off with salsa if desired, and sprinkle on shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
Elote con queso y chile de arbol
This is actually my favorite version of elote because I think it tastes better than anything else out there.
This elote dip has all of the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine combined perfectly.
To make this delicious elote dip, you start by making elote using either canned or frozen kernels, depending on how much time you have.
Then you can sauté onions until they become translucent, followed by adding garlic and spices.
Once everything is cooked down, pour in some milk and whisk together until smooth.
Next, mix in grated cheese and diced tomatoes.
Finally, season with salt and pepper and transfer back to the stovetop where you heat through before serving.
Creamy elote dip
Another classic elote dip recipe uses mayonnaise as its base.
You simply must try this one!
To make creamy elote, combine ingredients including cubed sweet potatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, milk, and mayonnaise.
Season well with salt and pepper before transferring mixture to crock-pot and heating over low for 4 hours.
Roasted vegetable elote dip
My absolute favorite elote dip recipe is roasted vegetable elote dip.
If you don’t want to wait four hours for the above option, this method works great!
You start by roasting vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, onion, and jalapeño peppers until browning begins to form on each side.
Once done, remove from oven and set aside.
Drain excess liquid from veggies and dice finely.
Next, shred cheese, spread evenly across bottom of baking pan, and place all roasted vegetables atop cheese layer.
Repeat steps two and three until all vegetables have been used.
Finish with sour cream and serve warm.
Equipment
- 1 Pan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups corn
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup onion
- 1/4 cup queso fresco
- 3 tablespoons cilantro
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 lime juice
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- In a sizable sauté pan set over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the corn and stir occasionally for about 10 minutes, or until brown and caramelised. When the garlic is aromatic, add it and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- After taking it off the heat, put the corn in a mixing dish. Stir the remaining components in after adding them. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasonings.
- Serve right away or store in the fridge for up to five days in a sealed container.
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