Description
This Easy Elote Dip is a quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired appetizer featuring golden sautéed corn, creamy Greek yogurt, tangy cotija cheese, and a spicy kick from jalapeño and chili powder. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, it combines fresh ingredients and simple preparation to deliver the taste of elote corn off the cob in a delicious dip form.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 pound whole kernel corn
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- Chili powder, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the corn: Heat the butter or olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the whole kernel corn and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the corn is golden brown and slightly charred for added flavor. This step caramelizes the corn and brings out its natural sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release its aroma and flavor without burning it.
- Combine dip ingredients: Transfer the sautéed corn and garlic mixture to a mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped jalapeño, diced red onion, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt, and fresh lime juice. Season with chili powder, salt, and black pepper according to taste.
- Mix well: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring the creamy yogurt and cheese coat the flavorful corn mixture evenly.
- Serve or store: Serve the elote dip immediately with tortilla chips for dipping. Alternatively, refrigerate the dip in an airtight container for up to five days to enjoy later. The flavors meld beautifully when chilled.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add extra chili powder.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta if unavailable, though the flavor will vary slightly.
- This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
- To make it vegan, replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and omit cotija or use a vegan cheese alternative.
