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Flavorful Street Corn Elote Queso Dip with Cotija and Tajín

street corn elote queso dip - featured image
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A creamy, smoky, and tangy dip inspired by Mexican street corn, featuring charred corn, Cotija cheese, and a zesty Tajín seasoning. Perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons Tajín seasoning
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, extra Tajín or Cotija for sprinkling, lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until charred and browned, about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in smoked paprika and chili powder during the last minute. Avoid burning.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack, and crumbled Cotija cheese. Add mayonnaise, minced garlic, lime juice, and Tajín seasoning. Fold gently until creamy with some texture.
  3. Once the corn has cooled slightly, fold it into the cheese mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine without crushing the kernels.
  4. Serve immediately or transfer to an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top (optional). Garnish with extra Cotija, Tajín, and fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Char the corn carefully over medium-high heat to avoid burning. Soften cream cheese fully before mixing for smooth texture. Avoid overmixing after adding corn to keep kernels whole. Adjust salt and seasoning last to taste. Lime juice is essential for brightness. Can be made vegan or dairy-free with appropriate substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: street corn dip, elote dip, queso dip, Cotija cheese, Tajín, Mexican appetizer, party dip, creamy dip, smoky dip

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/flavorful-street-corn-elote-queso-dip-recipe-with-cotija-and-taj-i-n-easy/