Irresistible Elote Queso Recipe: Creamy Mexican Street Corn Dip

Mexican street corn with queso brings salty-sweet magic to your plate, combining creamy cheese and smoky grilled flavors.

Kernels of corn dance with zesty spices, creating a mouthwatering symphony of textures.

Kernels charred to golden perfection whisper stories of bustling street markets in Mexico City.

Summer gatherings call for this irresistible dish that connects generations through shared culinary joy.

Each bite promises a burst of tangy, rich sensations that wake up your taste buds.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, turning simple corn into an extraordinary experience.

You’ll want to grab a spoon and savor every single delectable morsel of this incredible recipe.

Why Elote Queso Is Creamy With A Kick

• Savor Quick and Easy Flavor Explosion: This elote queso recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that bursts with Mexican street corn flavors in just 15 minutes of cooking time.
• Master Versatile Comfort Dish: Perfectly adaptable as a dip, taco topping, or side dish, this recipe welcomes creativity and suits multiple meal scenarios from game nights to casual gatherings.
• Customize with Spice Levels: Easily adjust heat by controlling jalapeno and chili powder quantities, making it friendly for both spice lovers and those with milder taste preferences.
• Capture Authentic Street Food Vibes: Combines traditional elote elements with creamy queso, delivering a restaurant-quality experience right in your home kitchen with minimal cooking skills required.

What To Include In Elote Queso

• Corn: Sweet and charred base for the dish, choose fresh or frozen kernels for best flavor.
• Jalapeño: Adds spicy kick, remove seeds for milder heat.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth, fresh cloves recommended.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy and rich base for queso, helps create smooth texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts easily and adds classic cheese flavor, choose a Mexican-style blend or cheddar.
• Cotija Cheese: Salty and crumbly topping, traditional Mexican cheese with bold taste.
• Milk: Helps create smooth and creamy consistency.
• Mayo: Optional ingredient for extra richness and tanginess.

• Chili Powder: Warm and slightly spicy flavor, adds Mexican-inspired profile.
• Paprika: Provides color and mild smoky taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing overall seasoning.
• Lime Juice: Bright and acidic touch to enhance flavors.
• Hot Sauce or Tajin: Optional toppings for extra heat and complexity.

How To Cook Elote Queso Smooth And Flavorful

Step 1: Sizzle Corn to Perfection

• Jalapeño (finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Continue cooking until the kitchen fills with a tantalizing aroma, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheese blend
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Fresh lime juice

Stir until the cheese transforms into a silky, smooth sauce that clings to the corn kernels.

Step 3: Elevate and Garnish

• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Tajin seasoning (optional)

Serve immediately alongside warm tortilla chips or soft tortillas. This vibrant dish works perfectly as a standalone appetizer or a zesty taco topping.

Pro Tip: For an extra kick, consider adding diced green onions or a sprinkle of extra chili powder just before serving.

Tips For Perfect Elote Queso Every Time

• Char Corn Carefully: Use a cast-iron skillet for perfect caramelization and deeper flavor without burning the kernels. Watch the heat and stir frequently to get an even golden-brown color.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Grate cheese fresh and add gradually to prevent clumping. Keep the heat low and stir consistently for a silky-smooth queso texture that doesn't separate.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeno and chili powder quantities to match your heat tolerance. Remove jalapeno seeds for milder flavor or add extra for more kick.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with coconut or almond milk and use vegan cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives for a plant-based version of this creamy dish.
• Leftover Magic: Store queso in an airtight container and reheat gently on stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Transforms wonderfully into a dip or sauce for other Mexican-inspired recipes.

Storage Tips For Elote Queso

• Refrigerate leftover elote queso in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring frequently to restore creamy consistency.
• Add a splash of milk while reheating to help smooth out any separation.
• Avoid freezing, as dairy-based sauces can break down and lose their silky texture when thawed.

What Goes Great With Elote Queso

• Spice Up Your Sip: Pair this zesty elote queso with a cold Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Pacifico. The crisp, light beer perfectly cuts through the rich, creamy cheese and balances the spicy jalapeño kick.
• Cocktail Companion: Mix a refreshing margarita with fresh lime juice and a touch of agave. The citrusy notes will complement the lime in the queso while the tequila's warmth matches the dish's bold flavors.
• Cool Down the Heat: Serve with a side of fresh pico de gallo or chunky guacamole. These cool, tangy accompaniments provide a perfect counterpoint to the warm, spicy queso and help refresh your palate between bites.
• Elevate with Wine: Choose a crisp, slightly acidic white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines will cut through the richness of the cheese and enhance the corn and herb flavors in the dish.

Flavor Add-Ons For Elote Queso

• Spicy Mexican Street Corn Queso: Add diced roasted poblano peppers for extra heat and smoky flavor. Swap out some shredded cheese with pepper jack to boost the spiciness.
• Smoky Bacon Elote Queso: Crisp up chopped bacon and mix into the queso. Sprinkle extra crumbled bacon on top for a salty, smoky crunch that complements the corn's sweetness.
• Vegetarian Green Chile Queso: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream for a dairy-free option. Incorporate roasted green chiles and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy depth of flavor.
• Southwest Black Bean Queso: Fold in black beans and diced red bell peppers for added texture and color. Garnish with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of cumin for a southwestern-inspired variation.

FAQ Guide For Elote Queso

• What makes elote queso different from traditional queso?

This queso combines classic Mexican street corn flavors with a creamy cheese sauce, adding charred corn, jalapeños, and spices directly into the cheese mixture for a more complex, vibrant taste.

• Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or eliminate the jalapeños and chili powder. You can control the heat level by adjusting these ingredients to suit your personal spice tolerance.

• Do I need any special equipment to make elote queso?

No special equipment is required. You just need a large skillet, whisk, and basic cooking utensils. A standard stovetop and simple kitchen tools will work perfectly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not in its current form. The recipe uses flour to thicken the sauce. To make it gluten-free, you could substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to achieve similar thickening results.

Elote Queso Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican street corn dazzles in this creamy elote queso, blending charred corn’s smoky sweetness with rich, melted cheese. Velvety and irresistible, you’ll savor each spoonful of this crowd-pleasing appetizer that transports taste buds straight to a lively street market.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cubed
• 1.5 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or Monterey Jack + cheddar)
• 0.25 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
• Juice of 0.5 lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Optional: hot sauce or Tajin, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Char the corn kernels in a skillet with hot olive oil, creating a golden-brown exterior that develops rich, caramelized flavors. Introduce diced jalapenos and minced garlic to infuse the corn with spicy, aromatic notes.
2. Sprinkle flour over the corn mixture, allowing it to coat evenly and create a thickening base for the cheese sauce. Gradually introduce milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth consistency.
3. Incorporate cream cheese into the simmering liquid, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, velvety texture. Gradually fold in shredded cheese, ensuring each addition blends seamlessly into the developing sauce.
4. Enhance the queso with a bright burst of citrus by stirring in freshly squeezed lime juice. This will add a tangy counterpoint to the rich, creamy cheese sauce.
5. Transfer the molten queso to a serving dish, creating a vibrant canvas for garnishes. Generously crumble cotija cheese over the top, allowing its salty, crumbly texture to contrast with the smooth sauce.
6. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the surface, adding a pop of green color and a fresh, herbaceous aroma. For those seeking extra heat, drizzle hot sauce or dust with Tajin seasoning.
7. Serve immediately alongside warm tortilla chips or soft tortillas, inviting guests to scoop and savor the decadent elote queso.

Notes

• Corn Selection Matters: Choose fresh, sweet corn with plump kernels for the best flavor and texture in this elote queso dish.
• Char Technique: Get a nice smoky flavor by allowing corn to develop dark spots without burning, which adds depth to the overall taste.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Shred cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties, as fresh cheese melts more smoothly and prevents clumping.
• Spice Customization: Adjust chili powder and jalapeno levels to control heat, making the dish mild or fiery based on personal preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg