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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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