Name: Baked Elote Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 6 whole scallions, thinly sliced (dark green portions kept separate); chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish; 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil; 16 ounces frozen corn kernels (or 3 cups fresh corn kernels); 1 teaspoon Tajin or Trader Joe's Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend; 4 ounces ⅓-less-fat cream cheese; ¼ cup light sour cream; 7 ounces Cotija cheese, grated (1¾ cups); ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

I absolutely love sharing this Baked Elote Dip Recipe with everyone because it captures all the vibrant, creamy, and slightly smoky flavors of Mexican street corn in an irresistible, cheesy dip form. Whenever I make it, the combination of tender corn, tangy cotija cheese, and a hint of spice with creamy textures wins over any crowd, whether it's a casual party or a cozy night in. This dip is seriously one of my favorite ways to elevate a snack game, and I’m excited for you to enjoy it just as much as I do!

Why You'll Love This Baked Elote Dip Recipe

What makes this Baked Elote Dip Recipe stand out for me is its perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting creaminess. The sweetness of the corn mixed with the tang from the cotija cheese and sour cream, along with the subtle heat from the Tajin seasoning, creates a flavor profile that is both vibrant and nostalgic. It’s like a little celebration of Mexican street food in every bite, but made wonderfully accessible as an easy-to-make dip.

I also love how effortlessly you can put this together. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, and the process is quick enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough for parties or game days. One skillet, a few minutes of stovetop sautéing, then a bit of baking and broiling, and you have this ooey-gooey dip that everyone will be raving about. It’s such a relief to have a recipe that’s approachable yet deliciously impressive.

Finally, this dip is the ideal companion for so many occasions. I’ve served it alongside tortilla chips for lively get-togethers, spooned it over tacos for extra indulgence, and even brought it to potlucks where it always disappears fast. Its warm, cheesy goodness invites everyone to gather around, making it as social as it is scrumptious. Trust me, once you try this Baked Elote Dip Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it over and over.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl filled with bright yellow corn kernels sits at the bottom right of the image, surrounded by smaller white bowls and containers holding various ingredients. Above the corn bowl is a white bowl of crumbled white cheese with a soft texture. To the left of the cheese is a clear glass bottle of golden oil with a handle. Below the oil is a block of cream cheese on the white marbled surface. To the right of the cream cheese is a measuring cup with white sour cream. Next to the cheese bowl, a smaller white bowl contains finely chopped dark green scallions, and above it, a wooden bowl holds fresh chopped cilantro leaves. Near the right edge, a small measuring spoon filled with a reddish-brown spice is placed on the white marbled surface with some spice scattered nearby. A few cilantro leaves are scattered around the layout, all set on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples that come together beautifully to create a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dip with a touch of spice and freshness. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender sautéed scallions to the rich cotija cheese that gives this dip its signature tang and texture.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness to gently sauté the scallions without overpowering the flavors.
Scallions: Using both white and dark green parts adds depth and freshness, with the greens reserved for a fresh garnish.
Frozen or fresh corn kernels: The star of the dish, providing sweetness, texture, and that classic elote corn flavor.
Tajin or Everything but the Elote seasoning: Brings the signature spice, tang, and a little bit of smoky complexity to the dip.
Cream cheese (⅓-less-fat): Gives the dish a luxuriously creamy texture without being too heavy.
Light sour cream: Adds a tangy brightness and smoothness to balance the richness.
Cotija cheese: The crumbly Mexican cheese with salty tang that melts beautifully and makes the dip more authentic.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a burst of herbaceous freshness and pretty color on top at the end.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350℉ with one rack in the center and another rack positioned about 6 inches from the broiler. This layering of heat lets the dip cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust later.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof or cast iron skillet over medium heat. While it warms, set aside 2 tablespoons of the dark green scallion tops for garnishing later.

Step 3: Add the white and light-green parts of the scallions to the skillet with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt to help them soften. Stir occasionally and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until tender and fragrant, which brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Toss in the corn kernels and seasoning blend. Keep sautéing, stirring gently until the corn begins to soften and absorb the seasoning, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step wakes up the flavors and ensures every kernel is tasty.

Step 5: Add the cream cheese to the hot skillet and stir vigorously until completely melted and evenly incorporated. The heat will help it blend nicely with the corn, giving a creamy base to the dip.

Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat, then fold in the sour cream and ¾ cup of grated cotija cheese. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan before transferring it to the oven to bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges bubble enticingly and start to brown slightly.

Step 7: Carefully take the skillet from the oven and switch your oven to the broiler setting. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cotija cheese over the top of the dip and place it under the broiler. Watch closely and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is perfectly browned and bubbling. This gives the dip a delightful golden, slightly crisp top layer.

Step 8: Remove the skillet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the reserved scallion greens and freshly chopped cilantro over the dip. Serve it right away, still warm and irresistibly gooey.

Servings and Timing

This Baked Elote Dip Recipe makes approximately 10 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or a small group of friends. The prep time is about 10 minutes, since most of the ingredients just need measuring and light chopping. The cook time totals around 35 minutes, including baking and broiling. Altogether, from start to finish, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes, with no resting or cooling time needed because it’s best served hot and fresh out of the oven.

How to Serve This Baked Elote Dip Recipe

A woman's hand is holding a single white triangular tortilla chip topped with a creamy, chunky dip made of bright yellow corn kernels, melted white cheese, and chopped green onions. In the background, there is a round black pan filled with the same dip, showing a thick layer of corn and cheese mixture with small green onion pieces sprinkled on top, all placed on a white marbled surface. The dip appears warm with a slightly browned cheese layer on top that has a melted, soft texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Baked Elote Dip Recipe, I love pairing it with sturdy tortilla chips that can scoop up every cheesy, creamy bite without breaking. For an added fresh contrast, crunchy vegetable sticks like jicama, celery, or bell peppers work beautifully. If you’re feeling a little more indulgent, warm flour or corn tortillas also make wonderful dippers, turning this into a fun taco-style snack.

For garnishing, I always keep fresh cilantro and those reserved scallion greens on hand because they add a wonderful pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness to the richness of the dip. It’s such a simple touch that makes the presentation really shine, and guests always appreciate the extra flair.

I’ve found that this dip pairs wonderfully with crisp, light beverages. A cold Mexican lager or a margarita with fresh lime juice complements the tangy and spicy notes perfectly. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling citrus agua fresca brightens the palate and balances the richness. I like serving this at casual parties, family dinners, or anytime I want to impress without stress. It’s best enjoyed warm right out of the oven, but if it cools a bit, I gently reheat to bring back that luscious texture.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Baked Elote Dip Recipe is how easy it is to customize based on what you have or your dietary needs. For example, if you want a dairy-free version, substituting the cream cheese and sour cream with vegan cream cheese and cashew sour cream works brilliantly without sacrificing creaminess.

If you’re not a fan of cotija or can’t find it, feta makes an excellent substitute because it offers a similar crumbly texture and salty tang. For an extra flavor kick, I sometimes mix in a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to add smoky heat that intensifies the experience.

In terms of cooking methods, though the recipe calls for an ovenproof skillet, you can also assemble the dip in a baking dish. Just adjust the baking time slightly to make sure it bubbles all the way through. If pressed for time, a quick stovetop version with a lid to warm everything through works in a pinch, but I highly recommend baking and broiling for that perfect browned cheesy crust.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this Baked Elote Dip Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to use a glass container because it’s easy to reheat and doesn’t absorb odors. The dip will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, though it’s always best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

This dip can be frozen, but I recommend doing so only if you have a lot of leftovers. To freeze, let the dip cool completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently. Just note that freezing might slightly change the texture of the cheeses.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dip is in the oven at 325℉ until warmed through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on amount. This method helps bubbles return and the cheese soften nicely without overcooking. I avoid microwaving when possible because it can make the cheese grainy or separate. If you do use a microwave, reheat in short bursts and stir in between to keep the texture creamy.

FAQs

Can I make this Baked Elote Dip Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before transferring to the oven for best results. Baking and broiling fresh ensures that beautiful browned topping.

What can I use if I can’t find cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a great substitute because of its crumbly texture and tangy flavor. You could also use queso fresco or even a combination of Parmesan and cheddar, but feta will give the most authentic feel.

Is this dip spicy?

The dip has a mild to medium spice level due to the Tajin or Everything but the Elote seasoning. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce or omit the seasoning. For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn kernels work wonderfully in this recipe and often taste even sweeter and fresher. Just cut the kernels off the cob and use about 3 cups as a substitute for the frozen corn.

What else can I serve with this dip?

This dip is fantastic with tortilla chips, but you can also serve it alongside sliced veggies like bell peppers, cucumber, or jicama for a crunchy, fresh contrast. It’s also tasty spread on toasted baguette rounds or pita chips for a little extra variety.

Conclusion

I truly hope you try this Baked Elote Dip Recipe soon because it’s one of those dishes that brings people together and makes snack time feel special. Whether you’re making it for a party or just a cozy night, the combination of creamy cheese, sweet corn, and flavorful spices is just irresistible. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to whenever I want comfort food with a fresh twist, and I know you’ll love it too!