Baked Elote Dip

There’s something magical about the moment a hot, creamy, bubbling dip comes out of the oven and hits the table. The aroma of charred corn, melted cheese, and zesty lime fills the air, and suddenly, everyone gathers around with chips in hand. That’s the power of a great Baked Elote Dip. This recipe captures the vibrant, smoky-sweet essence of Mexican street corn in a shareable, scoopable form that’s perfect for parties, game days, or just a really good Tuesday night.

If you’ve ever tried elote from a street vendor—grilled corn slathered in creamy sauce, rolled in crumbly cheese, and dusted with chili powder—you already know why this dip is so irresistible. It’s all the flavor of that iconic snack, but in a warm, cheesy, no-fuss dip that comes together in one bowl and bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just treating yourself, this Baked Elote Dip is guaranteed to disappear fast. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and loaded with texture—the kind of appetizer people ask for again and again.

And if you love corn dips as much as I do, you’ll also want to try my Out of This World Corn Dip for another crowd-pleasing variation.

Baked Elote Dip Ingredients

Baked Elote Dip starts with a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Most of these are pantry staples or easy finds at any grocery store.

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned—see notes below)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
• ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes & Swaps

- Corn: Fresh grilled corn will give you the most authentic elote flavor, but frozen corn (thawed and patted dry) works beautifully. Canned corn is fine too—just drain and rinse it well.
- Cheese: No cotija? Feta cheese is a great salty, crumbly substitute. For the melty cheese, cheddar or a Mexican blend works well too.
- Spice Level: Remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño for mild heat, or leave them in if you like it spicy. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
- Creamy Base: Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream if you prefer a tangier, lighter dip.

Baked Elote Dip Timing

- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20–25 minutes
- Total time: 35–40 minutes

This Baked Elote Dip comes together faster than most appetizers, making it a lifesaver when guests are on their way.

How to Make Baked Elote Dip

Making this creamy Mexican Street Corn Dip is as easy as mix, spread, and bake. Follow these simple steps for dip perfection.

Step 1: Prepare Your Corn

If you’re using fresh corn, grilling or pan-searing it first will add incredible smoky flavor. Just brush the ears with a little oil and cook over medium-high heat until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely and pat it dry to avoid a watery dip.

Step 2: Mix the Dip Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir until smooth and well blended. This creamy, zesty base is what gives the dip its signature elote flavor.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff

Fold in the corn, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, cotija cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t overmix—you want to keep some texture.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish—a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or a 2-quart casserole dish works great. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden in spots.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right out of the oven, sprinkle with more cotija, chopped cilantro, and a dusting of chili powder. Serve your Baked Elote Dip warm with sturdy tortilla chips, toasted bread, or veggie sticks.

Nutritional Information

(Per ¼ cup serving, approximate)
- Calories: 125
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 4g

This dip is rich in flavor but also offers a good amount of calcium and vitamin C thanks to the dairy and fresh lime. For a lighter take, check out my Summer Street Corn Salad, which uses similar flavors in a fresher, salad-style format.

Equipment Needed for Baked Elote Dip

You don’t need any fancy tools to make this Elote Dip Recipe. Here’s what I use:
- Large mixing bowl
- 9-inch cast-iron skillet or 2-quart baking dish
- Spatula or mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons

Why You’ll Love This Baked Elote Dip

- It’s incredibly flavorful—smoky, creamy, tangy, and cheesy all at once.
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins or spice level.
- Comes together in one bowl with minimal cleanup.
- Always a crowd favorite—this dip disappears fast!

If you’re a dip lover, you’ll also enjoy my Crack Corn Dip, another seriously addictive option.

Healthier Alternatives for Baked Elote Dip

Want to lighten things up? This Creamy Corn Dip is easy to adapt.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Swap regular mayo for a light or avocado oil-based version.
- Add extra veggies like diced bell peppers or green onions.
- Reduce the cheese slightly and add a scoop of plain protein powder for a boost.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Elote Dip

This warm, cheesy dip is incredibly versatile. Serve it with:
- Thick, sturdy tortilla chips or homemade pita chips
- Sliced baguette or crostini
- Veggie sticks like bell peppers, carrots, or jicama
- As a topping for grilled chicken or fish

For a full spread, pair it with other dips like Texas Caviar for a Southwestern-themed appetizer table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Using watery corn: Always pat thawed frozen or canned corn dry to prevent a soggy dip.
- Overbaking: Pull the dip out when it’s bubbly and lightly golden. Overbaking can cause separation.
- Skipping the lime: The acidity balances the richness—don’t leave it out!
- Not tasting before baking: Adjust salt, pepper, and spice levels before it goes in the oven.

Storing Tips for Baked Elote Dip

- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. If it seems dry, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or mayo.
- This dip does not freeze well due to the dairy content, so enjoy it fresh or within a few days.

Final Thoughts on Baked Elote Dip

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this Baked Elote Dip is a guaranteed hit. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make—exactly what you want in a party appetizer or cozy snack. I love how it brings the vibrant taste of Mexican street corn right to my kitchen, no grill required.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your creation with me on Pinterest @Stacksipsnack. And if you’re looking for more easy, crowd-pleasing dips, don’t miss my Easy Traditional Corn Dip Recipe—it’s another family favorite.

FAQs about Baked Elote Dip

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