Zesty Mexican Elote Queso Recipe That’ll Light Up Your Taste Buds

Corn reaches new heights of deliciousness with this amazing elote queso that blends Mexican street food magic with creamy cheese goodness.

Street corn lovers will instantly fall in love with this irresistible creation.

The vibrant flavors dance across your palate with each incredible bite.

Tangy, spicy, and incredibly rich, this recipe brings serious culinary excitement to your table.

Perfectly charred corn mingles with melted cheese and zesty seasonings for an unforgettable appetizer or side dish.

Summer gatherings and casual dinners will never be the same after you experience this mouthwatering sensation.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that celebrates bold, authentic flavors.

Flavor Ideas For Elote Queso

• Corn Charring Perfection: Get a cast-iron skillet blazing hot to achieve those beautiful caramelized char marks that boost the corn's smoky flavor without burning.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually to prevent clumping, ensuring a silky smooth queso every single time.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeño and chili powder quantity to match your heat tolerance – remove seeds for milder version or add extra for serious spice lovers.
• Dietary Flexibility: Transform this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or alternative gluten-free thickener, making it accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare queso base ahead of time and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency when refrigerated – perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

How To Serve Elote Queso

• Street Corner Corn Feast: Serve this molten queso dip alongside crispy tortilla chips for an irresistible party snack that guests will devour.
• Mexican Fiesta Taco Companion: Drizzle the warm, creamy queso over street tacos, creating a luxurious sauce that elevates simple taco fillings with rich, spicy flavors.
• Veggie Dipping Delight: Offer fresh vegetable sticks like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumber for a healthier dipping option that complements the cheesy, zesty queso sauce.
• Loaded Nacho Extravaganza: Transform this queso into a show-stopping nacho platter by spreading over crisp tortilla chips and topping with additional cotija, cilantro, and jalapeños for extra crunch and heat.

Store Elote Queso The Easy Way

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover elote queso in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cheese might separate slightly when cooling, so give it a good stir before reheating.
• Smooth Reheating Technique: Warm the queso slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching. Microwave works in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst.
• Freezing Smart Move: Freeze queso in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Note that texture might slightly change after freezing, becoming a bit grainier.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare corn and cheese sauce separately up to 2 days in advance. Keep components refrigerated in sealed containers. When ready to serve, quickly reheat and combine for fresh, vibrant flavors that taste just-made.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List For Elote Queso

• Corn: Sweet, juicy kernels that create the hearty foundation of the dish, select fresh or frozen corn for best flavor.
• Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth base for cooking, choose extra virgin for deeper taste profile.
• Jalapeno: Adds vibrant heat and zesty kick, select firm peppers with bright green color.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic depth, opt for fresh cloves over pre-minced versions.

• Chili Powder: Introduces warm, smoky undertones, look for quality blend without excessive additives.
• Paprika: Contributes subtle sweetness and rich color, prefer Hungarian or Spanish varieties.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create silky texture, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Milk: Creates smooth, luxurious base for queso, whole milk recommended for richness.
• Cream Cheese: Provides incredible creamy consistency, full-fat version yields best results.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, choose mixture of sharp cheddar and monterey jack.
• Mayonnaise: Optional ingredient adding tangy complexity, use high-quality version.
• Lime Juice: Brightens overall flavor profile, freshly squeezed preferred.

• Cotija Cheese: Adds salty, crumbly finish, authentic Mexican cheese brings traditional touch.
• Cilantro: Introduces fresh, herbaceous note, select bright green leaves.
• Hot Sauce: Optional spicy enhancement, choose preferred brand.

Tools To Use For Elote Queso

• Large Skillet: Essential for charring corn and combining ingredients evenly and quickly.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending milk and creating creamy cheese sauce without lumps.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir corn and cheese mixture without scratching skillet surface.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping jalapeno, garlic, and cilantro with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation and garnishing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.

Steps To Make Elote Queso

• Char the Corn

Sizzle corn kernels in a skillet over medium heat until golden and smoky. Toss in jalapeños, garlic, and spices for an explosive flavor burst. Let everything dance together for a few minutes until aromas fill your kitchen.

• Craft the Creamy Base

Dust corn with a light layer of flour, creating a silky foundation. Gently pour in milk and coax it to a gentle bubble. Melt cream cheese into the mixture, then fold in shredded cheese until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth. Splash in a hint of lime juice for brightness.

• Garnish and Enjoy

Pull the skillet off the heat and crown your creation with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Sprinkle optional hot sauce or Tajin for an extra kick. Scoop up with crispy tortilla chips or wrap in warm tortillas for a mouthwatering experience.

Cheesy Elote Queso Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican street corn, or elote queso, brings zesty grilled corn together with creamy cheese and tangy spices. Corn lovers will savor this classic street food that delivers bold southwestern flavors in each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 cups (591 ml) corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cubed
• 1.5 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or Monterey Jack + cheddar)
• 0.25 cup (59 ml) cotija cheese, crumbled
• 0.75 cup (177 ml) whole milk
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• Juice of 0.5 lime
• 2 tbsps chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: hot sauce or Tajin, for serving

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Corn: Heat skillet with olive oil and char corn kernels until golden-brown. Quickly introduce diced jalapenos and minced garlic, allowing their spicy essence to infuse the corn with vibrant flavors.
2. Create Sauce Base: Dust corn mixture with flour, creating a smooth thickening foundation. Pour milk gradually while whisking vigorously to develop a silky, lump-free sauce that coats the corn evenly.
3. Build Cheese Layers: Melt cream cheese into simmering liquid, stirring until achieving a velvety consistency. Integrate shredded cheese gradually, ensuring each addition blends smoothly into the developing queso.
4. Elevate Flavor Profile: Splash freshly squeezed lime juice to introduce a bright, tangy dimension that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce. Stir to incorporate the citrus notes completely.
5. Finish and Garnish: Transfer queso to serving dish and generously top with crumbled cotija cheese. Scatter freshly chopped cilantro across the surface for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma. Optional: Drizzle hot sauce or sprinkle Tajin seasoning for additional zest.
6. Serve Immediately: Present alongside warm tortilla chips or soft tortillas, inviting guests to dive into this decadent elote queso experience.

Notes

• Develop Caramelization Carefully: Char corn kernels on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning while creating golden-brown edges that boost flavor complexity.
• Prevent Cheese Sauce Clumping: Whisk milk slowly and steadily into flour mixture, maintaining consistent motion to guarantee a smooth, lump-free sauce without grainy texture.
• Balance Spice and Creaminess: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat tolerance, ensuring the final dish remains creamy without overwhelming spiciness.
• Optimize Serving Temperature: Serve queso immediately after preparation to maintain optimal texture and prevent sauce from solidifying, keeping it luxuriously smooth and dippable.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg