Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 6 whole scallions, thinly sliced (dark green portion kept separate)
- 16 ounces frozen corn kernels (or 3 cups fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Tajin or Trader Joe’s Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend
Dairy
- 4 ounces ⅓-less-fat cream cheese
- ¼ cup light sour cream
- 7 ounces Cotija cheese, grated (1¾ cups total, divided)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and broiler: Adjust an oven rack in the center and another 6 inches from the broiler element, then preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Sauté scallions: In a 10-inch ovenproof or cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the scallion greens for garnish, then add the white and light-green parts of the scallions along with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add corn and seasoning: Stir in the corn kernels and Tajin seasoning. Continue to sauté until the corn starts to soften, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
- Mix in sour cream and cheese: Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in the sour cream and ¾ cup of the grated Cotija cheese. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the edges start to bubble and brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Broil with remaining cheese: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and preheat the broiler. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Cotija cheese evenly over the top, and place the skillet under the broiler. Broil until the cheese is browned and bubbly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle reserved scallion greens and chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Frozen corn can be substituted with fresh corn for a sweeter, fresher flavor.
- Tajin seasoning provides a tangy, mildly spicy taste; if unavailable, substitute with chili powder and a pinch of salt.
- Use a cast iron or ovenproof skillet to transition from stovetop to oven and broiler safely.
- Keep a close eye on the dip during broiling to prevent burning the cheese.
- Serve with tortilla chips, warm pita, or crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian