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If you’ve ever wished you could capture the magic of Mexican street corn in a comforting, creamy side dish, then this Elote Creamed Corn Recipe is about to become your new favorite! It brings together sweet corn, luscious cream cheese, and that unmistakable pop of tang and spice from the Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend, all finished off with a lively squeeze of fresh lime juice. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl offering a perfect balance of creamy texture, bold flavor, and just the right amount of zest to keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, accessible, and with each ingredient playing an irreplaceable role, this Elote Creamed Corn Recipe is a breeze to prepare. The ingredients blend to create the perfect tension between creamy, spicy, and bright flavors.
- 2 (12 ounce) cans corn (drained): Sweet corn forms the hearty base that gives this dish its classic texture and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds rich silkiness to the cream cheese and corn mixture, enhancing every bite.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): The creamy, tangy heart of the recipe that makes this dish extra luscious.
- 1 tablespoon TJ’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend: This seasoning blend brings the signature smoky, spicy, and cheesy flavors essential to elote.
- Lime juice (to taste): Brightens the dish with fresh acidity, cutting through the richness perfectly.
How to Make Elote Creamed Corn Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
Before diving into cooking, give your cream cheese a head start by letting it sit out for about 30 minutes or warming it gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This simple step ensures it blends in seamlessly, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture that wraps around each kernel of corn beautifully.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s glossy and warm. This is the stage where your kitchen starts to smell like something special is coming — that buttery aroma sets the perfect foundation for the next steps.
Step 3: Combine the Cream Cheese and Corn
Add the softened cream cheese along with your drained corn into the melted butter. Stir diligently so that the cream cheese melts fully and envelops the corn kernels, creating a luscious, velvety mixture packed with sweet corn goodness.
Step 4: Season and Brighten
Sprinkle in the tablespoon of Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend to infuse the dish with its distinct smoky, spicy, and cheesy notes. Finish with a squeeze or two of lime juice to balance the sweetness with just the right tang. Stir well and taste as you go to find your perfect harmony.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
This creamed corn is best enjoyed fresh and warm—serve it straight from the pot with an extra sprinkle of the seasoning on top for an irresistible touch. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for any meal!
How to Serve Elote Creamed Corn Recipe
Garnishes
For that authentic flair and an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle additional Everything But The Elote Seasoning on top right before serving. A handful of crumbled cotija cheese, a dash of smoked paprika, or a few chopped fresh cilantro leaves can also turn this simple dish into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
Elote Creamed Corn works beautifully alongside grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp—the creamy sweetness perfectly contrasts smoky, charred flavors. It’s also a fantastic partner to tacos, enchiladas, or even a vibrant salad for a colorful, flavorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the creamed corn in little mini cast iron skillets or rustic ramekins for a cozy vibe. You can also spoon it over baked potatoes or mix it into scrambled eggs for an indulgent breakfast twist. The possibilities are endless and always delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep nicely for up to 3 days, making it convenient to enjoy a quick reheat whenever the craving hits again.
Freezing
Although freezing creamed corn isn’t always ideal because of texture changes, if you choose to freeze it, do so in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When thawed, expect a slightly different consistency, but the flavor should still delight.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, or microwave in short bursts stirring in between. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore that silky texture, bringing your leftover Elote Creamed Corn Recipe right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a vibrant, crisp texture and sweeter taste. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and proceed with the recipe; the flavor will be bright and fresh.
Is the Everything But The Elote Seasoning essential?
While it provides that signature flavor, you can substitute with a mix of chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cotija cheese to customize your own seasoning blend.
Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes! Swap out butter for plant-based margarine and use vegan cream cheese alternatives. Just make sure your seasoning blend is vegan-friendly, and you’re good to go.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the seasoning and how much you add. The Everything But The Elote Blend offers a gentle kick, but you can always adjust the amount to suit your taste buds.
What can I do if the creamed corn is too thick?
Simply stir in a bit of milk, cream, or even a splash of vegetable broth when reheating to loosen it up and maintain that luscious consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Elote Creamed Corn Recipe is not only a quick and easy way to elevate your meals but also a delicious homage to one of my all-time favorite Mexican street food flavors. It’s creamy, flavorful, and flexible enough to pair with so many dishes or even shine on its own. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed, and I bet it will become a permanent fixture in your recipe box!
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Elote Creamed Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
Elote Creamed Corn is a creamy, flavorful side dish inspired by traditional Mexican street corn. This quick and easy recipe combines sweet corn with cream cheese, butter, and a zesty Everything But The Elote seasoning, finished with a splash of lime juice for a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Ideal for serving alongside grilled meats or as part of a vibrant meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 (12 ounce) cans corn, drained
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (about 1/2 block of Philadelphia cream cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend (or to taste)
- Lime juice, to taste
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before starting the recipe to soften, or microwave it for 20-30 seconds carefully to soften it quickly.
- Melt the butter: Place a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter until fully liquefied and slightly bubbling.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the softened cream cheese and drained corn to the melted butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined, creamy, and heated through.
- Season and finish: Stir in the Everything But The Elote seasoning blend to taste, then squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture to balance the sweetness. Mix well and serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra seasoning on top.
Notes
- Using canned corn makes this recipe quick and convenient, but fresh or frozen corn can be used if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of seasoning and lime juice according to your taste preference.
- Serve warm as a side dish with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a Mexican-themed meal.
- For a richer version, add a little heavy cream or sour cream to enhance creaminess.
