• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Mexican Street Corn Queso

appetizer· dips· snacks· Summertime Favorites· Tailgating Recipes
April 30, 2020

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Mexican Street Corn Queso – Creamy white queso is cooked with green chiles and roasted corn to make for a yummy twist on the classic cheese dip.

Creamy white queso is cooked with green chiles and roasted corn

Who else is snacking wayyyyy more than they like to admit while stuck at home? It’s so hard to stay away from the pantry when you’re home 24/7. I’ve been trying to eat only healthy snacks but every once and a while I break down and make something to indulge my unhealthy side.

This queso was a result of those cravings. Homemade queso is one of my favorite things to make. I decided to switch up my recipe a little and combine the queso with another one of my favorite foods – Mexican street corn. The result was a smooth, spicy queso with bites of sweet, charred corn. I don’t need to tell you how incredible each bite was!

Without further ado, here is my Mexican Street Corn Queso!

Bowl of Mexican Street Corn Queso topped with corn, cheese and jalapeno slices
Dipping a tortilla chip into a bowl of Mexican Street Corn Queso
Tortilla chip after being dipped into Mexican Street Corn Queso with cheese and corn on the chip

What is Mexican street corn?

Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is usually served on the cob, charred, and then covered with typical toppings of mayo, cheese, chopped cilantro, and sprinkled with spices like paprika and cayenne. It’s one of my favorite side dishes to order at Mexican restaurants.

For this queso, we take those same flavors as inspiration and add them to my white queso. Let’s talk through how that queso is made.

How to make this queso

Charring the Corn

The most important flavor in this queso is the charred corn. It’s what takes this queso from ordinary to extraordinary. To char the corn, I just do it on the stovetop. This keeps me from having to buy corn on the cob and grilling it. You only need one cup of corn kernels for this recipe so stovetop is the easier option.

Plate of cooked corn kernels

Once the corn is charred, we set it aside to make the queso.

Making the queso

To make queso from scratch, you need to start with a roux of butter and flour. This ensures the queso is nice and thick. Half and half is added to the roux and heated slowly. You don’t want it to be too hot or it will burn and/or cause the cheese to separate.

Once the half and half is heated, the shredded cheese is slowly added about 1/4 cup at a time. I use a combination of Monterrey Jack cheese and pepper jack cheese. They are both great melting cheeses but the pepperjack has an added spice that adds great flavor to any queso.

Once all the cheese is added, I add in green chiles, garlic powder, and ground cayenne for more spice. Finally, the corn is stirred into the queso. I like to save some of the corn kernels to place on top of the queso for a nice presentation with some Parmesan cheese and chopped cilantro.

Bowl of Mexican Street Corn Queso with jalapeno slices and cheese topping in the middle

Tips & Tricks

  1. I use cheese that I shred myself. Cheese that you buy already shredded has additives that makes the cheese not stick together. These additives make it hard for the cheese to melt together into one cohesive piece.
  2. To make a queso with real cheese, you need to slowly melt the cheese into the milk base. Otherwise, the cheese will clump up and never get smooth. Don’t worry though – my recipe below will walk you through the right steps to make sure this doesn’t happen.
  3. Be very careful not to heat the milk mixture too high – if it’s too hot, the cheese will begin to separate once it’s added to it. It’s not a pretty sight.
Tortilla chip covered in Mexican Street Corn Queso
Print Recipe

Mexican Street Corn Queso

Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Servings: 4 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 cup corn kernels (from canned or frozen)
  • ½ teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 8 ounces Monterrey Jack cheese shredded
  • 4 ounces pepperjack cheese shredded
  • 1 4.5-ounce can chopped green chiles
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • tortilla chips for serving
  • 1 jalapeno sliced
  • ¼ teaspoon chopped cilantro
  • ¼ teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • First, add corn to a skillet with ½ teaspoon of oil. Cook on medium-high until the corn begins to char, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Place a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, add flour and whisk together to make a roux. Once flour and butter have combined, let it cook until it starts to turn golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Very slowly whisk in the half and half.
  • Let the milk mixture heat up until bubbles start to form around the edge. Reduce heat to low. Add about 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese to the mixture and whisky continuously until it completely melts. Repeat with rest of cheese in 1/4-cup increments. Do NOT add more than 1/4 cup of cheese at a time. Otherwise, the cheese will clump up and remain lumpy.
  • Once the cheese is completely smooth and melted, add diced chiles, 3/4 cup of corn, and spices. Stir together with a wooden spoon. Raise heat back to medium to get the cheese nice and hot. Continue stirring until cheese is hot.
  • Give cheese a taste. Add salt and pepper, if necessary. Place cheese into a large skillet or other serving dish. Toss the remaining corn with Parmesan cheese and chopped cilantro. Place on top of the queso. Slice fresh jalapeno and place on top of the queso. Serve queso with a bowl of tortilla chips.

Pin for later:

Mexican Street Corn Queso photo collage

More recipes you’ll love:

Cowboy Queso
chunky queso dip with chopped green chiles, roasted tomatoes, ground sausage, and sliced smoked cheddar sausage.
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad on a piece of bread
Cobb Salad Dip
 A creamy ranch dip covered in  toppings from a traditional cobb salad.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

10 Comments

« Twice Baked Potatoes
Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas »

Comments

  1. Amber S Battishill says

    May 1, 2020 at 10:02 pm

    YUM!!! I can’t wait to try this recipe! There is just something so good about roasted corn…brings out such a rich and delicious flavor!

    Reply
  2. Kimberly Croisant says

    April 30, 2020 at 6:44 pm

    Oh, you make this recipe look so good. I couldn’t wait to Pin It…and now to try it.

    Reply
  3. Jayne says

    April 30, 2020 at 6:01 pm

    Mexican Corn Queso dip is a favorite of mine. This is just in time for Cinco da Mayo.

    Reply
  4. Sandhya's Kitchen says

    April 30, 2020 at 5:46 pm

    CORN QUESO is simply delicious. I cannot wait to dig in!

    Reply
  5. Jen says

    April 30, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    Cowboy queso vs Mexican street corn queso. Why are you giving me so many delicious options??? Kidding aside, this was great. I guess I have to make both from now on.

    Reply
  6. Mirlene says

    April 30, 2020 at 5:12 pm

    This is amazing and I cannot wait to dig in. I love Mexican street corn so I know I’m going to devour this.

    Reply
  7. Sisley White says

    April 30, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    cheesy dips are the best and this is calling to me and my whole family!

    Reply
  8. Marta says

    April 30, 2020 at 4:43 pm

    I love elotes! You have the best creations. I can’t wait to try this one out.

    Reply
  9. Kelsie Rudnick says

    April 30, 2020 at 4:39 pm

    Yummm! My hubby loves all things Mexican food. Pinned for later for sure!

    Reply
  10. Mimi says

    April 30, 2020 at 1:18 pm

    That looks so yummy! I need to try it

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

fall flavors

close up pork chops on a plate with Dijon apple pan sauce on top and a rosemary garnish

Dijon Apple Pork Chops

styled shot of Cranberry Apple Crumble

Cranberry Apple Crumble

close up of apple pie slide doughnut sitting on a tray with other doughnuts

Apple Pie Slider Doughnuts

Apple Pie Cake

oatmeal rolls sitting on a baking sheet

Oatmeal Dinner Rolls

slices of iced pumpkin scones drizzled with frosting on a wire rack on top of parchment paper, shot from overhead

Iced Pumpkin Scones

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

Breakfast
Appetizers
Entrees
Salads
Sides
Drinks
Desserts
Roundups
Holidays

Browse by Date

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy

holiday favorite

puff pastry filled with chicken a la king

Chicken a la King

close up of banana fritter with a bite removed sitting on a plate with other banana fritters

Banana Fritters

stacked maple walnut cookies on a red orange napkin and one cookie with a bite removed

Maple Walnut Cookies

a hand holding a cinnamon roll doughnut showing off the glazed topping

Cinnamon Roll Doughnuts

autumn kale salad in a blue salad bowl

Autumn Kale Salad

 

Fluffy, buttery sweet rolls covered in powder suga Fluffy, buttery sweet rolls covered in powder sugar. Perfect with a morning coffee!

To find this recipe, search for 'Mallorca Sweet Bread' on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#sweetbread #sweetbreadrecipe #mallorcafoodie  #breadrolls #foodphotography #foodpics #marthafood #food #instafood #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday #foodblog #delicious #beautifulcuisine #foodgasm #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Thick rice noodles are stir-fried with egg, chicke Thick rice noodles are stir-fried with egg, chicken, broccoli, and a savory and slightly sweet sauce.

To find this recipe, search for 'Pad See Ew' on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#padseeew #pastadish #pastarecipe  #ricenoodles  #foodphotography #foodpics #marthafood #food #instafood #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday #foodblog #delicious #beautifulcuisine #foodgasm #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Homemade, chewy dough is twisted in a pretzel shap Homemade, chewy dough is twisted in a pretzel shape, dipped in a soda bath, and baked until deep golden brown.

To find this recipe, search for 'Soft Pretzels' on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#homemadedough #pretzlesrecipe #homemadepretzels #homemadesnacks 
#puffpastry  #foodphotography #foodpics #marthafood #food #instafood #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday #foodblog #delicious #beautifulcuisine #foodgasm #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Jumbo elbow macaroni and beef is tossed with a cre Jumbo elbow macaroni and beef is tossed with a creamy tomato sauce. It’s a perfect meal for weeknight dinners!

To find this recipe, search for 'Creamy Tomato Macaroni Beef' on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#pastarecipe #macaronibeef #creamymacaroni #macaronirecipies 
#foodphotography #foodpics #marthafood #food #instafood #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday #foodblog #delicious #beautifulcuisine #foodgasm #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats
Raspberry jam and fresh whipped cream are sandwich Raspberry jam and fresh whipped cream are sandwiched between two vanilla sponge cakes and dusted with powdered sugar. A British classic dessert perfect for dessert or afternoon tea.

To find this recipe, search for 'Victoria Sandwich Cake' on certifiedpastryaficionado.com

#victoriacake #victoriasandwichcake  #vvictoriaspongecake
#puffpastry #puffpastrydessert #foodphotography #foodpics #marthafood #food #instafood #yum #eatingfortheinsta #instayum #picoftheday #foodblog #delicious #beautifulcuisine #foodgasm #nomnomnom #feedfeed #foodietribe #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #buzzfeedfood #TODAYfood #foodblogeats

Copyright © 2025 Certified Pastry Aficionado · Web Design by Viva la Violet

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.