Elote Pizza Recipe

Cook Time: 6 minutes

This delicious grilled pizza is topped with a creamy sour cream mixture, crumbled cotija, and melted quesadilla cheese. It's a perfect summer dish, ideal for a BBQ or outdoor gathering!

Ingredients

• 1 pound prepared pizza dough
• 2 teaspoons olive oil, or as needed
• 2 tablespoons sour cream, plus more for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons chili lime seasoning, such as Tajin Clasico, divided
• 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded quesadilla cheese
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeno, very thinly sliced, or more to taste
• 2 teaspoons melted butter

Directions

1. Step 1: Preheat a gas grill with all burners on High for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: Shape the pizza dough and brush with olive oil.
3. Step 3: Reduce the flame on half of the grill burners to Low, to create areas of direct and indirect heat.
4. Step 4: Carefully place the dough (olive oil side facing down) onto the grill over direct heat. Close the cover.
5. Step 5: Let the dough grill until the bottom is just barely cooked and shows char marks, about 1 to 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Use tongs to move the dough to the indirect heat; do not flip the dough over! Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the dough from the grill and place it on a baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Stir together 2 tablespoons of sour cream, mayonnaise, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of Tajin seasoning.
9. Step 9: Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the dough.
10. Step 10: In a bowl, mix the remaining Tajin, cotija, quesadilla cheese, corn, and red onion.
11. Step 11: Distribute the topping mixture evenly over the dough.
12. Step 12: Return the pizza to the grill and cook until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes.
13. Step 13: Carefully remove the pizza from the grill.
14. Step 14: Scatter chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeos over the pizza, then drizzle with additional sour cream.
15. Step 15: Mix the melted butter with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of Tajin seasoning and brush the crust with the Tajin butter.
16. Step 16: Cut the pizza into wedges and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Amount
Calories	461
Total Fat	21g (27% DV)
Saturated Fat	6g (30% DV)
Cholesterol	27mg (9% DV)
Sodium	607mg (26% DV)
Total Carbohydrates	57g (21% DV)
Dietary Fiber	3g (10% DV)
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	11g (23% DV)
Vitamin C	6mg (6% DV)
Calcium	131mg (10% DV)
Iron	3mg (18% DV)
Potassium	178mg (4% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story and Cultural Background of Elote Pizza

Elote pizza is a creative fusion dish that combines the beloved Mexican street food elotegrilled corn with chili-lime seasoning, cheese, and cremawith the universally adored pizza. The concept of elote itself dates back centuries in Mexico, where corn has been a staple crop and culinary icon since pre-Columbian times. Street vendors would grill fresh corn, coat it with mayonnaise, sprinkle it with cotija cheese and chili powder, and drizzle it with lime juice. The idea of incorporating these bold, tangy flavors onto a pizza base likely emerged in the last decade, as chefs and home cooks experimented with fusion cuisine, blending traditional Mexican ingredients with familiar comfort foods.

Regional Variations

While elote pizza can be found in various parts of the United States, particularly in areas with strong Mexican-American communities, its style may vary depending on regional tastes. In Southern California, for instance, pizza versions often feature a smoky char from the grill and additional fresh herbs such as cilantro, reflecting the region's love of fresh, zesty flavors. In the Midwest, versions may emphasize a thicker crust and a more generous layer of cheese, catering to local preferences for heartier pizza styles. Some regions even experiment with alternative toppings such as roasted poblano peppers or pickled onions, giving each variation its own distinct identity.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

Elote pizza differs from traditional Mexican street corn and standard pizza in several ways. Unlike a conventional pizza that relies primarily on tomato sauce and mozzarella, elote pizza substitutes the sauce with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and chili-lime seasoning. The toppings are focused on corn, cotija cheese, jalapeos, and cilantro rather than the typical meat or vegetable options. This combination gives it a unique flavor profile that balances sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess in every bite. Additionally, the grilling technique used to cook the dough imparts a smoky flavor that distinguishes it from oven-baked pizzas.

Where Its Commonly Served

Elote pizza is often served in casual dining settings, food trucks, and at backyard gatherings. It is particularly popular during summer months when grilling is common, allowing cooks to replicate the authentic charred flavor of traditional elote. Some pizzerias and Mexican-fusion restaurants feature it as a seasonal or specialty menu item, often marketed as a shareable appetizer or a unique entree option. Its colorful presentation also makes it a favorite at festivals, farmers' markets, and family-friendly events.

Interesting Facts

• Elote, the inspiration for this pizza, literally means corn on the cob in Spanish and is a street food staple across Mexico.
• The combination of chili-lime seasoning with grilled corn is considered a perfect example of Mexican flavor layering, balancing heat, acidity, and richness.
• Fusion dishes like elote pizza reflect the broader trend of culinary experimentation, blending traditional recipes with global influences.
• Using a grill instead of an oven to cook the pizza adds a subtle smokiness that is difficult to achieve otherwise, mimicking the outdoor elote experience.
• Elote pizza has gained popularity on social media platforms for its vibrant presentation and photogenic toppings, contributing to its rise in culinary trendiness.

FAQ about Elote Pizza Recipe

Comments