Elote Pizza Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Corn Fiesta!

Elote, the iconic Mexican street corn, is a culinary masterpiece on its own. Imagine that burst of sweet corn, creamy mayo, tangy lime, spicy chili powder, and salty cotija cheese all piled onto a crispy pizza crust. Sounds incredible, right? Well, hold on to your sombreros because we’re about to dive into the world of Elote Pizza – a fusion of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing the salsa!

This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of elote to your pizza night, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or simply when you’re craving something a little different. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get ready to make some pizza magic!

## Why Elote Pizza is a Must-Try

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of sweet corn, creamy sauce, spicy seasoning, and salty cheese is a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
* **Easy to Make:** While it sounds fancy, this pizza is surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the toppings to your liking, adding or subtracting ingredients based on your preferences.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Elote pizza is a guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings. It’s a unique and delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.
* **Celebrates Summer:** With fresh corn at its peak during the summer months, this pizza is a perfect way to celebrate the season.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the ultimate Elote Pizza:

**For the Pizza Dough:**

* 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
* All-purpose flour, for dusting

**For the Elote Topping:**

* 4 ears of corn, kernels removed (about 3 cups)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 1 lime, juiced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
* Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, red onion, avocado slices

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started on the pizza-making process. Follow these simple steps for a delicious Elote Pizza:

**Step 1: Prepare the Corn**

1. **Cook the Corn:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened and lightly charred. This will bring out the natural sweetness of the corn.
2. **Season the Corn:** Season the corn with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

**Step 2: Make the Elote Sauce**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Mexican crema), chopped cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy and tangy sauce is the heart of our Elote Pizza.

**Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will help create a crispy crust.
2. **Stretch the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired size and shape. Aim for a thin crust for the best results.

**Step 4: Assemble the Pizza**

1. **Spread the Sauce:** Transfer the pizza dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of the Elote sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
2. **Add the Cheese:** Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
3. **Top with Corn:** Spread the cooked corn kernels over the mozzarella cheese.
4. **Add Cotija Cheese:** Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the corn. This salty cheese adds a delicious contrast to the sweet corn.
5. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, add pickled jalapeños, red onion, or any other toppings you like.

**Step 5: Bake the Pizza**

1. **Transfer to Oven:** Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (if using) or place the baking sheet in the oven.
2. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

1. **Garnish:** Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
2. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and spicy flavors of your homemade Elote Pizza!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Fresh Corn:** Fresh corn on the cob is the best choice for this recipe, especially during the summer months. However, you can also use frozen or canned corn if fresh corn is not available. Just make sure to thaw or drain the corn before using it.
* **Grill the Corn:** For an even smokier flavor, grill the corn on the cob before cutting off the kernels. This adds a delicious char and enhances the sweetness of the corn.
* **Make Your Own Pizza Dough:** While store-bought pizza dough is convenient, making your own dough from scratch is a rewarding experience. There are many easy recipes online that you can try.
* **Add More Heat:** If you like your pizza extra spicy, add more cayenne pepper to the Elote sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the pizza before baking.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese would also be delicious on this pizza.
* **Add Protein:** For a heartier pizza, add some cooked chorizo, shredded chicken, or black beans.
* **Make it Vegan:** To make this pizza vegan, use vegan mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheese substitutes. You can also use a vegan pizza dough recipe.
* **Elote Pizza Dip:** Transform this recipe into a creamy Elote Pizza Dip! Just mix the cooked corn and elote sauce, bake in an oven-safe dish until bubbly, and serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread.

## Serving Suggestions

Elote Pizza is a delicious and satisfying meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your dining experience:

* **Side Salad:** Serve the pizza with a fresh and crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. This will add some refreshing greens to your meal.
* **Mexican Street Corn Salad:** Keep the theme going with a side of Mexican Street Corn Salad. This salad features the same delicious flavors as elote, but in a lighter and more refreshing form.
* **Guacamole and Chips:** A classic combination that always hits the spot. Serve with homemade or store-bought guacamole and tortilla chips.
* **Margaritas or Mexican Beer:** Pair your Elote Pizza with a refreshing margarita or a cold Mexican beer for the ultimate fiesta.
* **Dessert:** Finish your meal with a sweet treat like churros with chocolate sauce, tres leches cake, or flan.

## Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftover Elote Pizza, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the following methods:

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
* **Skillet:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
* **Microwave:** While not the ideal method, you can reheat the pizza in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be aware that the crust may become soggy.

## Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

While store-bought dough simplifies things, making your own is quite rewarding. Here’s a simple recipe:

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
2. **Add Flour and Salt:** Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. **Punch Down and Shape:** Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough in half (for two pizzas) and shape each half into a ball. Let rest for 10 minutes before rolling out.

## Conclusion

Elote Pizza is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican street corn in a new and exciting way. With its combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, this pizza is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and get ready to create a pizza masterpiece that will impress your friends and family. Happy cooking, and ¡Buen provecho!