Elote Pizza

Elote Pizza Recipe: A Fusion of Mexican Street Corn and Pizza Delight

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Elote Pizza recipe! Inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn (elote), this unique and delicious pizza combines the savory goodness of melted cheese with the sweetness of corn, the heat of jalapenos, and the tanginess of lime and mayo. Perfect for a fun and flavorful meal with family and friends, this Elote Pizza is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the fusion of two beloved classics: pizza and elote.

Ingredients

Produce

  • 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Corn kernels
  • 1 Jalapeno, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 Red onion, thinly sliced

Condiments

  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise

Baking & Spices

  • 2 tsp Chili lime salt (or substitute with regular chili powder and a squeeze of lime juice)
  • 1 lb Pizza dough, prepared

Oils & Vinegars

  • 2 tsp Olive oil

Dairy

  • 2 tsp Butter
  • 1/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup Quesadilla cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well.
  2. Prepare Pizza Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the prepared pizza dough into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter.
  3. Assemble Pizza: Transfer the rolled-out pizza dough to a piece of parchment paper. Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil, then spread the mayonnaise evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the chili lime salt (or chili powder and lime juice) over the mayo.
  4. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded quesadilla cheese over the mayo mixture. Spread the corn kernels evenly over the cheese, followed by the sliced jalapenos and red onion slices. Dot the top of the pizza with butter.
  5. Bake: Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  6. Finish: Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the top of the pizza, then drizzle with sour cream. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
  7. Slice and Serve: Slice the Elote Pizza into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors with each bite!

Cook Notes and Variations

  • Grilled Version: For a smoky flavor, grill the pizza dough on a preheated grill for a few minutes on each side before adding the toppings. Then, transfer the partially grilled dough to a baking sheet, add toppings, and finish baking in the oven.
  • Vegan Option: Make this pizza vegan-friendly by using dairy-free substitutes such as vegan mayo, vegan cheese, and omitting the butter. You can also add grilled tofu or seasoned jackfruit as a protein option.
  • Extra Heat: For extra heat, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

Keto Version

To make this Elote Pizza keto-friendly, use a keto-friendly pizza crust made with almond flour or cauliflower. Replace the corn kernels with grilled zucchini or bell peppers for a low-carb option. Use full-fat mayo and cheese for richness, and garnish with chopped avocado instead of sour cream. Adjust the chili lime salt seasoning to exclude any added sugars.

Low Carb Version

For a low-carb version, use the same keto-friendly pizza crust mentioned above. Replace the corn with roasted cauliflower florets or diced eggplant. Use a sugar-free chili lime seasoning or make your own by combining chili powder, lime zest, and salt. Opt for full-fat sour cream and cheese for richness without the added carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly fine for this recipe. You can find pre-made pizza dough in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, or you can purchase it from your local pizzeria.

2. Can I make this pizza in advance?

While it’s best to assemble and bake the pizza just before serving for optimal freshness, you can prepare the toppings in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to use. Then, assemble and bake the pizza when you’re ready to enjoy it.

3. How can I adjust the heat level of this pizza?

You can adjust the heat level of this pizza by adding more or fewer jalapeno slices, or by removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos for a milder flavor. You can also customize the heat level by adding hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

4. Can I use different cheeses for this pizza?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Try using shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbled feta in place of the quesadilla cheese or cotija cheese for a unique twist.

5. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this pizza gluten-free by using a gluten-free pizza crust or by making your own gluten-free crust using alternative flours such as almond flour or chickpea flour. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

In conclusion, our Elote Pizza recipe offers a creative and delicious twist on traditional pizza, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn. With its combination of sweet corn, spicy jalapenos, tangy mayo, and savory cheese, this pizza is a celebration of bold and exciting flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this Elote Pizza is guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the irresistible fusion of two beloved culinary classics in one mouthwatering dish!