If you love the irresistible charm of Mexican street corn but are craving a crispy, bite-sized twist, then you are going to adore the Elote Corn Dip Wontons Recipe. This innovative appetizer takes the creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors of classic elote and wraps them in golden, crunchy wonton shells that are perfect for any gathering or snack attack. Imagine scooping up that cheesy, zesty corn dip tucked inside a crunchy crisp exterior – it’s pure magic that’s both fun and flavorful in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Elote Corn Dip Wontons Recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that come together to form a perfect balance of tanginess, creaminess, and spice. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the sweetness of the corn to the smoky depth of the paprika, making the final wontons truly unforgettable.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Fresh, canned, or thawed frozen corn provide the sweet, juicy base that brings the dip to life.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness and helps bind all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Brings a tangy, smooth texture that lightens the mix.
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese: This salty, crumbly cheese adds authentic Mexican flair and salty kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Provides subtle heat and depth to awaken your taste buds.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky nuance that elevates the dip beautifully.
- Juice of 1/2 lime: Gives a bright, fresh acidity that balances richness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Offers a punch of savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Gives herbal notes that freshen and complement the dip.
- 24 wonton wrappers: These crisp golden pockets deliver the perfect crispy texture for the dip inside.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Needed to achieve that irresistible golden, crunchy finish.
- Extra cotija, chili powder, and cilantro for garnish (optional): For adding a beautiful, flavorful finishing touch.
How to Make Elote Corn Dip Wontons Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Elote Corn Dip Filling
Start by mixing the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro in a bowl until everything is perfectly combined. This blend is where all the magic happens, and it forms the delicious creamy filling that will be wrapped in the wontons.
Step 2: Fill and Fold the Wontons
Lay your wonton wrappers flat on a clean surface and place about one teaspoon of the elote mixture in the center of each. Moisten the edges with water and fold each wrapper into a tight triangle, pressing firmly to seal and make sure no air is trapped inside. Proper sealing is the key to avoid any leakage when frying.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot, about 350°F. Fry the wontons in batches for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn beautifully golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on paper towels to drain the excess oil. The crisp texture contrasts wonderfully with the creamy filling inside.
How to Serve Elote Corn Dip Wontons Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra cotija cheese, a dash of chili powder, and a few fresh cilantro leaves over the warm wontons for an attractive presentation and an extra burst of flavor. These garnishes not only enhance the look but also add welcoming layers of taste that make this dish pop.
Side Dishes
Serve these delightful bites alongside fresh salsa, guacamole, or even a simple black bean salad. These pairings complement the rich, creamy filling while keeping the overall meal vibrant and colorful. They work especially well for a party platter or a casual snack board.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the wontons in a pyramid shape on a bright serving platter or serve with small bowls of lime wedges and hot sauce for guests to customize each bite. You could even skewer a few together for easy picking at get-togethers. Presentation can turn these tasty treats into the star of any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the fried won tons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain some of that signature crispness, it’s best to reheat them rather than store them soggy.
Freezing
For easier prep in the future, you can freeze the assembled but unfried wontons on a baking sheet until firm and then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you can fry fresh crispy wontons whenever the craving hits without the full prep time.
Reheating
Reheat stored or frozen wontons in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave to keep their crispy texture intact and enjoy them almost like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I bake or air fry the wontons instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, brush each wonton with a little oil and bake or air fry at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crispy. This method still gives a lovely crunch with less oil.
What can I substitute for cotija cheese if I can’t find it?
Feta cheese is a great substitute for cotija because of its crumbly texture and salty bite. It won’t be exactly the same but will maintain that creamy, tangy element essential to the recipe.
Is it necessary to use fresh corn?
Nope! Fresh, canned, or thawed frozen corn all work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure your corn is well-drained if canned or thawed to avoid too much liquid affecting the dip consistency.
Can I add heat to make these spicy?
Yes! Adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture is a fantastic way to spice things up. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference for a customized kick.
How many wontons does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 24 wontons, perfect for a crowd or multiple snack sessions. Serving size is typically two wontons per person as an appetizer or snack.
Final Thoughts
The Elote Corn Dip Wontons Recipe is one of those incredible dishes that turns everyday ingredients into something spectacular and snackable. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these crispy, cheesy bites will quickly become a new favorite. So go ahead, give them a try, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “delicious.”
Print
Elote Corn Dip Wontons Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 wontons
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these crispy Elote Corn Dip Wontons, a flavorful Mexican-inspired appetizer featuring creamy corn, tangy cotija cheese, and a hint of spice, all wrapped in golden fried wonton wrappers. Perfect for parties or as a unique snack.
Ingredients
Elote Mixture
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Wontons
- 24 wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Garnishes
- Extra cotija cheese
- Chili powder
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Elote Mixture: In a bowl, thoroughly combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro until evenly mixed.
- Assemble Wontons: Lay the wonton wrappers flat on a clean surface. Place about 1 teaspoon of the elote mixture at the center of each wrapper. Lightly moisten the edges with water, then fold each wrapper into a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal tightly and remove any air pockets to prevent bursting during frying.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour enough vegetable oil into a skillet to reach about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium heat to approximately 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to crisp the wontons without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the Wontons: Fry the wontons in batches, carefully placing them into the hot oil. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes or until they achieve a golden-brown and crispy exterior. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Garnish: Use a slotted spoon to remove the wontons from the oil and place them onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. Optionally, sprinkle with extra cotija cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve Warm: Serve the crisp wontons warm as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a lighter option, bake or air fry the wontons by brushing them with oil and cooking at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Add diced jalapeños to the elote mixture for extra heat and flavor.
- If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese is an excellent substitute.
