Cast-Iron Mexican Street Corn Cream Cheese Dip

A classic Southern appetizer is a block of cream cheese and a jar of pepper jelly.

It’s always a winner and a crowd favorite from tailgates to baby showers.

Now, bring that block of cheese to another beloved dish: Mexican street corn.

Southern LIving Elote Cream Cheese Spread in the pan ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

)jar chopped pimentos, drained

1(8-oz.)pkg.

Heat oil in a shallow 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.

until it reaches 225F to 250F, 3 to 4 minutes; transfer to a small bowl.

ingredients for cast-iron mexican street corn cream cheese dip

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Add crushed red pepper.

Remove pan from heat.

Stir in pimentos until combined.

Southern Living Elote Cream Cheese adding the red pepper flakes to the oil

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bake cream cheese:

Nestle cream cheese block in the center of corn mixture.

Bake in preheated oven until cheese is warmed through and lightly golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.

Let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

Southern Living Elote Cream Cheese Dip cooking the corn

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Drizzle corn mixture with oil mixture.

Top with cotija cheese and cilantro.

Serve with lime wedges and tortilla chips.

Southern Living Elote Cream Cheese Dip adding the pimentos to the corn

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Elote Cream Cheese adding the cream cheese to the corn mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Elote Cream Cheese spread after baking the cream cheese

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Elote Cream Cheese drizzling the oil mixture over the cream cheese

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Elote Cream Cheese Spread after adding the cojita and cilantro

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox