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Calling all Trader Joe’s fans! This simple elote creamed corn recipe makes a yummy side dish using TJ’s Everything But The Elote seasoning, cream cheese, and canned corn.

elote cream cheese corn in a white bowl with a serving spoon

This post is NOT sponsored by Trader Joe’s. I like to visit TJ’s whenever I’m in the States. I wish I had one near me because they are my favorite grocery store. I thought it would be fun to create a recipe for those who are wondering what to make with Everything But The Elote Seasoning. 

If you’re not familiar with elote, it’s Mexican Street Corn. Traditionally, it’s served on the cob. It’s grilled corn slathered in a zesty Mexican crema and/or mayo sauce and then rolled in cotija cheese. This version is off the cob for a yummy and easy to eat side dish.

As soon as I noticed that TJ’s came out with this seasoning, I knew I had to try it. I decided to pick some up when I was last in Arizona. Sadly, the Trader Joe’s that I frequent was all sold out. I told my friend Isabel (who runs the Tasty AZ blog and Instagram account if you’re looking for great eats in the Phoenix area), and she was super sweet and called different locations until she found some. We stopped by TJ’s on our way to dinner, and I finally had the seasoning in my hands. 

Trader Joe's Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend and a wedge of lime

So, if you’ve got some of this tasty seasoning and you need a recipe for it, may I suggested this cream cheese corn recipe. I kept it super simple using canned corn, but you can definitely grill up some corn and cut it off the cob – it’ll taste even better. I skipped the cheese since cotija cheese is next to impossible to find here, but if you can get some, I highly recommend adding it. Or use parmesan if you’re in a pinch. It’s easy to dress this recipe up if you’ve got the ingredients.

What is Everything But The Elote Seasoning?

It’s a spice blend that was invented by Trader Joe’s (an American grocery store chain). It’s flavored with chile pepper, cheese, chipotle powder, cumin, dried cilantro, cane sugar, salt, and it is delicious.

I don’t have a homemade version of the elote seasoning (I know not everyone has access to a Trader Joe’s), but you could definitely play with some of the ingredients to make your own similar version if you happen to have them on hand. There’s a whole variety of suggestions out there on what spices you can use on homemade elote… it does not have to be complicated. Some suggestions include a combo of  garlic powder, chili powder, chipotle chili pepper, and even smoked paprika.

You may also like my Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad or this recipe for my Easy Creamed Corn. Or, you may be interested in a similar recipe to this side dish that’s done in the electric pressure cooker (Creamy Instant Pot Elote).

close-up of elote creamed corn

Do you love Trader Joe’s as much as I do? What have you made with their elote seasoning?

I hope you will enjoy this easy elote creamed corn recipe.

elote cream cheese corn in a white bowl with a serving spoon
5 from 4 votes

Elote Creamed Corn

Calling all Trader Joe's fans! This simple elote creamed corn recipe makes a yummy side dish using TJ's Everything But The Elote seasoning, cream cheese, and canned corn.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 2 (12 ounce) cans corn drained
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (I used 1/2 a block of Philly) softened
  • 1 tablespoon TJ's Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend or to taste
  • Lime juice to taste

Instructions 

  • Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to starting this recipe (or you can microwave it for 20-30 seconds to soften it up).
  • Melt the butter in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add in the cream cheese and corn and stir until they're well combined and warmed through. Stir in the elote seasoning and finish it with a squeeze of lime juice to taste (it balances some of the sweetness). Serve immediately with extra elote seasoning sprinkled over top.

Notes

  • Serves 4-6 depending on how much people eat.
  • If you have some cotija cheese on hand, feel free to add some in as well!
  • You could also use corn on the cob and cut the corn off (even better if you grill it).
  • Got a lime zester? A little lime zest makes a great addition to this recipe.

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Hi! I’m Natasha.

Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!

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10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thank you so much 😊 I made this today as a side for my shrimp tacos and it was absolutely delicious! I was able to cut the recipe in half since it’s just me and it worked out great. Such a delicious, inexpensive side!

  2. 5 stars
    This recipe is delicious! I’ve been wondering what to do with the Everything but the Elote seasoning for some time now. This was the perfect solution. Instead of canned corn, I used frozen roasted corn from Trader Joe’s and it worked out wonderfully. Thanks for posting this!

    1. Hi! I think the mayo would separate when you warm it up, and you would end up with a bit of an oily mess unfortunately.

  3. 5 stars
    Natasha,
    This was a huge hit at our house! I bought that seasoning because I love street corn, but was waiting until corn on the cob season. This was a super pantry treat. Thanks for all your great recipes!