Dressing up a dill pickle spear like an Elote is an easy way to elevate a classic snack. All this Elote Pickle recipe requires are dill pickle spears, crema, cotija cheese, Tajin seasoning, and dried dill weed - and you've got yourself one delicious and unique Elote-Style Pickle snack that's easy to prepare.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's inventive! I can't take full credit for this idea as I saw a picture of Elote Pickles in a Pickle Lover's group I follow on Facebook. Judge away but that group has some seriously creative recipes!
- There wasn't a recipe per se associated with said Elote Pickle Picture, so I figured if I kept it simple it could be pretty easily replicated. All you need are 5 ingredients - dill pickle spears, crema (or mayo), cotija or queso fresco cheese (or feta), Tajin (a Chile Lime Seasoning like Trader Joe's), and dried dill weed. You can see where this is going right? And I'm so excited for you to try them!
- It's unforgettable. I couldn't get the Elote Pickle recipe idea out of my head and into the blogosphere fast enough. Tart, tangy, spicy Tajin pairs surprisingly well against a dill pickle. It's a new favorite snack and I hope you enjoy it too! If you like pickle snacks, check out Pickle de Gallo (or Pickle Salsa) and these Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-Ups.
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Ingredients
- Dill pickle spears - I like pickle spears here, Claussen pickle spears are my jam. Spears give you the perfect topping to pickle ratio in every bite.
- Crema - Crema creates a creamy coating and aids the garnishes (crumbly cheese and seasonings) in adhering to the pickle. I know mayo is traditional on Elotes, but I prefer Mexican crema. Go ahead and use mayo if you like; even sour cream works well (if you thin it out just a touch).
- Cotija or Queso Fresco cheese - For even more salty deliciousness and tang. If you have trouble finding Cotija or Queso Fresco cheese, crumbled feta cheese works just fine too.
- Tajin - Tajin is a chipotle lime seasoning that brings a smoky, tangy heat to anything it gets sprinkled on. I often sprinkle it on cucumbers, so it's only natural it should be enjoyed on a pickle 🙂. You could also use chili powder, which is traditional, or ancho chile powder. I opted for Tajin' because traditional Elotes are prepared with lime; Tajin provides a chili lime kick in one seasoning. Trader Joe's also has a fantastic Chile Lime seasoning.
- Dill weed - Because this is a mashup, a little dill weed alongside the Tajin seasoning takes it to the next level. Trust me on this.
You should definitely pair this snack with Chicken Tortilla Soup and wash it down with Watermelon Agua Fresca (Watermelon Water).
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below - keep scrolling!
Substitutions
- Claussen pickles - I have only ever tried this recipe with Claussen which are my favorites, but I think Nathan's or Grillo's would work well here too. I would avoid any pickle that is super salty on its own.
- Crema - Instead of crema, you could also use mayonnaise, which is traditional to Elotes.
- Tajin - Trader Joe's has a fantastic Chile Lime seasoning that tastes similar to Tajin.
- Cotija or queso fresco cheese - Go ahead and swap in feta instead.
Variations
- Hot Cheetos Elote Pickles - Get yourself some Flamin' Hot Cheetos, crush them up into small crumbs, and sprinkle the flamin' hot Cheeto crumbs on top for a fiery pickle snack with an added crunch.
- Doubly Dill-icious Elote Pickles - Crush up dill pickle chips and sprinkle the dilly bits on top for another hit of dill and a satisfying crunch.
How to Make Elote Pickle - Directions
Get out a sheet pan and a wire rack, placing the wire rack onto the pan. I like to prepare Elote Pickles this way for ease of cleanup.
Remove pickle spears from the jar and lay them on top of the rack.
Take a paper towel and dab the pickle spears dry.
Pour some crema onto a plate. Crumble the cotija or queso fresco cheese onto a plate.
- Step 1: Take a pickle spear and dip both of the "insides" of the pickle spear in the crema. Then, dip the pickle spear insides into the cotija cheese crumbles.
- Step 2: Set the coated pickle spear back on the rack. Repeat with every pickle spear.
- Step 3: Once all pickle spears are coated in cotija cheese, sprinkle on the Tajin seasoning, followed by the dill seasoning.
- Step 4: I recommend starting out light on the seasoning, then increasing it as needed to suit your tastes. Enjoy!
Alternate Seasonings to Consider
Everything But the Elote seasoning from Trader Joe's - Set the Tajin aside and sprinkle on Trader Joe's Everything But the Elote seasoning. It's great with or without the dill weed.
Trader Joe's Seasoning in a Pickle - Tastes just like dill pickles! Pair it with Tajin, it's great! If you have difficulty finding Tajin near you, you can go a more traditional route and use chili powder or ancho chile powder in its place. Or you can order Tajin seasoning online. I use TJ's Seasoning in a Pickle to punch up this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad.
Top Tips for the BEST Elote Pickles
Tip 1. Don't forget to pat dry the dill pickle spears before dipping them into the crema or the crema will not adhere well.
Tip 2. Add the Tajin seasoning and dill weed, a little at a time, until you are satisfied with the flavor. Tajin is also fantastic on fruit - try it on this Mexican Fruit Salad.
Tip 3. Don't use a pickle brand that is overly salty since you will be adding salt in the form of cotija cheese. I like Claussen for this recipe.
Wondering what to do with leftover pickle juice? You can use it to make salad dressings, meat marinades, and so much more.
Storage
I have none for you, as this elote-style pickle recipe is a make-it-and-eat-it-immediately kind of snack. But if you simply must save one for later, it is best refrigerated and eaten within 12 hours, after which the pickle will become increasingly soggy. I tried it so you don't have to!
Recipe FAQs
In various parts of Mexico, elotes-grilled or boiled corn on the cob-are popular street food sold by eloteros from colorful food carts. These vendors, whether stationary or roaming the streets, offer a delightful array of options to suit every taste. You can choose between hard or soft kernels, small or large cobs, and tasty toppings including sour cream, mayonnaise, liquid cheese, chile powder, grated cheese, or butter.
If you want an authentic Elote recipe, check out My Latina Table's Authentic Mexican Street Corn Recipe (Elotes Mexicanos).
Absolutely not. Salty, briny dill pickles are the way to go here for sure.
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Elote Pickles - Elote-Style Dill Pickles
Ingredients
- 4 large Claussen pickle spears
- 2 tablespoons crema
- 2-3 tablespoons cotija or queso fresco cheese
- Tajin to taste (I used 2 teaspoons)
- Dill weed to taste (I recommend using lightly so the Tajin shines with a dill accent)
Instructions
- Get out a sheet pan and a wire rack, placing the wire rack onto the pan. I like to prepare Elote Pickles this way for ease of cleanup.
- Remove pickle spears from the jar and lay them on top of the rack.4 large Claussen pickle spears
- Take a paper towel and dab the pickle spears dry.
- Pour some crema onto a plate. Crumble the cotija or queso fresco cheese onto a plate.2 tablespoons crema, 2-3 tablespoons cotija or queso fresco cheese
- Take a pickle spear and dip both of the "insides" of the pickle spear in the crema. Then, dip the pickle spear insides into the cotija cheese crumbles.
- Set the coated pickle spear back on the rack. Repeat with every pickle spear.
- Once all pickle spears are coated in cotija cheese, sprinkle on the Tajin seasoning, followed by the dill seasoning. I recommend starting out light on the seasoning, then increasing it as needed to suit your tastes.Tajin, Dill weed
- Enjoy!
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