Pastel De Elote
Pastel de Elote is a savory Mexican corn bread featuring tender corn, melted cheeses, and a hint of spiciness from green chilies. Its moist, flavorful texture makes it perfect as a hearty snack or side dish, appealing to cheese lovers and those craving comforting, savory baked goods.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 small can green chilies seeded and chopped
- 1 can (16 oz.) cream-style corn
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl.
- Cream the butter and sugar in another bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the chopped green chilies, cream-style corn, and shredded cheeses; mix well.
- Gradually blend the creamed mixture into the flour mixture until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8x12x2-inch baking dish.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 5 minutes at 350°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
- Continue baking for an additional 55 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Pastel De Elote, consider adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or replacing the Monterey Jack cheese with pepper jack. Ensure the butter is soft for easier creaming with sugar. If you prefer a sweeter version, increase the sugar to 3/4 cup. For a gluten-free alternative, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pastel De Elote warm as a delightful side dish alongside grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course with a fresh green salad. It pairs beautifully with James' Mexican Cornbread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with Taco Dip And Chips for a fun appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pastel De Elote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastel De Elote contains roughly 367 calories, with 10g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1429mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to bake it fresh for optimal texture and flavor. If you bake it ahead, allow it to cool completely before storing and reheat as needed.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for the Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses. This makes the Pastel De Elote suitable for those following dairy-free diets without compromising flavor.
What can I serve with Pastel De Elote?
Pastel De Elote is versatile and complements a variety of dishes. Consider serving it with a side of Caldo Con Queso for a warm, comforting meal. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables or a zesty avocado salad for a refreshing touch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).