Ranch-Infused Grilled Corn Delight
Indulge in a twist on classic Mexican street food with our Ranch-Infused Grilled Corn Delight! This recipe features your choice of fresh corn served as Elote on the cob or Esquites off the cob, bundled with the bold flavors of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning. The creamy dressing, paired with freshly grated Parmesan and zesty lemon, elevates this dish to new heights of deliciousness. Perfect for summer barbecues, winter comfort food, or any occasion, this dish invites you to savor the freshness of corn, the richness of Greek yogurt, and the crunch of chives. Whether you enjoy it as a classic Elote or a hearty Esquites, it promises a delightful experience for your taste buds. Explore all three preparation methods and discover your favorite today!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Corn (or Frozen)
4 ears (Remove husks and silks if using fresh; boil according to instructions.)
Plain Greek Yogurt
1/4 cup (No preparation needed.)
Whole Milk
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed.)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix
2-3 teaspoons (No preparation needed.)
Butter, melted
1/4 cup (Melt before brushing onto corn.)
Fresh Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
1/3 cup (Grate before serving.)
Fresh Chives, finely chopped
1 tablespoon (Chop before serving.)
Lemon
1 (Slice lengthwise into wedges.)
Salt & Pepper
to taste (No preparation needed.)
Chili Powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed.)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the dressing. In a small glass bowl, mix together the plain Greek yogurt, whole milk, and Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
2
While the dressing is chilling, prepare the corn. If using frozen corn, boil according to package instructions. If using fresh corn, husk, and remove silks, then boil in a large pot of salted water until tender.
3
Important: Reserve about 1/2 cup of the water used for boiling the corn, as it contains starch that will enhance the Esquites.
4
Preheat your oven to 500°F and position a rack in the middle. Once the corn is cooked, carefully remove it from the boiling water and set it on a platter to cool down slightly.
5
For the Elote preparation, line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Brush each ear of corn with melted butter and season lightly with salt and pepper. Avoid adding chili powder at this stage.
6
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, regularly rotating the corn to ensure all sides are evenly browned. Once done, remove the corn and place it back on the platter.
7
For a grilled Elote, alternatively, soak the corn in water for about 30 minutes before grilling, leaving the husks on during grilling. Once cooked through, remove the husks, brush with melted butter, and grill until browned to your liking.
8
Now, if you choose to serve Elote, slather the corn with the chilled dressing and generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Add minced chives, a squeeze of lemon juice over the top, and a sprinkle of chili powder if desired.
9
For Esquites, cut the kernels off the cob using a serrated knife, placing them into a bowl. Add the reserved boiling water (about 1/4 - 1/2 cup), the chilled dressing, Parmesan cheese, and chives. Mix thoroughly, then squeeze additional lemon over the top before serving.
10
Enjoy your Ranch-Infused Grilled Corn Delight as Elote or Esquites, and share the excitement of this delicious twist on a beloved street food!
Nutrition Information
21.25g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ranch-Infused Grilled Corn Delight?
It is a flavorful twist on classic Mexican street food that combines corn with Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese.
Can I serve this corn dish on or off the cob?
You can serve it as Elote on the cob or as Esquites off the cob.
What are the ingredients for the ranch dressing?
The dressing consists of plain Greek yogurt, whole milk, and Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix.
How long should the dressing be chilled?
The dressing should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, if using frozen corn, simply boil it according to the package instructions.
How do I prepare fresh corn for this dish?
Husk the corn, remove the silks, and boil in a large pot of salted water until tender.
Why should I save some of the corn boiling water?
The starchy water is used in the Esquites preparation to enhance the texture and flavor.
What is the recommended oven temperature for roasting the corn?
The oven should be preheated to 500°F.
How long does the corn need to bake in the oven?
Bake the corn for approximately 15 minutes, rotating it regularly to ensure even browning.
Should I add chili powder before baking the corn?
No, you should avoid adding chili powder during the baking stage; save it for the final garnish.
How do I prepare grilled Elote?
Soak the corn in water for 30 minutes with husks on, grill until cooked, then remove husks, brush with butter, and grill until browned.
How do I assemble the Elote?
Slather the cooked corn with chilled dressing, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chives, and add lemon juice and chili powder.
How do I assemble the Esquites?
Cut the kernels off the cob, mix with reserved boiling water, chilled dressing, Parmesan, and chives, then top with lemon juice.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
Finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese is used for this dish.
What citrus is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for fresh lemon wedges to be squeezed over the corn.
What herb is used for the garnish?
Finely chopped fresh chives are used to add flavor and color.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetarian.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 300 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains 21.25g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the Ranch-Infused Grilled Corn Delight?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
This recipe provides 7.5g of protein per serving.
What brand of ranch seasoning is suggested?
The recipe specifically recommends Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix.
How much butter is used to brush the corn?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of melted butter.
What is the purpose of the Greek yogurt in this recipe?
Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy base for the dressing that replaces heavier traditional creams.
Is this dish intended for a specific season?
It is versatile enough for summer barbecues or as winter comfort food.
Can I use a serrated knife for the Esquites?
Yes, a serrated knife is recommended to easily cut the kernels off the cob.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Is chili powder a mandatory ingredient?
No, chili powder is optional and can be added according to your preference.
How many ears of corn does the recipe require?
The recipe is based on 4 ears of fresh corn or an equivalent amount of frozen corn.
What should I do before roasting the corn in the oven?
Line a baking tray with aluminum foil, brush the corn with melted butter, and season with salt and pepper.