Trader Joes Elote Seasoning Recipe

This smoky, sweet Trader Joes Elote Seasoning Recipe is made with chipotle powder, parmesan cheese, and fine cornmeal and ready in 5 minutes. The magic happens when the spicy chili cuts through the salty cheese and sugar. I keep a jar on my counter for popcorn.

What I Learned Making This

When I first tried recreating this famous blend, I missed the subtle corn flavor completely. Adding a spoonful of fine cornmeal changed everything and matched the original perfectly. I highly recommend using masa flour if you have it.

I also found that using shelf-stable parmesan prevents the mix from clumping in the pantry. If you use fresh cheese, you will have to store the seasoning blend in the fridge to keep it safe.

Trader Joes Elote Seasoning Recipe Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cane sugar
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon fine yellow cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon shelf-stable grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro

How To Make Trader Joes Elote Seasoning Recipe

1. Measure Ingredients: Add the sugar, salt, cornmeal, parmesan, chili powder, chipotle powder, cumin, and dried cilantro to a small bowl.
2. Whisk Together: Stir the spices vigorously with a small whisk or fork until completely combined.
3. Transfer to Jar: Pour the seasoning blend into an airtight spice jar using a small funnel.

Recipe Tips

• Use fine cornmeal: Coarse cornmeal will sink to the bottom of the jar and ruin the texture.
• Check your cilantro: If your dried cilantro has absorbed moisture, it will cause clumping.
• Adjust the heat: Reduce the chipotle powder if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

What To Serve With Elote Seasoning

Dust this generously over hot buttered popcorn for a quick snack. It also transforms roasted cauliflower, grilled chicken, and fresh corn on the cob.

How To Store

Store this spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard. It will stay fresh for up to three months.

FAQs

Can I use fresh parmesan?

Yes, but you must keep the blend refrigerated. You will need to use it within a week.

Is this very spicy?

It has a moderate kick from the chipotle powder. You can halve the amount for less heat.

Can I skip the sugar?

The sugar balances the smoky heat beautifully. You can omit it if you prefer a savory-only blend.

Nutrition

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Total Fat: 0.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Cholesterol: 1 mg
• Sodium: 1160 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Pickle Seasoning Recipe
• Trader Joes 21 Seasoning Salute Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Seasoning Recipe

Trader Joes Elote Seasoning Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Total time

5

minutes

Smoky, sweet Trader Joes Elote Seasoning Recipe blends fine cornmeal, shelf-stable parmesan, and chipotle powder in just 5 minutes. This quick DIY pantry staple is an effortless way to season movie night popcorn or summer roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cane sugar

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 tablespoon fine yellow cornmeal

• 1 tablespoon shelf-stable grated parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro

Directions

• 1. Measure Ingredients: Add the sugar, salt, cornmeal, parmesan, chili powder, chipotle powder, cumin, and dried cilantro to a small bowl.
• 2. Whisk Together: Stir the spices vigorously with a small whisk or fork until completely combined.
• 3. Transfer to Jar: Pour the seasoning blend into an airtight spice jar using a small funnel.