The aroma of grilled corn smothered in creamy goodness wafts through the air, making your mouth water. Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a culinary delight that combines sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors in one irresistible dish. street corn chicken rice.

Imagine biting into tender corn, coated with a rich blend of mayonnaise and cheese, topped with a sprinkle of chili powder. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, cozy family nights, or when you simply need a taste of sunshine on your plate. For more inspiration, check out this corn-based recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This elote recipe is quick to prepare and bursts with flavor
- The vibrant colors and textures make it visually stunning
- Perfect for summer gatherings but versatile enough for year-round enjoyment
- You can easily customize toppings based on your taste preferences or dietary needs
I distinctly remember my first encounter with elote at a local food festival; I was hooked after just one bite! For more inspiration, check out this delicious comfort food recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Corn on the Cob: Choose plump cobs for the sweetest flavor; fresh is best for grilling or boiling.
- Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayonnaise for creaminess; it really brings the flavors together beautifully.
- Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cotija adds a salty kick; if unavailable, feta works too.
- Chili Powder: A sprinkle of chili powder gives that classic kick; adjust to your spice preference.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the dish with zesty freshness.
- Cilantro (optional): Chopped cilantro adds freshness and color; omit if you’re not a fan.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepping this elote is as easy as pie—if pie were made of corn! Let’s dive right in.
Prepare Your Corn: Start by husking the fresh corn, removing all silk strands. Rinse them under cool water to get rid of any remaining debris.
Boil or Grill Your Corn: If boiling, immerse the cobs in salted water and cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook each cob for about 10 minutes until charred and caramelized.
Create the Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise with lime juice and half of the crumbled cotija cheese. slow cooker chicken burrito bowl Stir well until combined; this creamy sauce will elevate your elote game!
Coat Your Corn: Once your corn is cooked to perfection, slather each cob generously with the creamy sauce using a brush or spoon. creamy corn chowder Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens!
Add Toppings: Sprinkle chili powder over each coated cob followed by the remaining cotija cheese. For an extra burst of flavor, add chopped cilantro if desired.
Savor Every Bite!: Serve immediately while still warm so you can enjoy that gooey goodness melting in your mouth. Pair with lime wedges on the side for an added zest!
With every bite of elote, you’re not just tasting corn; you’re embracing an experience that transports you straight to bustling street fairs in Mexico.
Ready to impress your friends and family? Elote is not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make! So gather those ingredients and start cooking today!
You Must Know
- Elote, or Mexican street corn, is not only delicious but also a fun dish to prepare
- Embrace the flavors of lime and chili combined with creamy cheese for a delightful bite
- Remember, the grilling adds a smoky touch that elevates every kernel
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the corn until tender, then grill it to achieve that smoky flavor. creole remoulade sauce While grilling, prepare your sauce for an easy assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cotija cheese with feta for a different flavor profile. Add jalapeños for an extra kick or sprinkle smoked paprika for depth.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover elote in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the grill or stovetop to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Achieving perfect elote is easier than you think!
- Always use fresh corn for the best taste; frozen can work too but lacks that crunch
- Be generous with toppings – they’re what make it fun!
- For an authentic touch, consider using a traditional Mexican crema
Nothing beats the moment when my friends gathered around the grill, and one bite of elote turned skeptical faces into smiles—everyone wanted seconds!
FAQ
What can I substitute for cotija cheese in elote?
Feta or parmesan can be great alternatives if cotija isn’t available.
Can I make elote without grilling?
Yes! You can boil or roast the corn in the oven as an alternative method.
How can I make elote spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños into your topping mix for more heat.

Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
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- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a vibrant dish that combines grilled corn with creamy toppings, creating a delightful explosion of flavors. This irresistible treat features sweet, smoky, and tangy notes, making it perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the corn by husking and rinsing each ear under cool water.
- Boil the corn in salted water for 5-7 minutes until tender or grill over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until charred.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, and half the cotija cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Coat each cooked cob generously with the sauce using a brush or spoon.
- Sprinkle chili powder and remaining cotija over each ear of corn; add cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm with lime wedges on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling/Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg