Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is roasted and then smothered with a delicious creamy topping, spices, fresh lime, and plenty of cheese to finish it off.
This pairs perfectly with all your favorite BBQ dishes such as this grilled chicken marinade or this macaroni coleslaw salad!
The Best Elote
One of the most popular recipes on my site is this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad and that was inspired by the flavors in elote.
While I’m no expert in Mexican cuisine, there are few things I enjoy more than elote. I’ve had it at every food truck that offers it and several times in Mexico, so I knew I had to recreate my own version to satisfy that craving I can’t always get.
And let me tell you—this recipe does not disappoint! It’s so easy to make, and the crunch combined with the creamy goodness is a combo that can’t be beat.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Use full-fat for better flavor.
- Mexican Crema: Thinner, milder than sour cream; sour cream is a suitable substitute.
- Lime: Use both zest and juice for a strong flavor, avoiding the bitter pith.
- Spices: A mix of chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne for added taste.
- Garlic: Grate for even distribution in the sauce.
- Cilantro: Finely chopped, can be replaced with parsley, basil, or oregano.
- Queso Cotija: A preferred cheese topping for its unique flavor.
How To Make Elote
- Grill Corn: Grill 8 oiled and seasoned corn ears for 12 minutes at 400°F, turning every 3 minutes.
- Mix Sauce: Mix Mexican crema (or sour cream), mayo, cilantro, garlic, spices, and lime.
- Coat Corn: Coat grilled corn with sauce and sprinkle with queso cotija.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optional lime wedges.
More Delicious Recipes
- Mexican Street Corn Dip simple to make
- Steak Fajitas perfect for summer grilling
- Quinoa Black Bean Salad with the best dressing
- Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burrito Bowls over rice
- Mexican Salad with black beans
Elote
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ears sweet corn
- Vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/3 cup minced cilantro measure 1/3 cup before chopping
- 1 clove garlic very finely minced or grated on zester
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder for a smokier flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 large lime plus additional lime wedges for serving if desired
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso cotija or plain cotija cheese
Instructions
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Once hot, clean the grill grates. Remove the husks and silk from the corn. Pour about 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil on each corn cob and rub the oil onto all sides. Very lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on all sides of the corn. (The cotija cheese is quite salty, so you don’t want to add too much salt.) Place corn on grill grates (nothing needs to go down first; don’t wrap in foil) and close grill. Cook for about 3 minutes per side undisturbed. Using tongs, rotate and continue cooking, about 12 minutes total. When all sides are browned, remove onto a plate.
- While corn is grilling, whisk together the sauce. Add the Mexican crema, mayo, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons lime zest, and 2 tablespoons lime juice to a bowl; whisk to combine. Taste and adjust any seasonings to preference.
- Using a spoon or pastry brush, brush on the sauce, generously coating each ear of corn. Sprinkle on cheese, and if desired, an additional sprinkle of chili powder. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Could you replace the mayo with something else like sour cream or just butter? Most of my family doesn’t like it.
I haven’t ever tried it without mayo so I’m really not sure what the flavor would be like! I’d try a combo of melted butter and sour cream instead
This is awesome but 8 ears is definitely not 8 servings ???????????? maybe 4!
Haha! Definitely if you’re not eating these as a side 🙂
I absolutely adore Mexican street corn! And now I’m craving it for dinner tonight!!! Yum!
Thanks Jocelyn!
Oh my gosh I need this in my life. Fabulous.
Yay!! Thanks so much! 🙂
There is nothing I love more than this street corn!
Ahh right?! Isn’t it the best! Thanks!! 🙂
I am a sucker for street corn and your recipe looks like heaven on earth!!
Thanks so much!! I hope you enjoy! 🙂
Elote is delicious! I was able to try it at a Taste of STL festival and fell in love with it. I love making this for Cinco de Mayo.
The best right?! Thanks Julie!