Smoky, Creamy, Tangy, and Bursting with Mexican Flavor
Mexican Street Corn, known as Elote, is one of Mexico's most famous street foods. Sweet grilled corn is coated in a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise and sour cream, sprinkled generously with Cotija cheese, dusted with chili powder, and finished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Every bite is smoky, creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, taco night, or summer cookout, Elote is guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔ Authentic Mexican street food
✔ Ready in just 25 minutes
✔ Incredible smoky flavor
✔ Perfect for BBQs and cookouts
✔ Easy to make
✔ Vegetarian-friendly
✔ Great party side dish
✔ Restaurant-quality at home
About This Recipe
Elote is sold by street vendors throughout Mexico, where freshly grilled ears of corn are generously coated with flavorful toppings and served hot.
Its popularity has spread worldwide thanks to its perfect balance of sweet corn, creamy sauce, salty cheese, fresh herbs, and bright citrus.
It's simple, colorful, and packed with bold flavors that keep people coming back for more.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn, husks removed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Toppings
- ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Equipment
- Outdoor grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Serving platter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2
Brush each ear of corn lightly with vegetable oil.
Step 3
Grill the corn for 10–12 minutes, turning frequently until lightly charred on all sides.
Step 4
While the corn cooks, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lime zest, and lime juice.
Step 5
Brush the warm grilled corn generously with the creamy sauce.
Step 6
Sprinkle each ear with Cotija cheese.
Step 7
Dust with chili powder and smoked paprika.
Step 8
Top with chopped cilantro.
Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges.
Chef's Tips
- Grill over charcoal for extra smoky flavor.
- Apply the sauce while the corn is still hot so it sticks well.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a huge difference.
- Don't be shy with the Cotija cheese!
Variations
Spicy Elote
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Elote Cups (Esquites)
Cut the grilled kernels off the cob and serve in cups.
Parmesan Substitute
Use grated Parmesan if Cotija isn't available.
Chipotle Elote
Mix chipotle peppers in adobo into the sauce for a smoky kick.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cotija cheese?
Cotija is a firm, salty Mexican cheese commonly used as a topping for tacos, corn, and salads.
Can I boil the corn instead?
Yes, but grilling gives Elote its signature smoky flavor.
Is Elote spicy?
It's mildly spicy. Adjust the chili powder to your preference.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time, but grill and assemble the corn just before serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 7 g
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Carne Asada
- Chicken Fajitas
- Fish Tacos
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Homemade Guacamole
- Fresh Pico de Gallo
- Shirley Temple Mocktail
Final Thoughts
Mexican Street Corn is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. Smoky grilled corn, creamy sauce, salty Cotija cheese, and fresh lime combine to create one of Mexico's most iconic dishes. It's easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for any gathering.
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