Creamy, tangy, smoky Mexican street corn at home
Elote—Mexican street corn—is loved for its bold flavors: creamy, cheesy, tangy, and slightly spicy. The good news? You don’t need a grill cart or special tools to make the best elote corn recipe at home. With a few simple steps, you’ll get perfectly coated corn that tastes just like your favorite street food.
What Is Elote?
Elote is grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy sauce, then topped with cheese, chili, and lime. It’s a classic Mexican street food that’s:
Rich and creamy
Bright and tangy
Smoky and savory
Completely addictive
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 ears of corn, husks removed
⅓ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta)
1 tsp chili powder or smoked paprika
1–2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, finely grated (optional)
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Elote Corn Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Corn
Grill (best flavor):
Heat grill to medium-high
Grill corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred (8–10 minutes)
No grill? No problem:
Boil corn 5–7 minutes or
Roast in oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, mix:
Mayonnaise
Sour cream or crema
Lime juice
Garlic (if using)
A pinch of salt
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Coat the Corn
Brush or spread sauce generously over hot corn
Make sure every side is coated
Heat helps the sauce cling beautifully.
Step 4: Add Toppings 🌽✨
Sprinkle with cotija cheese
Dust with chili powder
Add chopped cilantro
Finish with an extra squeeze of lime if you like it tangy.
Pro Tips for the Best Elote
✔ Use fresh corn for natural sweetness
✔ Grill for smoky flavor (char = magic)
✔ Cotija gives authentic taste—feta works in a pinch
✔ Serve immediately while warm
✔ Adjust spice level to your taste
Easy Elote Variations
🌶️ Spicy Elote
Add cayenne or drizzle hot sauce.
🧄 Garlic Elote
Mix roasted garlic into the sauce.
🧀 Extra Cheesy
Add grated Parmesan along with cotija.
🌽 Elote in a Cup (Esquites)
Cut corn off the cob and mix everything together—great for parties!
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
Using cold corn
Skipping lime juice (it balances richness)
Overloading sauce before cooking
Using pre-shredded cheese (doesn’t stick well)
Serving Ideas
Serve as a side for tacos or grilled meats
Pair with BBQ dishes
Enjoy as a street-style snack
Add to summer cookouts and parties
Final Thoughts
With these simple steps, you can make the best elote corn recipe anytime—creamy, tangy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Once you try homemade elote, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat favorite 🌽✨