Creamy, smoky, tangy, and absolutely irresistible — this easy Mexican street corn (Elote) recipe brings bold flavor right to your kitchen or grill!
🌟 What Is Street Corn (Elote)?
Elote is a popular Mexican street food made with grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, cheesy, and spicy sauce. It’s the perfect blend of smoky charred corn, zesty lime, and rich cotija cheese — a true flavor explosion!
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, taco night, or just craving a snack, this delicious street corn recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
🛒 Ingredients
🌽 For the Corn:
4 ears of fresh corn, husked
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
🧄 For the Sauce:
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta if unavailable)
1 lime, juiced
1 tsp chili powder (plus extra for garnish)
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Salt to taste
🍋 To Garnish:
Extra cotija cheese
Fresh chopped cilantro
Lime wedges
🔥 Directions
Step 1: Grill the Corn
Brush each ear of corn lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
Grill over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until kernels are charred and golden.
No grill? Roast your corn in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Stir in cotija cheese until the mixture is thick and creamy.
Step 3: Coat the Corn
Once the corn is hot off the grill, use a brush or spoon to slather each cob generously with the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle extra cotija cheese, cilantro, and a dash of chili powder on top.
Serve immediately with lime wedges for that zesty finishing squeeze! 🍋
🌶️ Optional Variations
Street Corn Cups (Esquites): Cut the corn off the cob and mix it in a bowl with the sauce — perfect for serving in cups!
Add Heat: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or Tajín for extra spice.
Make It Vegan: Use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Extra Crunch: Add roasted peanuts or crushed tortilla chips on top!
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Pair your delicious street corn with:
Grilled steak or chicken fajitas
Tacos al pastor 🌮
Burgers or BBQ ribs
Or enjoy it all by itself — it’s that good!
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Street Corn
✅ Always serve it warm — the sauce melts beautifully into the kernels.
✅ Use fresh corn when possible — it gives the sweetest flavor.
✅ Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for deeper, smoky notes.
🌻 In Summary
This delicious street corn recipe you’ll love is creamy, smoky, and bursting with flavor — the ultimate summer side dish or anytime treat. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress at your next cookout or family dinner!
So fire up the grill, grab some limes, and enjoy your homemade Elote — street food magic at home! 🌽🔥✨