Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines grilled corn with creamy toppings, tangy lime, savory cheese, and a touch of spice. Found on bustling street corners throughout Mexico, elote has gained global popularity thanks to its irresistible balance of smoky, zesty, and cheesy goodness.
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this delicious street food at home, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple steps to make the best elote corn recipe, along with variations, serving ideas, and expert tips. By the end, you’ll have a go-to recipe for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or even a cozy snack.
Why Everyone Loves Elote 🌽
Flavor explosion – creamy, tangy, spicy, and cheesy.
Simple ingredients – corn, mayo, cheese, and spices.
Perfect for gatherings – easy to scale up for parties.
Customizable – adjust spice, toppings, and cheese to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make authentic elote corn, gather these essentials:
4 ears of corn (husks removed)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or sour cream, or a mix)
¼ cup Cotija cheese (crumbled, or feta as a substitute)
1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon chili powder (or Tajín for a tangy kick)
Fresh cilantro (optional, chopped, for garnish)
Butter (optional, for extra richness)
Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Guide: Best Elote Corn Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
Remove the husks and silk.
Rinse and pat dry.
Step 2: Grill the Corn
Preheat your grill (or stovetop grill pan).
Place corn directly on medium-high heat.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until kernels are charred and tender.
(No grill? You can also roast corn in the oven at 400°F / 200°C for about 20 minutes.)
Step 3: Coat with Creamy Base
While warm, brush each cob with mayonnaise (or mayo-sour cream mix).
This creamy layer helps toppings stick.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Roll or sprinkle Cotija cheese generously over the corn.
Feta or Parmesan also works well if Cotija isn’t available.
Step 5: Season & Garnish
Sprinkle chili powder (or Tajín) over the top.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Garnish with cilantro if desired.
And just like that, you’ve created the best elote corn recipe—simple, delicious, and authentic! 🌽
Variations of Elote
Esquites (Mexican corn in a cup): Kernels cut off the cob, mixed with mayo, lime, cheese, and chili powder—easier to eat!
Spicy Elote: Add hot sauce or extra chili powder for heat.
Cheesy Twist: Try shredded cheddar or mozzarella in addition to Cotija.
Vegan Elote: Use vegan mayo and plant-based cheese alternatives.
Butter Lovers’ Elote: Brush with melted butter before adding toppings.
Tips for Perfect Elote Every Time
Use fresh corn – Sweet, juicy corn makes the best base.
Char it well – Those grill marks add smoky flavor.
Serve immediately – Elote is best enjoyed hot.
Balance flavors – Don’t skip lime; it cuts through richness.
Get messy – Elote is finger food—embrace the fun!
Serving Ideas for Elote
As a side dish with grilled meats or tacos.
Cut into halves for party appetizers.
Make a DIY elote bar where guests add their own toppings.
Serve alongside Mexican rice, guacamole, or salsa for a full spread.
Conclusion
Few street foods capture the heart and taste buds like elote. With its smoky corn, creamy mayo, tangy lime, salty cheese, and spicy chili, it’s a dish that excites all your senses. By following these simple steps to make the best elote corn recipe, you can bring authentic Mexican street flavor right to your table.
So fire up that grill, grab some fresh corn, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. 🌽🎉