Elotes Recipe (Mexican Corn) (2024)

I don’t know if there’s a tastier way to enjoy corn on the cob than Elote corn, smothered in a creamy mayo sauce and topped with chili powder, cheese and lime. This popular Mexican corn recipe was my absolute favorite street food to eat while living in Mexico and makes a great side dish for any BBQ or potluck.

If you’d rather enjoy corn cut off the cob, don’t miss my esquites recipe, or try this Corn Salad.

Elotes Recipe (Mexican Corn) (1)

My first experience with authentic Elote was in Puebla, Mexico while living there during a school internship, and it quickly became my favorite snack whenever we were exploring the streets of the city. I just couldn’t get enough Elote and Esquites! This was one Mexican recipe I refused to leave the country without!

What is Elote?

The world “elote” means “corn cob” in Spanish, and Mexican Elote is grilled corn on the cob slathered in a mayo cream sauce and garnished with chili powder, cheese and lime. Elotes (and esquites) are as commonly sold from street carts in Mexico as hot dogs are in Manhatten.At least that’s what I experienced while living in Puebla, Mexico!

Elotes Recipe (Mexican Corn) (2)

How to make Elote:

Cook the Corn: You can cook the corn cobs on the stove, on a grill, or in the instant pot. For the stove, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the ears of corn and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.

Spread with Butter (Optional): If corn was cooked on stovetop or instant pot, Spread melted butter over the cooked corn and grill until slightly charred on all sides.

Add Crema Mixture: Mix the mayonnaise and Mexican crema together, then spread a thin layer over the cooked corn cobs.

Elotes Recipe (Mexican Corn) (3)

Enjoy: Sprinkle generously with cotija cheese and then desired amount of chili powder. Serve garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge on the side, for squeezing on top. Enjoy Elote corn immediately.

Elotes Recipe (Mexican Corn) (4)

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:

To Make-Ahead: Cook the corn, allow to cool and store covered in the fridge. Prepare the topping ingredients and store in the fridge. When ready to assemble, brush the corn with melted butter and grill over medium-high heat just until charred. Spread with toppings.

To Freeze: Blanch the corn on the cob for a few minutes in boiling water. Remove and allow to cool before storing a freezer safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Brush the corn with melted butter and grill over medium-high heat just until charred. Spread with toppings and serve the Mexican street corn immediately.

More Mexican Favorites:

  • Tamale Pie
  • Tres Leches Cake
  • Authentic Mexican Rice
  • Pozole
  • Esquites (Mexican Corn in a Cup)
  • Homemade Refried Beans
  • Horchata
  • Mexican Tamales

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Recipe

Elotes Recipe (Mexican Corn) (5)

5 from 149 votes

Elote Recipe

Elote, commonly called Mexican Street Corn, is grilled corn smothered in a creamy mayo sauce and topped with chili powder, cheese and lime. Serve it as a snack or side dish for summer BBQ's and potlucks.

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Author Lauren Allen

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 162

Prep 10 minutes mins

Cook 10 minutes mins

Total 20 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  • 4 ears corn* , husked
  • 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 Tablespoons Mexican crema , or sour cream
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese , freshly grated, or queso fresco*
  • chili powder , or tajin, to taste
  • 1 lime , quartered
  • fresh chopped cilantro , for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the ears of corn and cook until tender, about 10 minutes (or cook them in the instant pot).

  • (Optional step): Brush corn with melted butter and grill corn on medium heat until slightly charred.

  • Mix the mayonnaise and Mexican crema together and spread a thin layer all around the corn ears.

  • Sprinkle generously with cotija cheese and then desired amount of chili powder. Serve garnished with cilantro, and with a lime wedge on the side for squeezing on top.

  • Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Corn: White corn is traditionally used in Mexico, but yellow corn can be substituted.

Cheese: Cotija cheese is traditional, but if you can’t find it, substitute finely grated parmesan cheese.

Pro Tip: If using fresh husked corn, leave stem end attached as something to hold on to while eating. Otherwise stick a long wooden skewer into the end of the corn before grilling or coating, to make them easier to hold and eat.

Esquites: If you like your corn cut from the cob, try making Esquites instead (Mexican corn served in a cup).

Make-Ahead Instructions: Cook the corn, allow to cool and store covered in the fridge. Prepare the topping ingredients and store in the fridge. When ready to assemble, brush the corn with melted butter and grill over medium-high heat just until charred. Spread with toppings.

Freezing Instructions: Blanch the corn on the cob for a few minutes in boiling water. Remove and allow to cool before storing a freezer safe container for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Brush the corn with melted butter and grill over medium-high heat just until charred. Spread with toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 316mgPotassium: 274mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 294IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 112mgIron: 1mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

Tag @TastesBetterFromScratch on Instagram with #TastesBetterFromScratch!

Nutritional calculation is not perfectly accurate, as you may not use all of the mayo/crema sauce or cheese, depending on preference.

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I originally shared this recipe May 2020. Updated April 2023.

This post contains affiliate links.

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Categories

  • Kid Friendly Recipes
  • Mexican
  • Side Dishes
  • Snacks/Misc.

About The Author

Elotes Recipe (Mexican Corn) (10)

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.

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Elotes Recipe (Mexican Corn) (2024)

FAQs

What is the red stuff in elote? ›

The classic seasoning for elote is chili powder, but we have also found that we love it with smoked paprika. So maybe do a few cobs with each and see which one you prefer. You can sprinkle them on the corn with the cotija cheese and then squeeze fresh lime juice all over each corn on the cob.

What are the ingredients in everything but the elote? ›

The ingredients list sugar as the first ingredient, which helps to emulate the sweetness of fresh corn. Sugar is followed by sea salt, corn flour, chile pepper, Parmesan cheese, chipotle powder, natural flavor, citric acid, dried cilantro, organic rice fiber, and cumin powder.

What is Mexican street corn made of? ›

Elote, commonly called Mexican Street Corn, is grilled corn smothered in a creamy mayo sauce and topped with chili powder, cheese and lime. Serve it as a snack or side dish for summer BBQ's and potlucks.

What is the yellow stuff on an elote? ›

Elote (pronounced: eh-loh-teh) is a dish comprised of cooked sweet corn slathered in a spicy mixture of mayonnaise, crema, and chili powder, and then sprinkled with cheese.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese in Mexican street corn? ›

Best overall substitute: Feta cheese is the best like-for-like substitute for cotija cheese. You can use it exactly as you would use cotija (either as a filling or garnish). It has a very similar crumbly texture, salty and mild flavor, and can be found at most local grocery stores. It's also cheaper than cotija!

What chili powder is used on elotes? ›

Tajin- some sort of chili powder is usually added to elotes, and my favorite is Tajin. It's also something you can easily find at any grocery store. Hot sauce- This is optional- I like Tapatio or Valentina but you don't have to add hot sauce if you don't want to.

What is elote seasoning? ›

A bold and versatile seasoning blend, our Elote Seasoning blend is filled with chili pepper, cumin, lime, parmesan cheese and garlic. Just as versatile as our Everything Bagel blend, this shaker is delicious on everything from elote street corn on the cob and scrambled eggs to popcorn and even BBQ pork ribs.

Is tajin the same as elote seasoning? ›

Elote can be prepared using a pre-made spice mix called Tajín seasoning, which includes ground red chiles, sea salt, and dehydrated lime juice. This recipe calls for chili powder, but by all means, if you have Tajín, use it. Just cut back on the salt, as it's already in the blend.

What does elote contain? ›

Elote is made with corn on the cob, slathered with mayonnaise, seasoned with chili powder and fresh lime juice, sprinkled all over with salty Cotija cheese and cilantro. It's messy to eat but worth every bite. Elote is the perfect summertime side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal.

Why does Mexican corn taste different? ›

The taste is different. Corn was domesticated right here in Mexico. For thousands of years, farmers here carefully mixed varieties of maize in small plots of land. But globalization made American yellow corn more common because it's so cheap.

Can I use parmesan instead of Cotija? ›

Parmigiano-Reggiano

It's no surprise that these cheeses are so similar; Cotija goes by the nickname of the "Parmesan of Mexico." Parmesan is traditionally made with unpasteurized cow's milk, just like Cotija cheese. Use this classic Italian ingredient as a substitute for dishes that call for an aging, sharper cotija.

Is elote good for you? ›

Corn is rich in fiber and carotenoids, which makes it healthy for the gut and eyes.

Why is elote so good? ›

This iconic dish, often referred to as “elote mexicano“, combines the sweetness of tender corn kernels with a luscious coating of mayo, tangy crumbled Cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín seasoning.

How long does elote last? ›

STORE: Place elotes on a plate and cover with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

What are the red bits on corn? ›

It's known as Gibberella Ear Rot, and it's a fungus that is commonly found in the fields of the Midwest.

What is the red powder Mexican spice? ›

What's commonly called "Tajín" is really Tajín Clásico, the first and most popular condiment made by Empresas Tajín in Jalisco, Mexico. Its ingredients are ground dried chile peppers (a blend of chiles de árbol, guajillo and pasilla), dehydrated lime, and sea salt.

What is red corn on the cob? ›

The cobs of Red corn are typically leaner than yellow or white and kernels and less plump in size, though this is not a reflection of the Red corn's sweetness. Red corn is exceptionally sweet and nutty in flavor and that flavor is brought out by cooking. Its texture is semi firm and the kernels juicy when young.

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