Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Creamy, Smoky & Full of Flavor

This Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is grilled to perfection and smothered in creamy, tangy sauce with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime — the perfect summer side!

Mexican Street Corn: A Flavorful Fiesta on a Cob

If you’ve ever wandered through the streets of Mexico, you know the smell of elote — grilled corn on the cob slathered with creamy sauce, sprinkled with cheese, and kissed with chili and lime.

This dish is the ultimate summer treat — smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of messy. It’s easy to make at home and pairs perfectly with tacos, fajitas, or grilled meats. Every bite bursts with flavor and that irresistible combination of sweet corn and savory spice! “Pair with Mexican Rice to round out your fiesta table.”

Recipe Card

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, husked

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling)

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)

• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Juice of 1 lime

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)

• Extra lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Brush corn with olive oil and grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides.

2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, and lime juice until smooth.

3. Coat the Corn: Once grilled, brush the creamy mixture generously over each ear of corn while still warm.

4. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle with cotija cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect Elote

• Don’t skip the char — that smoky flavor makes the dish authentic.

• For more heat, use Tajín or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Prefer it off the cob? Try Esquites — the same recipe, but with the corn kernels cut off and served in a cup!

• Use Mexican crema for a smoother, tangier flavor than sour cream.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Street Corn recipe brings bold, authentic flavor to your table — creamy, cheesy, tangy, and perfectly grilled. It’s a crowd favorite for barbecues, taco nights, or any meal that needs a pop of fun and flavor.

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