Elote corn recipe, also known as Mexican street corn, is a wildly popular dish that captures the essence of Mexico’s vibrant street food culture. Grilled sweet corn slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce and dusted with cheese, chili, and lime—elote is a simple yet irresistible recipe that delivers bold flavors in every bite.
Whether you’ve tasted elote from a street vendor in Mexico or you’re trying it at home for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect batch—from ingredients and preparation to variations and serving tips.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Packed with Bold Flavors – Creamy, tangy, spicy, and cheesy all at once.
Easy to Make at Home – No fancy equipment or exotic ingredients required.
Perfect for Grilling Season – Great for BBQs, cookouts, or weeknight dinners.
Customizable – Easily adaptable to your spice preference, dietary needs, and available ingredients.
What Is Elote?
Elote is the Spanish word for corn on the cob, and in Mexican cuisine, it refers to grilled corn that’s brushed with a creamy sauce, typically made of mayonnaise and/or Mexican crema, sprinkled with cheese, chili powder, and finished with fresh lime juice. It’s traditionally served on a stick or with the husk as a handle, making it perfect for street food.
Ingredients List
To make authentic elote at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
4 ears of fresh corn, husks removed
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
1 tbsp lime juice (plus extra lime wedges for serving)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp chili powder (or TajÃn for more flavor)
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta if unavailable)
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Salt to taste
Butter (optional, for brushing corn)
Optional Equipment: Grill or grill pan, basting brush, skewers (if desired)
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Elote Corn Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates if needed to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Grill the Corn
Place the corn directly on the grill and cook for about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s charred in spots and tender. Rotate every few minutes to get even grill marks and cook the kernels through.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the corn grills, stir together the mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 4: Coat the Corn
Once the corn is grilled, remove it from the heat. While it’s still warm, brush it generously with the creamy sauce on all sides.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the corn with crumbled cotija cheese, followed by chili powder or TajÃn. Add chopped cilantro if using. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips for the Best Elote
Use fresh corn – Sweet, juicy corn makes a huge difference.
Grill until lightly charred – That smoky flavor enhances the dish.
Cotija cheese is key – It’s salty, crumbly, and ideal for elote. If unavailable, feta or Parmesan are decent substitutes.
Serve immediately – Elote tastes best hot and fresh from the grill.
Oven-Roasted or Stovetop Elote
No Grill? No Problem!
If you don’t have a grill, you can still enjoy elote using your oven or stovetop.
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place corn on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Follow the same steps to coat and season after baking.
Stovetop Method
Use a grill pan or cast iron skillet.
Cook over medium-high heat, turning to char evenly.
Variations of Elote
1. Elote in a Cup (Esquites)
Instead of serving on the cob, cut the corn off and mix it with all the toppings in a cup or bowl. Easier to eat and equally delicious.
2. Spicy Elote
Add diced jalapeños to the sauce or increase the chili powder for a spicier kick.
3. Cheesy Elote
Add grated cheddar or a cheese blend to the topping mix for melty results.
4. Vegan Elote
Use vegan mayonnaise, plant-based sour cream, and dairy-free cheese.
5. Avocado Elote
Mash avocado into the mayo mix for a creamy, guacamole-like variation.
Elote vs. Esquites: What’s the Difference?
Both elote and esquites are made with similar ingredients. The key difference is the form:
Elote is served on the cob.
Esquites are off-the-cob, typically served in cups or bowls—easier to eat with a spoon.
How to Serve Elote
As a Side Dish
Perfect for grilled meats, burgers, tacos, fajitas, BBQ chicken, or steak.
As an Appetizer
Serve individual elotes on skewers with napkins at summer parties or cookouts.
For a Crowd
Cut the cobs in half and offer them on a platter. Provide lime wedges and extra toppings.
Storage & Reheating
Can You Store Leftover Elote?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed:
Refrigerator: Store tightly wrapped for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can add a fresh layer of sauce and toppings after reheating.
Note: Avoid microwaving with toppings already applied—they may melt unevenly or become greasy.
Nutrition Information (Per Elote)
(Approximate values)
Calories: 250
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 350mg
This may vary depending on the toppings and the size of the corn.
Make-Ahead Tips
Grill the corn ahead: Reheat on a hot grill or in the oven before serving.
Make the sauce in advance: Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Prep toppings: Grate or crumble cheese, chop cilantro, and cut lime wedges ahead of time.
FAQs
Can I make elote with canned corn?
For traditional elote on the cob, you need whole corn cobs. However, you can use canned corn for esquites (off-the-cob version).
Is cotija cheese necessary?
Cotija is authentic, but if you can’t find it, try feta, Parmesan, or queso fresco as alternatives.
Can I make elote without mayonnaise?
Yes! You can use just Mexican crema or sour cream, or use a blend of Greek yogurt and lime juice for a healthier version.
What if I don’t have a grill?
Use an oven or stovetop skillet. See the oven-roasting section for full instructions.
Conclusion
Elote corn recipe is more than just corn on the cob—it’s a celebration of flavor. With its creamy topping, tangy lime, spicy chili, and crumbly cheese, elote transforms ordinary corn into something extraordinary. Whether served at a summer cookout, alongside tacos, or as a quick treat, this Mexican street corn is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Experiment with variations, try the off-the-cob version (esquites), or make a batch for your next backyard gathering. However you serve it, elote delivers comfort and flair in every bite.