Perfect Mexican street corn recipe.

Mexican street corn

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn

Get ready to fall in love with this easy Mexican street corn! It’s a flavor explosion.

  • So quick to make.
  • Taste is absolutely amazing.
  • Super versatile for any meal.
  • Everyone loves this dish!

This recipe is your ticket to authentic elote. It’s vibrant and tasty. You can whip it up fast. It’s perfect for picnics or parties. Or just a weeknight treat!

Essential Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn

Making amazing Mexican street corn is easy. You just need a few key things.

  • 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
  • 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream, full-fat recommended
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese. Try to get the real deal!
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, from about half a lime
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder, adjust to your taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, just a pinch

For extra flair, have more cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili powder ready. If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese is a good swap.

Easy Steps to Make Mexican Street Corn

Let’s make some delicious Mexican street corn! It’s simpler than you think.
Mexican street corn - detail 1
First, get your grill nice and hot. Medium-high heat is perfect.
Grill the corn for about 10 to 15 minutes total. Turn it often. You want those lovely charred bits.
While the corn grills, mix the topping. In a bowl, combine mayo and sour cream. Add the cotija cheese. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Sprinkle in chili powder and garlic powder. A little salt ties it all together.
Once the corn is tender and a bit smoky, take it off the grill.
Spread the creamy mixture all over each ear of corn. Be generous!
Sprinkle on more cotija, cilantro, and chili powder if you like.
Serve your Mexican street corn right away. It’s best fresh off the grill.
Mexican street corn - detail 2

Grilling the Corn to Perfection


Grilling gives the corn that signature smoky flavor. Look for nice char marks. This means it’s cooked through and sweet. Don’t overcook it though. You want it tender, not mushy.

Crafting the Creamy Elote Topping


This creamy sauce is everything! Mix mayonnaise with sour cream for richness. Cotija cheese adds a salty bite. Cilantro and lime bring freshness. Chili and garlic powder give it a little kick.
Mexican street corn - detail 3

Assembling Your Mexican Street Corn


Spread the creamy mixture evenly. Then, add your favorite toppings. More cheese is always a good idea! A final sprinkle of chili powder looks great.

Tips for the Best Mexican Street Corn

Want your Mexican street corn to be a showstopper? Here are my best tips. Use the freshest corn you can find. It makes a huge difference. Don’t be shy with the creamy topping! Adjust the chili powder to your spice level. A little more or less is fine. Taste as you go. Make it yours!
Mexican street corn - detail 4

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Elote

Elote is great on its own. But you can jazz it up! Try adding a pinch of cumin to the topping. Some people love a sprinkle of smoked paprika. It’s fantastic served with tacos. Grilled chicken or fish also pairs well. It’s a perfect side dish for any summer barbecue.

Storing and Reheating Your Mexican Street Corn

Leftover Mexican street corn is rare! If you do have some, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It’s best eaten within a day or two. Reheat it gently in the oven or on a grill. Avoid the microwave if you can.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Street Corn

What is authentic Mexican street corn made of?
Authentic Mexican street corn, or elote, typically features corn grilled or boiled. It’s then coated in a creamy sauce. This sauce is usually made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices like chili powder. Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro are classic toppings.

Can I make elote without grilling?
Yes! If you can’t grill, you can boil or roast the corn. Both methods work well. Oven-roasted corn gives a nice char.

What’s the best substitute for cotija cheese if I can’t find it?
Feta cheese is a great substitute for cotija. It offers a similar salty, crumbly texture.

How spicy is this Mexican street corn recipe?
The spice level depends on the chili powder. I use about a teaspoon. You can add more for extra heat or less if you prefer it mild.

Nutritional Information


Nutritional values are estimates. They can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
For more information on our practices, please see our Privacy Policy.

Print

Perfect Mexican street corn recipe.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Learn how to make authentic Mexican street corn, also known as elote, with this easy-to-follow recipe. This vibrant and flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion.

  • Author: Alex Rwanda
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears of corn, husked
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional toppings: extra cotija cheese, cilantro, chili powder, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the corn for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder.
  4. Once the corn is cooked, spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over each ear of corn.
  5. Sprinkle with additional cotija cheese, cilantro, and chili powder if desired.
  6. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • You can also boil or roast the corn if grilling is not an option.
  • Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference.
  • Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta cheese if unavailable.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ear of corn
  • Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories (will vary based on ingredients and toppings)
  • Sugar: Not specified
  • Sodium: Not specified
  • Fat: Not specified
  • Saturated Fat: Not specified
  • Unsaturated Fat: Not specified
  • Trans Fat: Not specified
  • Carbohydrates: Not specified
  • Fiber: Not specified
  • Protein: Not specified
  • Cholesterol: Not specified

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!