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You haven’t lived until you try my amazing Elote Recipe! Also known as Mexican Street Corn, this is the best corn recipe ever. It is so so so good!
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FAQs
Mexican elote (or Elote Mexicano) is also known as Mexican street corn and is one of the best street foods in the world, period! It is super simple to make and fun to eat. You make it by grilling corn cobs, then slathering them in Mexican crema, spices, and cotija cheese. This is a perfect summer grilled corn recipe!
Cotija Cheese is the most common cheese used. You can also substitute feta or queso fresca.
Cotija is a Mexican cheese that’s a bit salty and crumbly. It comes in two different types – fresh and aged. Though both types are salty, the fresh version is very soft while the aged version is harder. The hard version is similar to Parmesan cheese.
Crema is the Mexican version of French crème fraîche. Both are slightly sour and thickened cream. It is a bit milder and thinner than American sour cream and is perfect for making Elotes Mexicanos.
The Mexican crema is rich and sweet. The spices give it a kick, and the cotija cheese is salty and crumbly. This creamy corn recipe also uses a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh zing.
Serve up this elote recipe for your family, and I guarantee they’ll be asking you for more. Elotes Mexicanos is so good, it steals the show every time!
How to make Elote
- In a bowl, mix together the Mexican crema dressing ingredients.
- Grill 4 sweet corn without the husks on a grill, over high heat. Turn regularly for about 10 minutes until they begin to char.
- Take the corn off the grill and brush with the crema dressing all over.
- Finally, sprinkle cotija cheese, lime juice, and your remaining cilantro over the top, and serve!
Elote Mexicano Recipe Substitutions
- I have also made Mexican Street Corn using Avocado Crema instead of Mexican Crema and it is a really fun twist to this recipe!
- If you can’t find cotija cheese at your local grocer, look for Mexican queso fresco. It is a bit more mild, but will work well in this recipe.
- Another alternative to cotija cheese is feta cheese. It has a similar saltiness and texture. All work well for making Elotes Mexicanos.
Get more Fancy Finger Food Recipes!
How to Grill Mexican Corn on the Cob
How to Grill Corn on the Cob without Husks
Grilling an ear of corn is as simple as brushing a hot grill with oil, then placing it on the grill and turning it regularly.
You don’t need to take any extra steps to grill it without husks.
After about 10 minutes, the kernels will be cooked and there will be a slight char on the outside. This char is great for adding a little extra authentic smoky flavor to your Elotes Mexicanos!
Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
Wrap the corn on the cob in aluminum foil and bake them in the oven at 425° for approximately 20 minutes.
How to Grill Corn on the Cob in Foil
You can also grill corn on the cob in foil! It’s a quick and easy way to cook the most delicious Elote recipe.
Check out our guide on How to Grill Corn on the Cob in Foil!
Recipe Tip:
VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure to let the corn cool before proceeding with the recipe as it will be very hot.
Recipe Variations
- Street Corn Casserole
- Street Corn Dip
- Easy Mexican Dip
- Arroz Blanco con Elote – prepare our easy rice recipe and shave the corn on top, serve with the cheese and crema toppings
- Elote in Cups-You can eat our Elote Mexicano right off the cob or you can serve them in cups! This is similar to an esquites recipe, which is a Mexican street corn salad. It’s so delicious this way! Using a knife, slice the kernels off the cob and add to a bowl. You can then add all your favorite toppings to make Mexican corn in a cup.
What to Serve with Elote
- Beef Chuck Roast
- Baked Quesadillas
- Mexican Lasagna
- Spanish Red Rice (Arroz Rojo)
- Pho – this
- I love to serve it as a side dish for BBQ
I love this side dish so much that I have even been known to serve it for a holiday meal along with my Prime Rib or Standing Rib Roast. It always gets rave reviews from my guests!
And don’t forget dessert! Carlota de Limon is a classic Mexican icebox cake. You could also serve Key Lime Pie Squares or even Fresas con Crema – Mexican strawberries and cream!
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The Best Mexican Street Corn
This is the best elote recipe because it is simple, delicious, and pairs well with so many foods. Take it from our readers – they are loving this Elote Recipe!
This recipe is amazing, it’s my family’s favorite way to eat corn now, so glad I made it. 😉
Harriet
This was incredible! I had some awhile ago from a food truck and have been craving them ever since! These taste super authentic
Marina
So delicious! I made it twice in one week. Had to use Queso Fresco because I couldn’t easily find the Cotija but it was seriously tasty. Thank you!
Lori
This was DELICIOUS!! Super simple with outstanding flavor! Never made this before, and it’s safe one to try out with friends. ❤️
Sarah
This Mexican street corn was delicious! I used queso fresco instead of cotijo cheese, and no cilantro. I have never made Mexican street corn before, but I will definitely make again! A great summer side dish, we served with hamburgers and watermelon.
Naomi
Check out our Elote Recipe Web Story!
📋 Recipe
Elote Recipe-Mexican Street Corn
Ingredients
- 4 corn on the cob shucked
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove of garlic crushed
- Zest of one lime
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika can be mild or smoky
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro not packed
- ½ cup cotija cheese
- Lime wedges to serve
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the Mexican crema dressing ingredients. Combine ⅓ cup sour cream, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 1 peeled and crushed garlic clove (or 1 tsp. garlic paste), lime zest from 1 lime, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ⅛ cup chopped cilantro (about half of your ¼ cup).
- Grill 4 sweet corn without the husks on a grill, over high heat. Turn regularly for about 10 minutes until they begin to char.
- Take the corn off the grill and brush with the crema dressing all over.
- Finally, sprinkle ½ cup cotija cheese, lime juice from 1 lime, and your remaining cilantro over the top, and serve!
Video
Notes
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- How to Grill Corn on the Cob WITHOUT Husks: If you’re not sure how to grill corn on the cob without husks, it really is as simple as brushing a hot grill with oil, then placing the corn on the grill and turning it regularly. You don’t need to take any extra steps to grill corn on the cob without husks.
- Roast Corn in the Oven: Wrap the corn on the cob in aluminum foil and bake them in the oven at 425° for approximately 20 minutes.
- Make sure to let the corn cool before proceeding with the recipe as it will be very hot.
- How to Grill Corn on the Cob WITHOUT Husks: If you’re not sure how to grill corn on the cob without husks, it really is as simple as brushing a hot grill with oil, then placing the corn on the grill and turning it regularly. You don’t need to take any extra steps to grill corn on the cob without husks.
Nutrition
Photography by Marie Roffey.
sherry says
Never tried elotes before.. LOVED it.. I had two!! The whole family loved it!!
Em Beitel says
Sherry, that’s awesome! We’re so glad you enjoyed it! This is one of our favorite recipes of all time. So delicious.