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.
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!
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.
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.
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
Elote Recipe
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
Nutrition
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.
I have blue cheese crumbles on hand. What do you think?
I absolutely love this recipe! I made it two ways. On the cob and with frozen corn. It’s excellent either way. 👍
Just like they make it in Southern Calif and into Mexico. Could not be any easier than the recipe here. I like the last tid bit about corn in a cup. I’ve made this with partially frozen corn kernels in cast iron skillet with butter until thawed and cooked, then toss with cheese and top with cream sauce. I like cilantro in my sauce but some don’t. Spice left to individual and limes as well.
I havent made anything I did not like from this site! The corn is a must try!
* in Mexican Spanish
“Maiz en la mazorca” is what proper Castilian Spanish speaker would say.
Try Tajin, A chili lime seasoning blend that is wonderful on street corn.. You can find it in the spice section of most stores. Yum. I use it in my guacamole and anything I fix that calls for a red pepper and lime.
Hence “tastes better from scratch” everyone knows of that seasoning that determines exactly how much chili powder and lime flavor you’ll get. I use it as well and should try this homemade instead to experience more authentic. 💯
Love this recipe! Just what I was looking for.