Mexican Street Corn (Elote): The Ultimate Grilled Corn Recipe!

If you’ve ever had Mexican Street Corn (Elote), you know just how addictive and flavorful it is! This grilled corn on the cob is slathered in a creamy, cheesy, tangy sauce, then sprinkled with cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro—it’s sweet, smoky, spicy, and absolutely delicious.

This easy recipe recreates the authentic elote experience at home, perfect for BBQs, taco nights, summer cookouts, or anytime you’re craving a bold, mouthwatering side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn

✔ Easy & Quick – Ready in under 20 minutes!
✔ Authentic Flavors – Smoky, creamy, tangy, and a little spicy.
✔ Perfect for Cookouts – A must-have summer side dish.
✔ Simple Ingredients – Corn, mayo, cheese, lime, and chili powder!
✔ Versatile – Serve on the cob or off the cob (esquites).

The Best Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Recipe

This recipe makes authentic-style elote, just like the ones sold by street vendors in Mexico!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

4 ears fresh corn, husks removed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon chili powder (or Tajín seasoning)
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or Parmesan/feta)
1 tablespoon lime juice (plus extra lime wedges for serving)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grill the Corn

Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C).
Brush corn with melted butter.
Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred.

(No grill? Roast in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes or cook on a skillet.)

2. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika.

3. Assemble the Elote

Brush the hot grilled corn with the creamy sauce.
Sprinkle generously with crumbled cotija cheese.
Garnish with cilantro and extra chili powder.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Enjoy with tacos, grilled meats, or as a standalone treat!

Tips for the Best Mexican Street Corn

✅ Use fresh, sweet corn – The fresher, the better!
✅ Get a nice char – Adds smoky depth and enhances flavor.
✅ Don’t skip the cotija – It’s salty, crumbly, and essential for authentic elote.
✅ For extra creaminess – Add a little extra mayo or crema.
✅ Make it spicy! – Add Tajín, cayenne, or hot sauce for extra heat.

Variations & Customizations

Want to switch it up? Try these delicious variations!

1. Off-the-Cob Elote (Esquites)

🥄 Cut the corn off the cob and mix with the sauce, cheese, and cilantro in a bowl!

2. Cheesy Chipotle Elote 🧀

🌶 Add chipotle powder and extra melted cheese for a smoky twist.

3. Spicy Jalapeño Elote 🔥

🌶 Mix in chopped jalapeños for extra heat.

4. Avocado Elote 🥑

🥑 Blend avocado into the mayo sauce for a creamy, rich variation.

5. Vegan Mexican Street Corn 🌱

🥥 Use vegan mayo, coconut yogurt, and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

What to Serve with Elote

This bold, creamy corn pairs perfectly with Mexican dishes:

🌮 Tacos – Goes great with chicken, beef, or veggie tacos.
🍖 Grilled Meats – Pair with steak, chicken, or shrimp.
🥑 Guacamole & Salsa – A fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
🍹 Margaritas or Horchata – The perfect refreshing drinks!

How to Store & Reheat

This dish is best fresh, but you can save leftovers!

Storing:

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Oven: Warm at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals.

⚠ Note: If using off-the-cob corn (esquites), just reheat in a skillet with butter!

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Mexican Street Corn

This Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is sweet, smoky, creamy, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a BBQ, a summer cookout, or a taco night, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!

🔥 Try it today and bring the flavors of Mexico to your table! 🔥