Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (2024)

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by Diane

We can’t tell you how many friends raved over this amazing grilled Mexican street corn recipe. You guys, seriously this is what Summer is all about: making this creamy and flavorful elotes corn recipe to share with all your friends.

Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (2)

Best Mexican Street Corn Recipe

It’s all about eating in the outdoors, enjoying the awesome weather and sweet corn. These are called Elotes, which is a grilled Mexican street corn that is super popular street food that is loved by so many for it’s fantastic flavors. It might be a little messy but the combination of the Mexican crema and Mexican cotija cheese is fantastic. There’s so much to love about grilled mexican street corn because flavors and the creamy cheesy spread makes every single bite amazing. It’s addicting because it’s not just one ear of corn you might eat. You an easily consume 2 or 3 in one sitting. This grilled mexican street corn is so delicious, it’s almost like a meal in itself.

Video of Grilled Mexican Street Corn :

Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (3)
Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (4)

Tips for Making Grilled Mexican Street Corn

  • If you don’t have Mexican crema you can use sour cream and if you can’t find Mexican Cotija cheese, you can use feta or even parmesan cheese. We feel like Parmesan cheese is the closest to Cotija cheese.
  • You break the corn in half and grill it in this smaller portion. It’s easier to serve at parties too.
  • Add your favorite dried spices on top for different flavors. It’s fun to try a combination of smoky spices like ground chipotle, New Mexico Chile powder and other spices we find at our local Mexican market.
  • Drizzle hot sauce on top if you like spicy corn! We love adding extra hot sauce on top.
  • Have some wedges of fresh lime and chopped onion/cilantro as extra toppings. Even a bowl of extra cheese on the side is great for your guests.
  • This is one of those recipes that you might need to made 4 batches of because it’s so good, everyone is going to really want to devour Summer corn and take advantage of every delicious mexican street corn bite. Can you tell we’re obsessed? It’s definitely going to be at all of our Summer parties because it’s one of the most fun seasons for grilling corn!
  • Hope you enjoy this grilled Mexican street corn or elotes corn recipe and let us know what you think! And here’s a great way to make corn on the cob that’s juicy, buttery and perfect!
Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (5)

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Love this offset smoker. Solid construction. Isn’t perfect, but with a couple easy modifications it will smoke as well as the $1k + smokers. Can use the main chamber also as a regular charcoal grill. Love using it as a regular grill using lump charcoal or briquettes. Huge cooking surface.

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One of the best for the money. Solid gas grill! Nothing like the quick convenience of a good gas grill.

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We love these basting brushed. Clean up super easy, hold a solid amount of sauce. Our go-to basting brush.

Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (12)

Mexican Street Corn (Elotes)

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

You can also shuck the corn for a salad version for easier serving. Just cook the corn kernels in a bit of olive oil, then allow to cool and toss with the cheese mixture and toppings. If you don’t have Mexican crema you can use sour cream and if you can’t find Mexican Cotija cheese, you can use a some feta or even parmesan cheese.

5 from 6 votes

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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup (75 g) sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/4 cup (56 g) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) finely crumbled cotija (or parmesan cheese or feta cheese) plus more for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) chili powder , plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon (4.935 ml) garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) finely chopped cilantro leaves , and extra for garnish (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) kosher salt , or to taste
  • fresh cracked black pepper , to taste
  • 4 ears (4 ears) corn , husked
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter , melted (approximately)
  • Kosher salt , to taste on grilled corn
  • black pepper , to taste on grilled corn
  • 2 (2) stalks of green onions , sliced thin
  • 1 (1) lime , cut into wedges

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cilantro, salt and pepper in a large bowl.

  • Brush melted butter on the corn. Season corn with salt and pepper, to taste.

    Heat grill and cook corn, rotating occasionally, until cooked through and charred, about 5-7 minutes depending on how hot your grill is.

  • Transfer corn to a platter and spoon cheese mixture over the corn. Sprinkle with extra cheese, paprika or chili powder, green onions and/or chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Video

Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (13)

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 243kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 47mg, Sodium: 515mg, Potassium: 81mg, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 700IU, Vitamin C: 6.3mg, Calcium: 123mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack, Vegetables

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 243

How to store leftovers? Can you freeze corn?

If you have just the plain corn, then you can freeze it. But if it’s already been topped with the cream mixture and cheese we don’t suggest freezing it. Try it eat it within 2-3 days. You can store it in the fridge or that amount of time. This is best if it’s eaten sooner than later.

If you love this grilled Mexican street corn, you’ll love more of our corn recipes:

  • Easy air fryer elotes version if you have an air fryer.
  • Summer corn and chicken salad for potlucks
  • Mexican Recipes and BBQ Grilling RecipesThis elotes corn recipe was originally published in 2017 and re-published in 2023 with updated video.

As an Amazon associate and partners with other affiliate programs, we may earn from your qualifying purchases. We may earn small commissions that goes towards all the costs of running this website and recipe tests. Thank you for your support.

posted in: 30 Minute Recipes, 300+ Easy Meals, BBQ | Grilling, Gluten Free, Kids Menu, Mexican, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegetables, Vegetarian 8 comments

Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (14)

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Leave a Reply

    8 Comments on “Grilled Mexican Street Corn (Elotes)”

  1. Marcela Reply

    Cant’ wait to try it!! Thanks for sharing the recipe!!

    • Best Recipe Box Reply

      Hi Marcela! Thanks for visiting our site!

  2. Hope Reply

    Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (17)
    This corn recipe is so addicting. Everyone wants me to prepare this at all the cookouts.Thanks for a yummy recipe!

    • Best Recipe Box Reply

      So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing.

  3. Yvette Reply

    Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (18)
    Made this today for a party and it was so easy to make. I added a little cayenne powder for a little more spice. Can’t wait to make more of these this summer!

    • Best Recipe Box Reply

      Love the addition of extra cayenne!

  4. Lois Reply

    Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (19)
    I’ve always wondered how to make Mexican street corn. This was such a treat. I can’t wait to make this again.

  5. Gabriela Reply

    Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (20)
    I’ve always wondered how to make Mexican street corn at home. Thanks for the recipe. It came out perfect.

Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elotes Recipe EASY | Best Recipe Box (2024)

FAQs

What type of mayonnaise is used for elotes? ›

I love the flavor of 100% mayo on elote, but if you prefer, you can sub Mexican crema or sour cream for some or all of it. Fresh lime juice and zest – For brightness. Chili powder or ancho chile powder – It adds smoky flavor and a little heat.

What is the yellow thing they put on Elotes? ›

Elote (pronounced: eh-loh-teh) is a dish comprised of cooked sweet corn slathered in a spicy mixture of mayonnaise, crema, and chili powder, and then sprinkled with cheese.

What's the red powder on elote? ›

The classic seasoning for elote is chili powder, but we have also found that we love it with smoked paprika. So maybe do a few cobs with each and see which one you prefer. You can sprinkle them on the corn with the cotija cheese and then squeeze fresh lime juice all over each corn on the cob.

What is the difference between street corn and esquites? ›

Esquites are very similar to Elotes, or Mexican Street Corn, in that they use the same ingredients but are prepared differently. Elotes are served straight on the cob with all the toppings, and esquites use corn kernels cut off the cob and mixed together with the toppings in a small cup.

What is elote seasoning? ›

A bold and versatile seasoning blend, our Elote Seasoning blend is filled with chili pepper, cumin, lime, parmesan cheese and garlic. Just as versatile as our Everything Bagel blend, this shaker is delicious on everything from elote street corn on the cob and scrambled eggs to popcorn and even BBQ pork ribs.

What can I use instead of Cotija cheese for elotes? ›

Feta cheese, Quesco fresco and Goat cheese crumbles are the top 3 cotija cheese substitute. Romano cheese is also a good replacement. Best Mexican Street Corn Recipe | Easy Elote Recipe with Crema Sauce!

What kind of cheese is used for elotes? ›

What Is Elote? Elote, or Mexican corn on the cob, is a popular street food in Mexico (that's why it's also known as Mexican street corn). Corn on the cob is charred on the grill, slathered with butter and mayonnaise, and finished with salty Cotija cheese.

What hot sauce do they use on elote? ›

Elotes can be made in a variety of ways, and this is the classic elote. The most authentic way is to boil some corn, slather on mayonnaise and lime juice, then cover in cotija cheese and chile powder. Hot sauce is optional and I usually see Valentina or Tapatio.

What does the word elote mean in Spanish? ›

"Elote" is a noun which is often translated as "corncob", and "maíz" is a noun which is often translated as "corn". Learn more about the difference between "elote" and "maíz" below.

Is Tajin in elote? ›

Elote can be prepared using a pre-made spice mix called Tajín seasoning, which includes ground red chiles, sea salt, and dehydrated lime juice. This recipe calls for chili powder, but by all means, if you have Tajín, use it. Just cut back on the salt, as it's already in the blend.

What is tajin seasoning? ›

Tajin is the brand name of a Mexican chile-and-lime seasoning blend. "Tajin is not very spicy but packs a flavorful punch,” says Carillo Arronte, and describes it as “a spice blend made with chile peppers, salt and dehydrated lime juice." It's named after El Tajin, an archeological site in Veracruz, Mexico, she adds.

Why is Mexican street corn so good? ›

A blend of garlic, cilantro, chile powder, mayo, and Cotija cheese in the sauce, plus a final squeeze of lime, makes the corn sweet, salty, savory, nutty, creamy, and tart all at once.

Is cotija cheese the same as parmesan cheese? ›

One of Mexico's most famous cheeses, cotija is a semi-hard, slightly aged cheese with the crumbly texture of parmesan but a stronger, saltier flavor. Try as you might, cotija cheese won't melt, so it's sprinkled or crumbled on everything from soups and salads to tacos and tostadas.

What is the flavor of the elote? ›

Elote means "corn cob" in Spanish, but it's also the name given to a famous Mexican street corn dish. With flavors of sweet corn, cotija cheese, lime, chili powder, mayonnaise, and cilantro, the flavors of elote have inspired many other recipes.

What is Mexican mayo made of? ›

The key ingredients in Mexican mayo include egg yolks, oil, lime juice, mustard, and sometimes a hint of chili powder or other spices. These ingredients give Mexican mayo its unique flavor profile and distinguish it from traditional mayonnaise.

What kind of mayo do most restaurants use? ›

Restaurants and chains use heavy-duty mayo, which has more yolks to fortify it and make it richer.

What types of mayo are there? ›

Quick Links
  • Spicy Mayo.
  • Lime Mayo.
  • Lime and Wasabi Mayo.
  • Smoked Lemon Mayo.
  • Citrus and Honey Mayo.
  • BBQ Mayo.
  • Quzo Mayo.
  • Chimichurri Mayo.
Jun 16, 2022

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