Search website

Authentic Elote Recipe: Mexican Street Corn on the Cob

Authentic Elote Recipe: Mexican Street Corn on the Cob

Make authentic elote with grilled sweet corn, creamy mayonnaise, Mexican crema, Cotija cheese, chili seasoning, and fresh lime.

Learn how to make Authentic Elote, also known as Mexican Street Corn, with this easy recipe. Fresh sweet corn is grilled until tender and lightly charred, then covered with creamy mayonnaise, tangy Mexican crema, salty Cotija cheese, chili seasoning, and fresh lime.

The irresistible flavor comes from the balance of sweet, smoky, creamy, salty, tangy, and slightly spicy ingredients. Brushing the hot corn with melted butter adds richness, while the mayonnaise and crema help the cheese and seasoning cling to every kernel.

Although this popular Mexican street food looks impressive, it takes only about 20 minutes to prepare. Serve it at backyard barbecues, summer cookouts, taco nights, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or alongside grilled meats and vegetables.

For the best flavor and texture, serve the elote immediately while the corn is hot, the cheese is fresh, and the creamy coating is still rich and smooth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Related Posts

Fresh homemade guacamole with avocado, red onion, and herbs stored in a small glass jar.

Easy Flavorful Homemade Guacamole Recipe

Make this easy flavorful homemade guacamole with ripe avocados, fresh citrus, jalapeño, cilantro, and smoky seasonings in just 10 minutes. Fresh, creamy, and packed with vibrant flavor, this Easy Flavorful Homemade Guacamole Recipe is a quick Mexican-inspired dip made with ripe Hass avocados, fresh citrus juice, jalapeño, and aromatic seasonings. It comes together in just 10 minutes and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or flavorful topping. This recipe includes two delicious guacamole variations. The first option features Roma tomatoes, lime zest, and black pepper for a colorful, fresh flavor. The second option combines red onion, cilantro, cumin, and olive oil for a rich and savory variation. You can also customize the texture of either option. Mash the avocados lightly for chunky guacamole or continue mashing until smooth and creamy. Serve the finished guacamole with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, fajitas, or burrito bowls. Prep Time: 10 minutesTotal Time: 10 minutesYield: 4 to 6 servings
Glass jar filled with classic pico de gallo made with chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro, surrounded by garden herbs.

Fresh and Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe (Authentic Mexican Salsa)

Make this fresh and easy pico de gallo recipe with ripe tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime for an authentic Mexican salsa. Fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Fresh and Easy Pico de Gallo Recipe (Authentic Mexican Salsa) is a versatile condiment made with ripe tomatoes, crisp onion, spicy jalapeño, cilantro, and tangy lime juice. Every bite offers a refreshing balance of acidity, heat, and savory flavor. Also known as salsa fresca or fresh tomato salsa, pico de gallo is different from blended salsa because the ingredients remain chopped and chunky. This simple preparation preserves their individual flavors and gives the salsa its crisp, satisfying texture. Homemade pico de gallo is a delicious topping for tacos, burritos, fajitas, nachos, grilled chicken, steak, seafood, eggs, salads, and rice bowls. It also makes a naturally wholesome appetizer when served with tortilla chips and guacamole. This easy Mexican salsa comes together in just 15 minutes. It can be served immediately, but a short resting period gives the lime juice and salt time to enhance the vegetables and allows the flavors to mingle. Prep Time: 15 minutesTotal Time: 15 minutesYield: 4 to 6 servings
Creamy homemade chipotle sauce with visible seasoning flecks stored in a clear glass jar.

Easy Creamy Chipotle Sauce Recipe

Make an easy creamy chipotle sauce with smoky peppers, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime, and garlic. Perfect for tacos, burgers, dipping, and drizzling. Smoky, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, this Easy Creamy Chipotle Sauce Recipe adds bold Southwestern flavor to tacos, burgers, grilled meats, vegetables, and more. It comes together in only five minutes, making it an easy way to elevate everyday meals. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce provide deep, smoky heat, while sour cream and mayonnaise create a cool, velvety base. Fresh lime juice brightens the sauce, and garlic adds savory depth that ties all the flavors together. Use this versatile homemade chipotle sauce as a dip, sandwich spread, salad dressing, taco sauce, or flavorful drizzle. You can also easily adjust the heat and consistency to suit your taste. Prep Time: 5 minutesTotal Time: 5 minutesYield: About 1 1/4 cups

Ingredients

4 ears fresh sweet corn, husked
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Mexican crema or sour cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ cup Cotija cheese, finely crumbled
1 teaspoon chili powder or Tajín seasoning, or more to taste
1 lime, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Corn

Remove the husks and silk from each ear of corn. Rinse the corn under cool water and pat it dry. Allow it to sit at room temperature while the grill heats.

Step 2: Heat the Grill

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F. 

Lightly oil the grill grates to help prevent sticking and encourage even charring.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

Place the corn directly on the hot grill. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning every few minutes, until the kernels are tender and all sides are lightly charred.

Watch the corn carefully as it cooks. A little charring creates the smoky flavor associated with grilled elote, but excessive charring can make the kernels taste bitter.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

While the corn is grilling, place the mayonnaise and Mexican crema in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add the Butter

Transfer the grilled corn to a serving platter. While the corn is still hot, brush each ear generously with melted butter, turning it as needed to coat all sides.

Step 6: Coat the Corn

Spread the mayonnaise and crema mixture evenly over each ear of corn. Coat all sides so the cheese and seasoning will adhere to the surface.

Step 7: Add the Cheese and Seasoning

Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese generously over the coated corn. Dust each ear with chili powder or Tajín seasoning, adjusting the amount to suit your preferred spice level.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the elote with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges and squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn just before eating.

Notes

Choose fresh sweet corn when it is in season for the sweetest flavor and juiciest kernels.

Cotija is the traditional cheese used for elote. If it is unavailable, queso fresco can be used for a milder flavor. Finely grated Parmesan can also provide a similar salty finish, although it is not a traditional substitute.

Mexican crema has a smooth, pourable consistency and a mildly tangy flavor.

Regular sour cream may be substituted if needed. If the sour cream is very thick, stir it well before combining it with the mayonnaise.

For a spicier version, increase the chili powder or Tajín seasoning. Chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce can also be served on the side.

If you do not have an outdoor grill, cook the corn on a grill pan or in a cast-iron skillet, turning it frequently until tender and lightly charred. The corn may also be cooked under the oven broiler. Watch it closely and rotate it regularly for even browning.

For easier eating, insert a sturdy wooden skewer or corn holder into the end of each cob before adding the toppings.

Refrigerate leftover elote in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently, then refresh the toppings with additional Cotija cheese, chili seasoning, and lime juice before serving.

Leftover kernels can be cut from the cob and added to tacos, salads, burrito bowls, quesadillas, soups, or pasta salads.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free when prepared with appropriately labeled ingredients. Check the mayonnaise, crema, cheese, butter, chili powder, and Tajín seasoning for suitable gluten-free labeling when cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Prevent cross-contact during preparation.

Originally published April 2026 Updated September 2026 Reviewed by Culibloom

Reading Time 1 min

Search Website