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Creamy Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Recipe

4.5 from 69 reviews

This Mexican Street Corn recipe features sweet grilled corn slathered in a creamy, tangy mayonnaise sauce, sprinkled generously with salty Cotija cheese and a dusting of smoky chili powder. It’s a vibrant and flavorful street food classic that’s easy to prepare and perfect for summer cookouts or as a delicious side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Corn

  • 4 ears of fresh corn, husks removed

Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C), to ensure the corn cooks evenly and develops a nice char.
  2. Grill the Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and charred in spots, about 10-12 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, half of the crumbled Cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and salt until well combined.
  4. Coat the Corn: Once grilled, brush each ear of corn generously with the mayonnaise mixture, making sure to cover all sides.
  5. Top with Cheese and Chili Powder: Sprinkle the remaining Cotija cheese over the coated corn, then dust lightly with extra chili powder for added flavor and color.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately while warm, optionally with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

  • For a smoky flavor without a grill, roast the corn under the broiler or on a cast-iron skillet.
  • If Cotija cheese is unavailable, feta or Parmesan can be used as substitutes, though they will alter the flavor slightly.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred heat level or use smoked paprika for a milder smoke flavor.
  • Leftover sauce can be refrigerated up to 3 days and used as a dip or spread.

Keywords: Mexican street corn, elote, grilled corn, summer side dish, smoky chili powder corn