Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Craving a bold, creamy, and slightly spicy side dish that steals the spotlight? This Mexican street corn recipe—known as elote—is the perfect choice. Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ or looking for a quick snack, this recipe brings authentic Mexican flavor to your table in just a few simple steps.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about preparing an unforgettable Mexican street corn recipe at home. From the essential ingredients and flavorful cheese options to the red powder sprinkled on top, we’ve got it all. Plus, we’ll show you how to adapt this Mexican street corn recipe with substitutes like feta or sour cream and pair it with delicious dishes to make a full meal.

Let’s kick things off by diving into the roots of this street food favorite.

The Origin and Popularity of Mexican Street Corn

What is Mexican Street Corn (Elote)?

The term elote means “corn on the cob” in Spanish—but when we talk about a Mexican street corn recipe, we’re talking about something much more exciting. Traditionally, grilled or roasted corn is slathered in a creamy mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice, coated in cotija cheese, then dusted with chili powder or Tajín.

This Mexican street corn recipe is often served on a stick, making it a portable, flavor-packed snack that has become a cultural staple at festivals, food carts, and backyard cookouts.

How Elote Became a Global Sensation

Originally rooted in Mexican street food culture, elote is now a popular side dish in restaurants and food trucks worldwide. Thanks to social media and viral food content, this simple but bold Mexican street corn recipe has captured the attention of foodies everywhere.

So, why the explosion in popularity?

• It balances sweet corn, creamy sauce, tangy lime, and spicy seasoning perfectly.
• It’s highly customizable for different tastes—mild or spicy, dairy or dairy-free.
• It’s incredibly easy to prepare, even if you’re not a grill master.

Essential Ingredients in a Traditional Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Must-Have Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

Crafting the perfect Mexican street corn recipe starts with selecting high-quality, traditional ingredients that deliver flavor, texture, and authenticity. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate that iconic street food taste at home:

The secret to an unforgettable Mexican street corn recipe lies in the balance of creaminess, acidity, spice, and crunch. Using freshly grilled corn makes all the difference in taste and presentation.

Pro Tip: Choose corn that’s in peak season for maximum sweetness and freshness.

Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: What Works Best?

While fresh corn is ideal for this recipe, frozen corn on the cob can work in a pinch. If you go this route:

• Thaw completely before grilling.
• Pat dry to ensure a proper char.
• Brush with oil or butter before placing on the grill.

Avoid canned corn—it lacks the texture and smoky flavor that define a true Mexican street corn recipe. However, you can use canned or frozen kernels for esquites, which is a spoonable version of elote served in a cup.

Looking for inspiration? Try our flavorful grilled recipes to pair with elote: Best Smoked Fish Brine Recipe

Choosing the Right Cheese for Your Mexican Street Corn

Why Cotija Cheese Is the Star

When it comes to an authentic Mexican street corn recipe, cotija cheese is non-negotiable. This aged, salty, and crumbly cheese from Mexico is often compared to Parmesan, but with a slightly tangier bite and drier texture. Cotija melts subtly when sprinkled over hot corn, providing a savory finish that perfectly contrasts the creamy sauce and sweet corn.

Key qualities of cotija that make it ideal:

• Salty & sharp flavor enhances the taste of lime and chili
• Crumbly texture sticks well to creamy mayo-sour cream mix
• Holds up well under heat, yet softens just enough

Cotija isn’t just cheese—it’s a flavor bomb that brings the whole recipe together.

If you’re making a Mexican street corn recipe for guests, sourcing authentic cotija can really elevate your presentation and taste.

Best Substitutes for Cotija Cheese (Feta, Queso Fresco, Parmesan)

Can’t find cotija at your local store? Don’t worry—you’ve got options that still complement your Mexican street corn recipe:

Feta is the closest cotija alternative for those outside Mexico or without access to Latin grocery stores.

The Signature Sauce – Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, and Spices

Classic Street Corn Sauce Breakdown

The heart of a Mexican street corn recipe lies in its creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy sauce. This sauce is what turns simple grilled corn into elote—a rich, flavorful treat with layers of taste in every bite.

Here’s the basic blend you’ll need:

To make the sauce:

• Combine equal parts mayo and sour cream (or crema).
• Squeeze in lime juice and mix in chili powder, garlic powder, and salt.
• Stir well and taste before adjusting heat or acidity.

This sauce can be made in advance and stored for 3–4 days in the fridge.

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use light mayo. Want it vegan? Use plant-based mayo and yogurt.

How to Make It Lighter or Vegan

More folks are looking for healthier twists on traditional recipes, and this Mexican street corn recipe is easy to adapt:

• Vegan Sauce Option:
  • Use vegan mayo (like Just Mayo)
  • Use vegan sour cream or cashew cream
  • Fresh lime juice and chili powder stay the same
• Lighter Dairy-Based Version:
  • Use low-fat sour cream
  • Mix in a bit of Greek yogurt
  • Reduce the mayo by half and balance with lime

Despite these swaps, you’ll still capture the creamy, tangy flavor that defines elote.

How to Grill or Roast Corn for the Perfect Elote

Traditional Grilling Techniques for Authentic Flavor

No Mexican street corn recipe is complete without that irresistible char you get from grilling. Grilling the corn adds smoky depth and enhances the natural sweetness of the kernels. Here’s how to do it the traditional way:

Grill Method (Preferred):

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
2. Husk the corn completely and lightly brush it with oil or butter.
3. Place corn directly on the grates and rotate every 2–3 minutes until charred in spots (10–12 minutes total).
4. Remove and allow to cool slightly before applying sauce and toppings.

You want a mix of golden, slightly blackened kernels—not fully burnt. This gives the Mexican street corn recipe its trademark flavor.

Oven-Roasting and Stove-Top Alternatives

No grill? No problem. You can still make a delicious Mexican street corn recipe indoors:

Oven-Roasted Corn:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Place husked corn directly on a baking sheet.
• Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Broil for 2–3 minutes to get charred edges.

Stove-Top Corn (Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan):

• Heat a cast iron pan over high heat.
• Place dry corn directly on the pan and rotate every 2–3 minutes.
• Cook for 10–15 minutes until charred and tender.

Both methods produce a great char, though the grill still offers the best authentic smoky flavor. For stovetop versions, a dash of liquid smoke in the sauce can mimic the effect.

Pro Tip: After cooking, insert a wooden skewer or hold corn with foil at the base to make it easy to serve, street-food style.

Step-by-Step Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Detailed Instructions for Making Elote

Here’s your go-to guide for creating an authentic Mexican street corn recipe from scratch. This version yields 4 servings.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn, husked
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder or Tajín
• Salt to taste
• Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Grill the Corn
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high.
   • Lightly brush the corn with oil and place directly on the grill.
   • Turn occasionally until lightly charred all over, about 10–12 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   • In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder (optional), and a pinch of salt.
   • Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Coat the Corn
   • Use a brush or spoon to slather the warm corn in the sauce mixture.
   • Roll or sprinkle the coated corn in crumbled cotija cheese until well covered.
4. Add Seasoning and Garnish
   • Sprinkle chili powder or Tajín generously on all sides.
   • Add chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
5. Serve Immediately
   • Best enjoyed hot off the grill or freshly assembled.

This Mexican street corn recipe only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish—and it always disappears fast.

Tips for Prepping Ahead and Storing Leftovers

Want to prep ahead for a party or cookout? Here’s how:

For leftovers:

• Reheat corn in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Reapply sauce and toppings before serving again.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn

A good Mexican street corn recipe is flavorful enough to stand on its own—but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, side dish, or the star of your summer cookout, here are some delicious ways to round out the meal:

Pro Tip: Elote also makes a great appetizer platter when cut into smaller chunks with toothpicks.

Hosting a fiesta? Set up a “Street Corn Bar” with toppings like extra cheese, Tajín, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce for guests to build their own.

Turning Elote into a Full Meal

Want to transform your Mexican street corn recipe into a hearty main dish? Try these fun variations:

1. Elote Bowls

• Slice the corn off the cob and serve over rice, beans, and shredded lettuce.
• Add avocado, salsa, and protein (grilled chicken or black beans).

2. Elote Tacos

• Add corn kernels to a soft tortilla with cotija, crema, and pickled onions.
• Works great as a vegetarian taco filler.

3. Elote Pasta Salad

• Mix grilled corn, cooked pasta, crema sauce, cotija, lime juice, and jalapeños for a creamy Mexican-inspired cold pasta dish.

These easy variations turn a side into something totally satisfying and creative.

Conclusion: Make This Mexican Street Corn Recipe Your Signature Side

There’s no question—this Mexican street corn recipe is more than just a side dish. It’s a celebration of bold flavors, vibrant culture, and simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re grilling for a family cookout or impressing guests with street food flair, elote brings authentic Mexican flavor right to your plate.

With easy-to-source ingredients, multiple cooking methods, and endless ways to customize, there’s no reason not to master this dish. So fire up your grill, grab some cotija cheese, and take your corn game to the next level.

Looking for inspiration? Try more Mexican-style sides and party recipes: Baked Chicken Cutlet Recipes

FAQs About Mexican Street Corn