YumVerseEats
Mexican & Latin
Authentic Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Smoky grilled corn with creamy sauce, salty cotija, chili, and lime — a bold side for weeknight dinners.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE
15
min
Active Time
25
min
Total Time
4
SERVINGS
Grill
METHOD
Why It Works
Grilling the corn adds instant flavor, and the topping comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
• 4 ears corn, husked
Sauce
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
Seasoning
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Topping
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• ⅓ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1 lime cut in wedges (or 1 tbsp fresh lime juice)
• 2 green onions (sliced, whites and greens separated)
How to Make It
1
No Grill? You can use a cast-iron skillet on high heat or roast them in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes.
2
Brush the corn generously with the mayonnaise and sour cream mixture on all sides. The heat will melt it slightly into the kernels.
3
Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese all over the corn (or roll the corn on a plate of cheese for full coverage).
4
Dust the top with chili powder.
5
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
How to Make It
1
No Grill? You can use a cast-iron skillet on high heat or roast them in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes.
2
Brush the corn generously with the mayonnaise and sour cream mixture on all sides. The heat will melt it slightly into the kernels.
3
Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese all over the corn (or roll the corn on a plate of cheese for full coverage).
4
Dust the top with chili powder.
5
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Ingredients
Vegetables
• 4 ears corn, husked
Sauce
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
Seasoning
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Topping
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• ⅓ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
• 1 lime cut in wedges (or 1 tbsp fresh lime juice)
• 2 green onions (sliced, whites and greens separated)
Storage & Reheat
Store:
Best eaten fresh. Store leftover corn in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Reheat:
Swaps
No sour cream? Use 2 tablespoons Mexican crema.
Avo's Tip
Turn the corn frequently so it chars evenly without burning.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
Fresh or frozen corn?
Both work; fresh in season adds the most sweetness, frozen is great year-round.
Is it spicy?
Mild to medium; add cayenne or hot sauce for more heat.
What does it pair with?
Serve it alongside blackened fish, chicken, or sausage.
Quick Fixes
Corn not charring: Grill on high heat and leave undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side.
Topping sliding off: Apply mayo and sour cream while corn is hot so the cheese and seasoning adhere.
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