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Creamy Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Recipe

4.6 from 125 reviews

A flavorful and authentic Mexican Street Corn recipe featuring grilled corn coated with creamy mayonnaise, tangy cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of smoky chili powder for the perfect balance of smoky and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Corn

  • 4 ears of fresh corn, husked

Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

Cheese & Seasoning

  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for perfect grilling without burning the corn.
  2. Grill the Corn: Place the husked corn directly over the grill grates. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the kernels are charred in spots and tender.
  3. Prepare the Sauce and Toppings: While the corn grills, lightly mix the mayonnaise in a bowl. Crumble the cotija cheese and measure out the chili powder.
  4. Coat the Corn: Remove the grilled corn from the heat and immediately brush each ear generously with mayonnaise, making sure to cover the kernels evenly.
  5. Add Cheese and Chili Powder: Sprinkle the cotija cheese liberally over the mayonnaise-coated corn and dust with chili powder to taste, enhancing the flavor with a spicy kick.
  6. Serve: Serve the Mexican Street Corn hot off the grill as a delicious side or snack.

Notes

  • Use fresh ears of corn for the best flavor and tenderness.
  • Adjust chili powder quantity according to your preferred spice level.
  • Cotija cheese can be substituted with feta if unavailable, though flavor will differ slightly.
  • For an extra zesty touch, squeeze fresh lime juice over the corn before serving.
  • If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted by roasting the corn in the oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes.

Keywords: Mexican Street Corn, Elote, Grilled Corn, Cotija Cheese, Chili Powder, Summer Side Dish