Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
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Mexican street corn (Elote) made with corn, cotija, crema, lime, spices, & cilantro, is a classic treat sold by street vendors in Mexico.
This recipe for Elote (Mexican street corn) is super easy to make at home and a hit with adults and kids alike. Serve it with other favorites like chicken tostadas, enchilada casserole, or chicken taco bake.
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Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
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Mexican Street Corn Ingredients
- Corn – Cooked using your desired method. I like to grill ours make air fryer corn.
- Mayonnaise – Regular full fat mayo. Not Miracle Whip.
- Mexican crema – Optional, if you use crema halve the mayo.
- Cotija cheese – Grated. If you can’t find cotija cheese, try substituting with a mix of half parmesan and half crumbled feta.
- Lime juice – Fresh squeezed is definitely best.
- Seasoning – Chili powder or smoked paprika (or a little of both!).
- Cilantro – Fresh, chopped.
How do you make elote (Mexican street corn)? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, cook the corn using your desired method (try our instant pot corn on the cob or air fryer corn on the cob)
⭐ Next, spread a generous amount of mayonnaise (or mayo crema combo) all over the outside of the corn.
⭐ Then, coat the mayo covered corn with the grated cotija, squeeze the lime juice over it.
⭐ Finally, sprinkle with chili powder and chopped cilantro.
Preparation
Can you make elote ahead of time?
This dish is best when served immediately after preparing. If you want to make ahead, try this Mexican street corn salad instead.
Mexican crema in elote?
You can make this recipe with or without Mexican crema. The crema will add a tangy flavor as it’s similar to creme fraîche or sour cream We like half mayo half Mexican crema sometimes, but you can use all of one or the other if you prefer.
Smoked paprika or chili powder
We love a combination of half chili powder and half smoked paprika, but feel free to use one or the other if you like one better.
Substitutions
What is a good substitute for cotija cheese?
My favorite substitute for cotija cheese is half crumbled feta cheese and half parmesan cheese mixed together. But you can use either of those individually as well.
What is a good substitute for Mexican crema?
The best substitute for Mexican crema in this recipe would be creme fraîche but you could also use sour cream or even plain Greek yogurt. Mexican crema is thinner than sour cream and Greek yogurt, so if you’d like you can whisk a little extra lime juice or water into it.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Elote and Esquites?
Elote is Mexican street corn, or roasted corn on the cob coated in spices, cheese, butter, and cilantro. Esquites is the same thing, but with the corn removed from the cob and served in a cup or bowl.
Is Mexican street corn spicy?
Chili powder is mild to moderately spicy, depending on how much cayenne pepper makes up the mixture, so if you go heavy on the chili powder the corn will be a little bit spicy.
What does elote mean?
In Spanish, the world elote means ‘corn cob’. Mexican elote refers to Mexican street corn, commonly sold by street vendors, which is corn on the cob with mayo, crema, lime juice, cotija, paprika, chili powder, and cilantro.
More delicious corn recipes
- Corn casserole recipe
- Easy creamed corn
- Cornbread with bacon
- Corn and tomato salad
- Creamy corn soup
- See all our recipes with corn!
Other awesome recipes inspired by Mexico
- Mexican stuffed peppers
- Easy taco soup
- Mexican lasagna
- Black bean soup
- Mexican beef cobbler
- Homemade enchilada sauce
- See all our recipes inspired by Mexican cuisine
What to eat with Mexican street corn (serving suggestions)
This is great as a side to beef enchiladas, grilled cilantro lime steak or fish tacos. Enjoy with fresh pico di gallo and a homemade pineapple margarita!
Tools we love
- Digital air fryer – We have (pictured) this Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer. It’s great!
- Kitchen tongs – Every kitchen needs a good pair of tongs.
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How to Make Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn cooked
- ½ cup mayonnaise alternatively, ¼ cup mayo + ¼ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- ½ cup grated cotija cheese
- juice of 1 lime
- chili powder and/or smoked paprika to taste
- chopped cilantro fresh
Instructions
- Cook your corn as desired, I like to do ours on the grill and get a bit of char on the outside, or in the air fryer. Roasting or boiling also works.
- Smear a generous amount of mayo (or mayo/crema combo) all over the outside of the corn.
- Then coat the corn with the grated cotija and squeeze the lime juice over it.
- Sprinkle with the chili powder, smoked paprika, and the chopped cilantro.
Notes
- See how we make our corn in the air fryer.
Nutrition
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Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
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This is so incredibly delicious! LOVE the delicious toppings! Perfect side dish for my next Taco night!!! <3 <3
Ahhh, how could you go wrong with this combo of ingredients! DELICIOUS. Thank you!
This is one of those things that’s so good every single time. I love that I can make it just as good at home!