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Flavorful Antojitos Recipe Easy Elote and Tostadas Party Table Ideas

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This flavorful antojitos street food party table with elote and tostadas is a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for gatherings. It features smoky grilled corn coated in a creamy sauce and crispy fried tostadas topped with fresh salsas and toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ cup queso fresco, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1012 small corn tortillas
  • About 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup refried beans
  • Shredded cooked chicken or shredded lettuce for topping (optional)
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced
  • ½ cup queso fresco or shredded cheese
  • Optional garnishes: pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, radish slices, extra lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Husk the corn and remove all silk. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
  2. Place the corn cobs directly on the grill. Turn every 2-3 minutes until all sides have char marks and kernels are tender, about 10-12 minutes total.
  3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Once grilled, use a brush or spoon to slather the sauce over each ear. Then sprinkle generously with crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of tortilla in—it should sizzle immediately.
  6. Fry each tortilla one at a time for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Use tongs to flip and remove the tostadas, then drain on paper towels or wire rack.
  7. Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each tostada. Add shredded chicken or lettuce if using. Top with pico de gallo, avocado slices, more queso fresco, and any optional garnishes like pickled jalapeños or radishes.
  8. Serve the elote on the side or cut into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. Arrange everything on a large party table with lime wedges and hot sauce for guests to customize their bites.

Notes

Keep an eye on oil temperature while frying tostadas to avoid greasy or burnt results. Fry in batches and do not overcrowd the pan. The char on the corn should be smoky but not blackened. The elote sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt and omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Tostadas can be baked at 400°F for 8-10 minutes as a healthier alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: antojitos, elote, tostadas, Mexican street food, party food, easy recipe, grilled corn, creamy sauce, crispy tortillas