Print

Flavorful Mexican Street Corn Elote Recipe with Cotija Cheese Easy and Perfect

mexican street corn elote recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

This Mexican street corn (Elote) recipe features grilled corn slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce, topped with crumbly Cotija cheese and a hint of chili powder for a smoky, spicy, and irresistible flavor. Perfect for quick cookouts or casual dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt as a healthier swap)
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)
  • Juice of 1 large lime
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste; ancho or smoked chili powder preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste (about ¼ teaspoon)
  • Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing corn before grilling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). This usually takes 10-15 minutes.
  2. Husk the corn completely and remove the silk. Brush each ear lightly with melted butter to promote browning and add richness.
  3. Place ears directly on the grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes to get even color all around. Grill for about 10-12 minutes until kernels are tender and have light char spots.
  4. While the corn cooks, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Once grilled, use a spoon or small spatula to spread the sauce generously over each ear while still warm.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese liberally over the sauced corn so it sticks nicely.
  7. Optionally, finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a dusting of extra chili powder, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
  8. Serve immediately while hot off the grill.

Notes

If you don’t have a grill, broil the corn in the oven or cook in a hot skillet to mimic char. Mix the sauce just before serving to prevent separation. Adjust chili powder to taste for milder or spicier versions. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and sour cream substitutes and skip or replace cheese with nut-based sprinkle.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn, elote, grilled corn, Cotija cheese, chili powder, lime, summer recipe, easy side dish, barbecue, cookout

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/flavorful-mexican-street-corn-elote-recipe-with-cotija-cheese-easy-and-perfect/