About This Recipe

Elote is Mexican grilled street corn at its finest — charred sweet corn slathered in a creamy mayo-crema sauce, rolled in crumbled cotija cheese, dusted with chili powder, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lime. It's one of the most iconic street foods in Mexico and has become a summer essential at backyard BBQs across the US. Once you taste it, plain corn on the cob will never feel like enough again.

Nutrition estimates based on USDA FoodData Central. Values are per serving and may vary.

Why You'll Love It

  • The most beloved summer BBQ side dish — everyone asks for the recipe
  • Authentic street food flavor with ingredients from any grocery store
  • Ready in 20 minutes and requires almost zero skill
  • Works at every summer occasion — BBQs, parties, family dinners

Elote — Mexican Street Corn (Authentic Recipe)

Elote — Mexican Street Corn (Authentic Recipe)
5 min
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
4
Servings
⭐ 4.9
Rating
295
Calories

Ingredients

  • 4 ears fresh sweet corn, husks on
  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 4 tbsp Mexican crema (or sour cream)
  • 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta)
  • 2 tsp chili powder (or tajin)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1Grill the corn Grill corn in husks over high heat for 10 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes. The husks will char — that's perfect. Remo...
  2. 2Mix the crema sauce Combine mayonnaise and Mexican crema in a small bowl. This is the base that everything else sticks to....
  3. 3Coat the corn While the corn is still hot, use a brush or spoon to coat each ear generously with the mayo-crema mixture on all sides....
  4. 4Add cheese and spices Roll or press cotija cheese onto the coated corn. Dust generously with chili powder and smoked paprika....
  5. 5Finish and serve Squeeze fresh lime juice all over. Top with chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt. Serve immediately with extra lime wedg...

Ingredients

4 ears fresh sweet corn, husks on 4 tbsp mayonnaise 4 tbsp Mexican crema (or sour cream) 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta) 2 tsp chili powder (or tajin) 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 2 limes, cut into wedges Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Grill the corn

    Grill corn in husks over high heat for 10 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes. The husks will char — that's perfect. Remove husks and grill the bare cob 3–4 more minutes for char marks.

  2. 2

    Mix the crema sauce

    Combine mayonnaise and Mexican crema in a small bowl. This is the base that everything else sticks to.

  3. 3

    Coat the corn

    While the corn is still hot, use a brush or spoon to coat each ear generously with the mayo-crema mixture on all sides.

  4. 4

    Add cheese and spices

    Roll or press cotija cheese onto the coated corn. Dust generously with chili powder and smoked paprika.

  5. 5

    Finish and serve

    Squeeze fresh lime juice all over. Top with chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

Pro Tips

🏆 Chef Tips
  • Grill the bare corn after removing husks — those char marks are flavor.
  • Cotija should be crumbled finely so it sticks — if using feta, pat it dry first.
  • Tajin (chili-lime seasoning) is a great substitute for plain chili powder and adds citrus flavor.
  • Serve immediately — the crema gets absorbed as it sits, so don't make ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — broil the corn 6 inches from the element for 10–12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until lightly charred. Then coat and serve exactly the same way.
Cotija is a firm, salty Mexican aged cheese similar to parmesan. It crumbles rather than melts. Feta is the best substitute if unavailable.
Fresh corn is best for authentic elote, but you can make esquites (elote in a cup) with canned or frozen corn that's been pan-charred in a dry skillet.
Yes, classic elote is naturally gluten-free. Just verify your mayo and crema labels if serving someone with a gluten sensitivity.

Nutrition Per Serving

295
Calories
8g
Protein
32g
Carbs
17g
Fat
3g
Fiber
8g
Sugar
520mg
Sodium
6g
Sat. Fat