You may have heard of the magical elixir that is Mexican street corn, also known as elote. Imagine a juicy ear of corn, grilled to perfection, slathered in creamy goodness, and coated in crumbled cheese that brings all the flavors together like a fiesta on your taste buds. This Mexican street corn recipe will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico, where vendors yell out their delicious offerings while you savor every bite.

Picture this: it’s summer, the sun is shining, and you’re at a backyard barbecue with friends. Someone fires up the grill, and suddenly the air is filled with an intoxicating aroma that draws everyone in. What’s cooking? You guessed it! This incredible dish that’s not just food—it’s an experience. So grab your ear of corn and get ready for a flavor explosion that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican street corn recipe offers an easy preparation method that packs a punch of flavor
- Its vibrant presentation makes it an eye-catching addition to any meal
- The creamy sauce and zesty toppings provide a delightful contrast to the sweet corn, making each bite unforgettable
- Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners alike!
My family practically fights over who gets the last bite of this Mexican street corn at our gatherings. You can imagine the hilarity as we jokingly arm wrestle for it!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Corn on the Cob: Look for bright green husks and plump kernels for maximum sweetness.
Mayonnaise: Opt for full-fat mayonnaise for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
Sour Cream: Use regular sour cream; it adds tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the corn.
Chili Powder: A sprinkle adds just enough heat to make things interesting without overwhelming your palate.
Queso Fresco or Feta Cheese: Crumbled cheese brings saltiness and depth; queso fresco is traditional but feta works too!
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up all the flavors beautifully.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro lends a refreshing herbal note; feel free to skip if you’re not a fan!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Corn: Start by peeling back the husks from your fresh corn without removing them completely. Remove any silk strands clinging onto those golden kernels.
Grill Time!: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Place your prepared corn directly on the grill grates and cook until charred, turning occasionally—this should take about 10-12 minutes.
Create Your Sauce: While your corn is grilling, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, and salt in a bowl until combined. This creamy mixture will be your flavor-packed treasure.
Cheese It Up!: Once your corn has those lovely char marks, remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly. Generously slather each ear with your creamy sauce before sprinkling crumbled cheese on top.
Garnish and Serve!: Finish with a squeeze of lime juice over each ear and sprinkle fresh cilantro if using. Serve immediately while still warm for optimal enjoyment!
This Mexican street corn recipe will become your go-to dish whenever you want something both satisfying and fun to eat!
You Must Know
- This delightful Mexican street corn recipe brings vibrant flavors and a fun twist to any meal
- The combination of sweet corn, tangy lime, and creamy cheese creates an irresistible dish
- Perfect for grilling season or as a side at your next fiesta, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, grill the corn first until charred, then mix with the crema while it cools. This sequence ensures maximum flavor infusion and prevents sogginess.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish by adding spices like chili powder or swapping cotija cheese for feta. A squeeze of fresh lime can elevate the flavors even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat briefly in a skillet on low heat to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Mexican street corn, always choose fresh corn on the cob; frozen corn lacks that delightful crunch
- Grill until slightly charred for optimal flavor, and don’t forget to balance creaminess with acidity from lime juice
Creating this Mexican street corn recipe takes me back to sunny afternoons at summer barbecues where laughter filled the air, and everyone gathered around the grill.

FAQ
Can I use frozen corn for this Mexican street corn recipe?
While fresh corn is preferred, frozen can work in a pinch if properly cooked.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Mexican street corn recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly and packed with flavor.
How can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to kick up the heat in your dish.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a vibrant and delicious dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Mexico. This recipe features sweet, grilled corn slathered in a creamy sauce, topped with zesty lime and crumbled cheese, making it perfect for summer barbecues or cozy gatherings. With its tantalizing flavors and easy preparation, this Mexican street corn is sure to be a hit at any occasion!
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Corn: Peel back husks from corn without removing them completely; remove silk strands.
- Grill Time!: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F). Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
- Create Your Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, and salt until smooth.
- Cheese It Up!: Once grilled, let corn cool slightly. Slather with creamy sauce and sprinkle crumbled cheese on top.
- Garnish and Serve!: Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ear of corn (150g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg






