What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade elote recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion, making it a go-to dish for both beginners and seasoned cooks. You’ll love how simple it is to bring the vibrant flavors of street-style corn right to your kitchen. First, the creamy, tangy sauce packs a punch of flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn. Second, it’s highly customizable, so you can adjust the spice level or toppings to match your taste. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress at barbecues, potlucks, or casual weeknight dinners.
Recipe
Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, is a beloved dish featuring grilled corn on the cob slathered with a creamy, tangy sauce and topped with cheese and spices. This homemade elote recipe captures the authentic flavors of this popular street food.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn, husks removed
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until kernels are charred and tender, about 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream (or crema) until smooth.
- Once the corn is cooked, brush each ear generously with the mayonnaise mixture.
- Sprinkle the corn with cotija cheese, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
- Squeeze lime juice over the corn and garnish with cilantro, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
- If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese can be used as a substitute.
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine
Mexican
Serving
Serves 4
Nutrition
Enjoy this healthy and flavorful elote recipe packed with essential nutrients.
Calories | 220
Total Fat | 12g
Saturated Fat | 5g
Cholesterol | 25mg
Sodium | 320mg
Total Carbohydrates | 24g
Dietary Fiber | 3g
Sugars | 6g
Protein | 7g
What To Serve With It
I love serving homemade elote with grilled meats like steak or chicken—it adds a smoky, creamy contrast that’s hard to beat. Pairing it with a fresh salad, maybe one with lime dressing or avocado, keeps the meal light and balanced. It’s easy to mix and match, so you can’t go wrong!
Grilled Meats Companion
When you’re firing up the grill for juicy steaks or smoky ribs, elote makes the perfect sidekick—it’s bold, creamy, and packed with flavor that stands up to charred meats without stealing the show. I love pairing it with carne asada for a fiesta on my plate, or even with grilled chicken when I want something lighter but still satisfying. The smoky sweetness of elote complements the savory char of burgers or hot dogs, making it a go-to for summer cookouts. It’s versatile, indulgent, and always brings a little extra flair to my grilled meat spreads. Seriously, try it—game-changer!
Fresh Salad Pairing
While elote’s smoky, creamy richness is a star on its own, pairing it with a fresh salad can balance the meal and add a revitalizing crunch to your plate. I love tossing crisp romaine with juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy lime vinaigrette—it cuts through the elote’s richness perfectly. A simple cabbage slaw with cilantro and lime works too, adding brightness without overpowering the corn. Sometimes, I’ll throw in avocado for extra creaminess. The contrast of cool, crunchy veggies against warm, savory elote makes every bite exciting. Trust me, it’s a combo you’ll crave!
