Elote Mexican Grilled Corn

There’s something magical about Elote, the Mexican street food favorite that’s loaded with bold flavors and irresistible textures. Imagine juicy, sweet corn on the cob, grilled to perfection, then slathered with creamy, tangy mayo, dusted with chili powder, and topped with crumbly cotija cheese. It’s a vibrant explosion of flavor in every bite! Trust me, once you’ve tried this Elote Mexican Grilled Corn, you’ll want to make it every time the grill comes out.

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser—whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, picnic, or taco night, it’s always the star of the show. Plus, it’s super easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, but each one plays a big role in creating the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy.

Why You’ll Love Elote Mexican Grilled Corn

Flavor Explosion: Sweet, smoky, spicy, creamy—this dish hits all the right notes, and it’s bound to be a new favorite at your next cookout.

Simple Ingredients: With just a few ingredients, you can create something that tastes like it came straight from the streets of Mexico.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s summer grilling season or just a casual weeknight, Elote is easy to make and always feels like a celebration.

Crowd-Pleasing: Every time I make this, people can’t get enough of it! It’s the kind of recipe that will have your guests asking for seconds (and the recipe).

Ingredients in Elote Mexican Grilled Corn

Corn on the Cob

Fresh, sweet corn is the base of this dish. You’ll want it on the husk to ensure it gets that perfect smoky char on the grill.

Mayonnaise

The mayo adds creaminess and acts as the base for the flavorful toppings that will make this dish pop.

Cotija Cheese

This crumbly, salty cheese is what gives Elote its signature taste. It’s perfect for sprinkling on top of the corn and provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the corn and the spice from the chili powder.

Chili Powder

A little chili powder adds some smoky heat to the corn, making it truly come alive. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want it.

Lime

A squeeze of lime over the top adds that refreshing citrusy tang that balances out the richness of the mayo and cheese.

Butter (Optional)

For a little extra richness, brush the corn with melted butter before adding the mayo mixture.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making this delicious Mexican street food at home!

Preheat Your Grill

First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to give the corn those perfect char marks.

Grill the Corn

Place your corn on the grill, turning occasionally, until all sides are slightly charred (about 10-15 minutes). The corn should be tender and have those lovely grill marks. If you want, you can brush the corn with a bit of melted butter as it grills for extra flavor.

Prepare the Toppings

While the corn is grilling, prepare your toppings. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and chili powder. You can add more chili powder if you like it spicier. Crumble your cotija cheese into another small bowl, ready to sprinkle on the corn once it’s off the grill.

Coat the Corn

Once your corn is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill. While the corn is still hot, spread the mayo-chili powder mixture all over each ear of corn. Be generous with it—it’s the creamy base for all the delicious toppings!

Add the Cheese and Lime

Sprinkle the cotija cheese over the mayo-covered corn. Squeeze a wedge of lime over the top to give the dish that tangy kick.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Elote immediately, and get ready for the compliments! You can also garnish with a bit more chili powder if you like it extra spicy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 4g
  Cholesterol: 20mg
  Sodium: 300mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 8g
  Protein: 5g
  Vitamin A: 8%
  Vitamin C: 15%
  Calcium: 8%
  Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Elote Mexican Grilled Corn

This Elote is perfect as a side dish or appetizer at your next BBQ or Mexican-inspired dinner. Here are some ideas for serving:

With Tacos or Burritos: Elote pairs beautifully with tacos, burritos, or even a hearty Mexican rice dish. The creamy, spicy corn is the perfect complement to those bold flavors.

As a Standalone Snack: If you’re craving something salty and savory, enjoy this Elote all on its own—it’s a satisfying snack or light meal.

Pair with Cold Drinks: This dish goes wonderfully with refreshing beverages like a chilled margarita, iced tea, or even a cold beer.

With a Fresh Salad: For a well-rounded meal, serve the Elote with a simple side salad or some grilled veggies.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Corn: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh corn that’s in season. The corn will be sweeter and more tender, which makes a big difference.

Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your taste. If you like a little extra kick, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to the mayo mixture.

Grill Indoors? If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can also use a grill pan on the stovetop or even roast the corn in the oven. Just make sure to give it a little char to get that signature smoky flavor.

Try Different Cheeses: While cotija is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like feta or parmesan if you prefer a different flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make Elote without a grill?
A1: Yes! You can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, or use a grill pan on your stovetop. The key is to get a nice char on the corn to mimic that grilled flavor.

Q2: Can I use mayonnaise alternatives?
A2: Absolutely! If you want a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayo. It’ll still give you that creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Q3: What if I don’t have cotija cheese?
A3: If you can’t find cotija, you can substitute it with feta cheese or even parmesan. Cotija is a salty, crumbly cheese, so try to pick a similar texture.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Leftover Elote can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to remove the toppings before storing, as they may get soggy.

Q5: Can I make the mayo-chili mix ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can mix the mayo and chili powder ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just spread it on the corn once it’s grilled.

Q6: Can I freeze Elote?
A6: While you can freeze grilled corn, the toppings are best enjoyed fresh. Freeze the grilled corn on the cob (without the toppings) and reheat it before serving.

Q7: How do I know when the corn is done grilling?
A7: The corn is done when the kernels are tender, and the husk is slightly charred. You’ll see those beautiful grill marks, which means it’s ready to be slathered with toppings.

Q8: Can I add other toppings to the Elote?
A8: Absolutely! Some people like to add fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Q9: Can I make a non-spicy version?
A9: Yes! Simply leave out the chili powder, or replace it with something milder, like paprika or garlic powder. You can still enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness without the heat.

Q10: Can I make this Elote indoors?
A10: Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can make Elote indoors by using a grill pan on the stovetop or broiling the corn in the oven for a few minutes to get that nice char.

Conclusion

This Elote Mexican Grilled Corn is everything you want in a summer side dish: flavorful, easy to make, and totally satisfying. The smoky corn, creamy mayo, zesty lime, and salty cotija cheese combine to create a party in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re grilling out, hosting a taco night, or just craving something delicious, this recipe is a must-try! It’s a guaranteed hit, and I promise you’ll be coming back for more.

Print