Mexican Street Corn 🌽🧀🌶 Smoky, Creamy, and Packed With Bold Flavor

Mexican street corn, or elote, is a beloved street food where charred corn on the cob is slathered with a creamy sauce, sprinkled with cheese, and finished with chili and lime.

It’s messy, irresistible, and the ultimate summer side or appetizer.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)
• 1 tbsp lime juice (plus extra wedges for serving)
• 1 tsp chili powder (plus more for sprinkling)
• ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• Salt, to taste

Step 1: Grill the corn

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill corn for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides.

Step 2: Make the sauce

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the elote

Brush or spread the sauce generously over the hot corn. Sprinkle with cotija cheese, cilantro, extra chili powder, and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Serve

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Flavor Variations

• Add smoked paprika for deeper smoky flavor
• Mix in garlic powder or hot sauce to the sauce for more kick
• Swap chili powder for Tajín seasoning for a tangy, spicy twist
• Roll the corn in crushed hot Cheetos for a fun, fiery version

Pro Tips

• Use fresh summer corn for the best sweetness and juiciness
• Char the corn well — those smoky bits add incredible flavor
• Cotija cheese is traditional, but Parmesan or feta work in a pinch
• If serving a crowd, cut cobs into halves or thirds for appetizer-sized portions

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn is smoky, creamy, and bursting with flavor — the kind of dish that disappears fast at cookouts and gatherings. It’s a simple recipe that brings authentic street food flair right to your table.

Grill it. Smother it. Squeeze the lime. 🌽🧀🌶

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