Name: Mexican Elotes (Street Corn)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 ears of corn (husks removed); ½ cup cotija cheese (crumbled); ⅓ cup Mexican crema; ⅓ cup mayonnaise; 1 lime (juiced); 2 tbsp cilantro (chopped); 1 tsp Tajín seasoning

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Mexican Elotes, also known as street corn, is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy corn on the cob. Coated in a creamy, tangy mixture and topped with crumbled cotija cheese, cilantro, and a sprinkle of Tajín seasoning, this is the ultimate side dish. Perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even a quick snack, this recipe packs a punch of flavor in every bite.

Elotes are a popular street food in Mexico, where corn is grilled and coated with a delicious mix of crema, mayo, and lime juice, then topped with cheese and spices. You don’t need a grill for this version—just boil the corn for a few minutes and you’re good to go. It’s a super versatile dish that works for a casual meal or as a side for bigger gatherings. You can even customize the toppings to fit your flavor preferences, making it great for experimenting.

Why you’ll love this Mexican Elotes (Street Corn)

Quick and Easy:
This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or when you need something last minute.
Bold Flavors:
The combination of tangy crema, zesty lime, and smoky Tajín really takes this corn to another level. It’s a simple dish with complex flavors.
Crowd Favorite:
Everyone loves the fun and interactive element of building their own elotes with cheese, cilantro, and seasoning. It’s always a hit!

My Love for Mexican Food Began in Sayulita

On my first trip to Mexico, I visited a small town called Sayulita, and that’s where I completely fell in love with the food. The flavors were so fresh and vibrant, and ever since, I’ve been hooked on Mexican cuisine. This elotes recipe reminds me of that trip—the cotija cheese adds that perfect salty bite, while the Tajín brings a smoky, spicy kick without being overwhelming. The rich, creamy mayo and crema mixture ties it all together with a tangy touch. It’s one of those dishes that brings back such good memories and is always fun to make and eat!

Ingredients Needed for Mexican Elotes (Street Corn)

Corn on the cob: Fresh corn is best for this recipe. You’ll want to remove the husks and boil it until tender. You can use frozen corn if you’re in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
Cotija cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese adds a nice salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn.
Mexican crema: A creamier, tangier version of sour cream. If you can’t find it, sour cream will work, but it’s worth hunting down for that authentic flavor.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps the toppings stick to the corn. You can use light mayo if you prefer.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the entire dish. Don’t skip this!
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or swap for parsley.
Tajín seasoning: A chili-lime seasoning that adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick. You can adjust the amount depending on your heat preference.

How to make Mexican Elotes (Street Corn)

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Boil the corn for 5 minutes.

mix together the Mexican crema, mayonnaise, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.

Use a brush to spread the crema mixture generously over each ear of corn.

Sprinkle the cotija cheese, Tajín, and cilantro over the top and serve.

Variations

Grilled Elotes: If you have access to a grill, try grilling the corn for extra smoky flavor before adding the toppings.
Spicy Elotes: Want more heat? Add a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the crema mixture.
Cheesy Elotes: For an even cheesier version, melt some cheese over the corn before adding the crema and cotija.
Elote Cups: For a fun twist, cut the corn off the cob and mix all the toppings together in a cup for a mess-free snack.
Garlic Lime Elotes: Add minced garlic to the crema mixture for a garlicky twist on the classic.

Serving Suggestions

With Tacos: Elotes pair perfectly with grilled steak or chicken tacos for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
As a BBQ Side: Serve alongside grilled meats, burgers, or hot dogs at your next barbecue.
Party Platter: Arrange the elotes on a big platter with extra toppings like cheese, cilantro, and Tajín for guests to customize their own.
Corn Off the Cob: Cut the corn kernels off the cob and serve in a bowl for a more casual side dish option.
Street Corn Salad: Cut the corn off the cob and toss it with the toppings to make a Mexican street corn salad—great for potlucks!

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Mexican Elotes (Street Corn)?

Elotes are best eaten fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop. The toppings may lose some of their freshness, so you might want to add a little more crema or cheese after reheating.

Can I freeze Mexican Elotes (Street Corn)?

Freezing whole elotes with the toppings isn’t ideal, as the crema mixture and cheese won’t freeze well. However, you can freeze boiled corn on the cob and add the toppings after reheating. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

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Tips & Tricks

Use Fresh Corn: For the best flavor, use fresh corn on the cob. It’s sweeter and has better texture than frozen or canned corn.
Get the Grill Going: If you want a more authentic street corn flavor, grill the corn instead of boiling it. The charred bits add a smoky depth to the dish.
Make Ahead: You can mix the crema and mayo mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Customize the Spice: If you’re not a fan of too much spice, you can dial back on the Tajín or swap it out for a milder seasoning.
Double the Recipe: Feeding a crowd? This recipe is easy to double or triple, just adjust the amounts as needed.

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FAQ

Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corn if you don’t have fresh. Just thaw and boil it as you would fresh corn.
What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta is a good substitute. It has a similar salty flavor.
How do I grill the corn?
To grill the corn, remove the husks and grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally until the kernels are lightly charred, about 10-15 minutes.
Can I use sour cream instead of Mexican crema?
Yes, sour cream works in place of Mexican crema, but the flavor will be a little less tangy.
Is Tajín seasoning spicy?
Tajín has a mild heat with a tangy lime flavor. It’s not overly spicy, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
Can I make the elotes ahead of time?
You can boil the corn ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and add the toppings when you’re ready to serve.
Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add things like crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
What’s the best way to serve elotes at a party?
Serve the elotes whole on a platter with bowls of the toppings so guests can customize their own corn.
Can I cut the corn off the cob for easier eating?
Yes, if you prefer, you can cut the corn kernels off the cob and mix them with the toppings for a delicious corn salad.