This Easy Elote recipe brings the flavors of Mexican street corn to your kitchen! Fresh corn on the cob is slathered with a rich crema sauce and topped with cheese and spices. Yum!
Every bite is sweet, creamy, and a little zesty. I love making this for barbecues because it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, who doesn’t love messy, buttery corn? 😂
It’s super simple to whip up, and you can serve it right on the cob or cut off the kernels for a fun salad. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit at your next get-together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh sweet corn is the star of this dish. If corn isn’t in season, frozen corn can work, but fresh has the best flavor. For a unique twist, use grilled corn on the cob or corn from the can if freshness isn’t available.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option or even vegan mayo if sticking to a plant-based diet.
Sour Cream: It brings tanginess to the crema. You can swap it with plain yogurt—either dairy or non-dairy works! This helps keep the flavor similar while catering to dietary preferences.
Cotija Cheese: Cotija adds a salty flavor. If you can’t find it, feta cheese or ricotta salata are great alternatives. They won’t have the exact flavor, but they’re a good stand-in!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. If you’re not keen on its flavor, parsley can be used instead. It won’t be quite the same, but it will add freshness.
How Can I Grill Corn Perfectly?
Grilling corn can be tricky if you want that perfect char without drying it out. A few tips can make a big difference.
- Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Husk the corn thoroughly, removing all the silk. Soaking the corn in water before grilling keeps it moist, so consider doing that for 10-15 minutes.
- Brush the corn lightly with grilling oil to avoid sticking and enhance flavor.
- Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want those charred marks but also tender kernels—check by piercing with a fork.
Following these steps will give you delicious, juicy grilled corn every time!
Easy Elote Recipe With Crema Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Corn:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- Grilling oil (if grilling the corn)
For The Crema Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious elote recipe will take you about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and grilling the corn, plus a little time mixing up the crema sauce and topping your corn. It’s a quick and flavorful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This will get the grill nice and warm for cooking the corn, giving it that amazing smoky flavor.
2. Prep the Corn:
Husk the corn and make sure to remove all the silk threads—those can be a bit annoying! If you’d like, soak the corn in water for 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the corn moist while grilling and can prevent it from drying out.
3. Grill the Corn:
Lightly brush the corn with grilling oil to help it not stick to the grill. Place the corn on the grill and cook it for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turn it occasionally so that it cooks evenly and gets nice charred marks all around!
4. Make the Crema Sauce:
While the corn is grilling, it’s time to whip up the crema sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy. This sauce adds a delicious tang!
5. Assemble the Elote:
Once the corn is grilled and tender, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly for a minute or two. Then, use a brush to generously coat each ear of corn with the crema sauce you just made.
6. Add the Toppings:
Now it’s time to make it even tastier! Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro all over the corn. Feel free to add as much as you like for an extra burst of flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the elote hot, garnished with more cilantro if you desire. Enjoy this delicious treat either at a gathering or as a fun snack at home. Your taste buds will thank you!
Can I Use Frozen Corn for This Recipe?
While fresh corn is preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen corn if needed. Thaw the corn completely and then grill it using a grill pan to mimic the charred flavor. Just note that it may not have the same sweetness as fresh corn.
What Can I Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese is a great substitute due to its similar crumbly texture and salty flavor. You could also try ricotta salata for a milder taste. Adjust the amount based on your preference for saltiness!
How to Store Leftover Corn with Crema Sauce?
Store any leftover elote in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the corn fresh, avoid covering it directly with the crema sauce; instead, store the crema separately and drizzle it on just before serving.
Can I Prepare the Crema Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the crema sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly when chilled.
