Snack

Elote

Name: Elote
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 ears of corn, husked and cleaned; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sour cream or Mexican crema; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped; ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled; 1 teaspoon Tajín seasoning or chili powder; 1 lime, cut into wedges; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; Salt to taste

Charred corn on the cob slathered with a creamy mayo-sour cream mixture, crumbly cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dusting of chili powder. This is the iconic Mexican street food that tastes like summer and heat in every bite.

269calper serving 6gprotein 20gcarbs 20gfat 10min prep 12min cook 4serves

✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this

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Elote — common questions

Can I make elote ahead?

No—assemble and coat the corn immediately before serving. The mayo mixture will soak in and separate if left sitting, and the char will steam away under the coating.

What if I don't have cotija cheese?

Crumbled feta or aged queso fresco work as substitutes, though cotija's slightly salty, crumbly texture is closest. Grana Padano or Parmesan is less traditional but still good.

Can I bake or boil the corn instead?

You can boil corn for 6-8 minutes until tender, then char it briefly in a hot skillet to get color, but you'll lose the deep char flavor that defines elote. Baking won't give you char at all.

What's the most common mistake with elote?

Not charring the corn enough—it's just boiled corn at that point. Aim for dark golden spots, not pale kernels.

What do I serve with elote?

Elote is a street snack or light appetizer, traditionally eaten alone or alongside grilled meat, tacos, or fresh ceviche.

Can I make elote with corn off the cob?

Yes—toss kernels in butter and char them in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes, then toss with the mayo mixture and cotija. Serve in a cup as esquites, the 'wet corn' version.