Grilled Mexican street corn, or Elote, is a beloved street food that delivers bold, smoky, and creamy flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, craving a flavorful snack, or looking for a show-stopping side dish, this grilled corn on the cob is sure to impress. The combination of smoky char from the grill, tangy lime, and rich creamy toppings makes it a perfect complement to any meal.
To make Elote, start by grilling fresh corn on the cob until it’s nicely charred on all sides, which adds a smokiness that takes the flavor to another level. The corn is traditionally grilled in its husk, but you can remove the husks for a deeper char if you prefer.
Once the corn is grilled, it’s slathered in a luscious coating of mayonnaise (or Mexican crema), which helps bind the seasonings to the kernels and adds a creamy, tangy texture. Then, it’s generously topped with crumbled Cotija cheese, a crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that perfectly balances the sweetness of the corn.
Next comes the spice—chili powder, cayenne pepper, or tajín give the corn a mild heat, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a refreshing zesty kick. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle on some finely chopped cilantro or a dash of garlic powder.
Grilled Mexican street corn is a fun, interactive dish perfect for sharing. You can serve it whole on the cob or cut it into smaller sections for easy nibbling. It’s great for summer picnics, taco nights, or as a standout side dish at any outdoor gathering.
Whether you’re enjoying it at a festival or grilling it at home, Elote is a flavorful, tangy, and irresistibly smoky treat that’s sure to leave everyone craving more.
Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream (or crema), lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese. It’s a popular street food in Mexico, known for its bold, savory flavor.
Cotija cheese is the traditional choice—it’s a crumbly, salty Mexican cheese. If you can’t find it, feta or parmesan can be used as substitutes.
Yes! You can roast the corn in the oven or even cook it on the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet. You want to get some char for that authentic smoky flavor.
Besides cotija cheese and chili powder, try adding:
Tajín seasoning
Smoked paprika
Hot sauce (like Valentina or Cholula)
Chopped cilantro
Extra lime juice
Yes! Use vegan mayo and a dairy-free sour cream, and replace cotija with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
Ingredients
- 4 ears corn husked
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cotija cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the corn for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and salt to create the sauce.
- Once the corn is grilled, generously brush it with the sauce.
- Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro over the corn.
- Serve immediately with extra lime wedges, if desired.
Nutrition
I don’t know about this mayo idea. Seems weird to me. 🤔
I was skeptical too at first, but trust me, the mayo makes it creamy and delicious! You gotta give it a try! 🌽
Mayo? Seriously? Sounds gross. I think I’d just stick with butter. 🤢
What if I don’t have cotija cheese? Can I use cheddar instead? 🤷♂️
Not a fan of mayo, might skip it next time.
Grilled corn is for summer only, right? What else can I use in place of the sour cream???
You could try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream! It works great and healthier too. Summer corn is the best!
I dunno, do people really eat corn in winter? I just think sour cream is a must!
Super easy and quick! Loved it! But my husband thinks it needs more chili.
I’m glad you loved it! You could always add more chili powder to taste if your husband wants more heat! 🌶️
I think it’s just fine without more chili. But everyone has different tastes, right? 🤷♂️
I tried this recipe but forgot the cheese. Still good!
So good! Mmmmmm, just like the stuff from the taco truck!
Taco truck?? Really? How is it that easy to make? It can’t taste that good, right?
I totally agree! This corn is the bomb! Can’t wait to try it at home.
This was super tasty! Will definitely make again! 🌽
Yum! The corn was perfect on the grill! Who knew?!
I never thought to grill corn like that! Gonna try it this weekend. Thanks for the idea!
I even added some garlic powder, turned out good! Will make again.
So easy to make! I used parmesan because I couldn’t find cotija. Still turned out great!
Tried this at a friend’s party. They loved it but I thought it was too much mayo. Next time I’ll use less.
I’m not a cilantro person, so I swapped it for parsley. Didn’t ruin it. The lime + chili mayo combo is really good even without the herb vibe.
I added extra lime because I love it! So flavorful! Can’t wait to make again!
Extra lime sounds awesome! I love when recipes are flexible like that. Can’t wait to try this myself!
I dunno about adding more lime. Isn’t it already tangy enough? Guess I’ll see when I try it.
Corn is good, but all these ingredients? Nah, I just want it simple.
What’s cotija cheese?? Can I use cheddar instead? 🤔
This is the best corn ever!!! I make it for every BBQ now. Yum!
I totally agree! This corn is a game changer for BBQs. It’s so flavorful! 🌽🔥
Looks good and all, but isn’t it a bit too tangy? I prefer my corn just with butter and salt.
So easy to make! I can’t believe I can grill like this! Thx!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! This recipe is a game changer for summer BBQs! 🌽
Grilling corn? Really? Seems too simple… I dunno if it can taste that good.
I don’t get the hype. It’s just corn…
Tried this recipe but it was way too salty for me. Maybe reduce the salt?
This is just too much work for corn! Just boil it next time.
I get where you’re coming from, but this corn is worth the effort! The flavors are amazing!
I don’t get why people love this so much. Corn is corn. There’s better ways to eat it.
Not gonna lie, 15 minutes seems long. I did 8-10 and it was fine, but then I probably lucked out. Also cilantro overwhelmed it for me.
This grilled corn is AMAZING! The lime and cheese combo is perfect. 5 stars!
I didn’t have cotija cheese, so I used parmesan. It was still pretty good, I guess, but I think it would’ve been better with the real stuff. 🤷♂️
Parmesan is a good substitute, but cotija really makes it pop! Glad it was still good though!
Corn is corn. Can’t see why everyone is going nuts over this. 🤷♂️
I’m not usually into mayo-based sauces, but this one worked. The chili powder and lime juice balance it out nicely.
Totally agree—mayo sauces can be heavy, but the lime + chili powder combo makes it taste way fresher. I also like adding a tiny pinch of garlic powder next time.
I don’t know about this. Isn’t Mexican street corn usually just butter and cheese? This sounds too complicated.
I totally get where you’re coming from! But trust me, the sauce really makes it special. You should give it a try!
Complicated? Nah, it’s pretty simple! Just mix the sauce and put it on the corn. You might like it more than plain butter and cheese!
Absolutely delicious! I added a pinch of cumin for extra flavor. Will definitely make again!
Mmmm, made this last night and it was a hit with the family. Even the kids gobbled it up!
I think it needs more chili powder. It was kinda bland for me.
Yum!
Really 15 minutes? It took mine 30 to get any color! 😩
Could I do this in the oven or air fryer? Grill instructions are cool but I don’t have a grill and I’m not waiting for summer 😅
Yes—oven works great! Roast at 425°F (220°C), turning every ~5 minutes, until you get nice browned spots, ~20–25 minutes total. Then brush with the sauce and finish with cotija + cilantro like the recipe says.
Air fryer should be okay, but I’d lower the heat so it doesn’t dry out. I’d do like 380°F for 12–15 mins and shake/turn once. Also, I don’t even have cotija—could use parmesan? 😅
Delish! Served it at my BBQ party and everyone loved it!
Sounds amazing! I need to try this for my next gathering. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t like mayo but this was surprisingly good! Still a bit too creamy tho.
Made this last night—charred corn + that creamy lime sauce is a total winner. I used a bit more chili powder and it kicked. Cotija makes it feel legit street food.
Ugh! The mayo ruined it! Who thought of this?!
I actually love the mayo in this! Adds a creamy texture and flavor. Maybe try it again?
Good idea, but 15 minutes on medium-high might be too long depending on your grill. I think I over-charred mine—still tasty, just drier.
2 much mayo bro. Couldn’t do it. I’m out.
The sauce is the star, no question. Only thing is my grill corn charred way faster than 15 minutes, so I’d keep an eye on it. Other than that, perfect street-corn vibe.
Delicious and so summery! Will make this again for our BBQ next week!
Why do you put mayo on corn? That sounds disgusting. No thanks.
Have you even tried it? It’s honestly delicious! The mayo helps with the flavor and creaminess. Give it a chance!
🤤 Amazing! My family loved it!
Does it have to be cotija cheese? I can’t find it anywhere!
Better than my grandma’s! This is the real deal! 🌽🔥
I followed this recipe exactly. my corn turned out burnt… sad day.
This is good but honestly a little messy. Also I didn’t have cotija, used feta, and it came out saltier than I expected. Next time I’ll use a milder cheese.
Too many ingredients! Just grill the corn and eat it already.
Grilling 15 minutes? That’s way too long for me—my corn got burned. Also I forgot to turn it, so yeah, that’s on me, but the timing needs adjusting based on grill.
Totally agree—15 minutes on medium-high can be too much depending on the grill. I usually do closer to 8–12 minutes and start checking early, turning more often so you don’t scorch the kernels.
I don’t know… mine came out a bit bland. I think I measured the chili powder wrong or my lime was small. Still ate it, but it didn’t wow me.
Totally get that—street corn is super “it depends” on the lime/cotija. If your chili powder was old or your lime was smaller than expected, it can flatten the flavor. Next time try tasting the sauce before adding it; it should be tangy and a little spicy.
Hmm mine was bland once too… I used sour cream but maybe forgot the salt? Also, I think cotija makes the difference—if you don’t have it, regular parm won’t hit the same. Or maybe you grilled too long and it dried out? Idk 😅
Wow this brings back memories from Mexico! Just like the street vendors. Yum!
I can’t wait to try this! My grandma used to make it for us, and it was the best part of summer! 🌽
Looks good but how is this like the street vendors? They don’t use mayo, right?
This turned out amazing! The flavors were just right, and my family loved it. Will definitely make again! 🍽️
So easy! My kids even ate it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Whoa. That char + creamy, tangy sauce is such a summer thing. I served it with tacos and everyone went back for seconds.
Can you use regular cheese instead of cotija? Don’t know what that is. 😅
This corn is the best! I’ve made it three times in one week! So good!
The mayo and sour cream combo is weird… but okay I guess. Still, I’d rate it 3.
Respectfully… grilling corn for 15 minutes seems way too long/short depending on the corn. I would say adjust for your grill. Mine burned before it got tender.
Can I use frozen corn? Don’t have fresh. 🤔
This corn is amazzzing! Best thing I’ve made all summer. 😍
Looks good, but isn’t corn just corn? How can it be the best thing ever? 🤔
I tried it too and I loved it! So good with that cotija cheese. Yum! 🌽
Way too cheesy for me. I know that’s the point, but next time I’ll cut the cotija in half and add more cilantro.
Yummy!!! 🤤 Made this at a send off for my friend. Everyone loved it!!
I didn’t have cotija cheese, used feta instead. It turned out fine, but maybe not authentic?
Feta is a decent substitute! Just don’t let anyone from Mexico catch you calling it authentic lol.
I dunno, man. If you ain’t using cotija, is it even street corn? Might as well call it corn on the cob!
Grilled corn with mayo? That’s just weird! 🤨
Made it last night and everyone went back for seconds. I had to swap cotija for feta (didn’t have it) and it was still really good. Next time I’ll grab actual cotija though.
That’s awesome—seconds is the best compliment. Feta swap usually works in a pinch, but I agree, cotija is the move for that salty, crumbly vibe!
Followed the steps pretty closely and it came out great. I didn’t have cotija so I used feta (close enough) and it still tasted legit.
Didnt have lime or cilantro, just used lemon juice and parsley. Still good!
Just wow. This is the best side dish for BBQ, hands down.
This tastes super authentic—charred corn + that creamy lime chili sauce is such a combo. I used cotija as suggested and it really nailed the salty finish. Would 100% make again for summer cookouts.
This corn is to die for! Loved every bite! 😍
I just tried this recipe and it’s amazing! Will definitely make it again! 🌽❤️
Okay, but grilled corn is just corn. How is this so special? I tried it, and it was just… corn on the cob with some toppings. Meh.
I think you missed the point! It’s not just corn; it’s the toppings and flavors that make it a treat! Next time, try not to skip the sauce.
Mine got charred before it was cooked through 😭. Maybe my grill runs hot, or my corn was too thick? Sauce was awesome regardless.
Ahh no 😭 Yeah, grill temp can be the culprit—“medium-high” on one grill might be basically “blast furnace.” Next time try lowering it a touch and giving the corn smaller/shorter turns so it cooks through before it chars.
So easy. Like, I almost can’t believe it’s that good. 10/10 for a quick BBQ side—my kids even liked it!
I ain’t about brushin sauce on corn. Just eat the corn! 😂 But I guess it tastes fancy for impressing ppl.
Easy to make and sooo tasty! My family devoured it!
Ok this is overrated. Mayo + cheese + lime is just… messy. I rather just butter it.
Butter? honestly i tried butter once and it was kinda bland. lime juice and chili powder bring the flavor tho. also mayo + cheese aint messy if you dont glob it on lol
I get what you mean, but the mayo + lime + sour cream balance each other out. Cotija adds that salty “street corn” vibe and it’s not usually messy once you brush it lightly.
Just tried this recipe & it blew my mind! The lime juice & cilantro are a game changer! So fresh and zesty. 🌽✨
Ok so I tried this and somehow my corn turned out bland. I doubled the salt? not sure. Maybe my chili powder was weak.
This tastes exactly like the street corn stands—charred corn plus that creamy tang is perfect. I used a little extra lime and it really popped.
Yes!! The char + that creamy limey tang is exactly it. I’m always worried it’ll get soggy, but grilling does the trick. Great tip on the extra lime.
Street corn stands? Mine didn’t look like that… I think I charred the corn too much and the sauce kinda slid off. Still tasty though. Next time I’ll use more lime but maybe less chili powder? Lol.
The ingredient list is solid, but I wish it said what to do with the leftover sauce. I ended up just eating it with a spoon… no regrets.
Not gonna lie, 0.5 cup mayo feels like a lot, but it actually works. I added extra cilantro and it was bright. Also, serving immediately is key—after sitting, it gets less fresh.
So easy, but I wasn’t sure about grilling time. Mine took more like 20 minutes to get fully cooked. Still tasted amazing though—will repeat.
I’m not sure why people love mayo on corn… but I tried it and yeah, it works. Next time I’ll go a bit lighter on the chili powder though.
Looks easy, but cotija is expensive. If I use shredded mozzarella will it melt too much? Any tips?
This is insanely good—like the stuff from the street carts! I charred mine a little more and it really upped the flavor. Cotija + lime is the magic combo.
I tried it and my sauce broke? Like it wasn’t creamy, just looked weird. Maybe my mayo was old. Flavor was still decent, but texture was off.
Made it tonight and my family devoured it. I didn’t have cotija so I swapped feta, still super good though a bit saltier.
I tried something like this but I used blue cheese instead (lol don’t judge). It was weirdly good? Also 15 minutes on medium-high feels long… my corn was basically smokin’. 😂
Yesss! So glad your family loved it 😄 Feta being a bit saltier totally makes sense—cotija’s pretty punchy too. Next time try a tiny pinch less salt in the sauce?