Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote) (2024)

This Mexican corn on the cob recipe (a.k.a. elote) will please even the pickiest of eaters.And this recipes uses only five ingredients, so it's as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

What Is Elote?

Elote, or Mexican corn on the cob, is a popular street food in Mexico (that’s why it’s also known as Mexican street corn). Corn on the cob is charred on the grill, slathered with butter and mayonnaise, and finished with salty Cotija cheese.

How to Make Mexican Corn on the Cob

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Mexican Corn on the Cob Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Mexican corn on the cob recipe:

• Corn: This elote recipe makes four servings, so you’ll need four shucked corn cobs.
• Butter and mayonnaise: The grilled corn is rolled in melted butter and mayonnaise, resulting in a rich and flavorful finished product.
• Cheese: You can find Cotija, a salty and crumbly cheese, in most grocery stores.
• Lime: A lime wedge (for serving) is optional, but it adds a bright pop of flavor.

Tip: For a bit of color and heat, lightly dust the elote with chili powder, tajin seasoning, or cayenne pepper before serving. Fresh cilantro is also a tasty addition.

How to Make Mexican Corn on the Cob at Home

To make elote, you’ll start by grilling the corn until it’s lightly charred all over. Roll it in butter, spread it with mayonnaise, and sprinkle it with cheese. That’s all there is to it!Of course, if you want your elote filled with flavor, add your favorite herbs, spices, or seasonings once it's just ready to serve.

What to Serve With Mexican Corn on the Cob

Wondering what to pair with Mexican corn on the cob? We’ve got you covered. Find delicious inspiration serving inspiration in our collection of 21 Best Authentic Mexican Recipes. Here are a few of the top-rated recipes you’ll find:

• Pescado en Achiote (Mexican Fish in Annatto Sauce)
• Carne en su Jugo (Meat in its Juices)
• Birria de Res Tacos (Beef Birria Tacos)

Can You Make Mexican Corn on the Cob Ahead of Time?

Elote is best served fresh. However, if you’re entertaining, you can get a head start on things by grilling the corn a day in advance. You can add the butter, mayonnaise, and cheese right before serving.

More Mexican Street Corn Recipes

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“I made this tonight and it was excellent,” raves yreka2011. “In fact, it is the best corn I have ever tasted! I rolled the corn in butter, then put mayonnaise/lime juice mixture on it and sprinkled with Cotija cheese and chili powder!”

“Elote is THE BEST and this is a good basic recipe to get you started with the concept,” according to AllieDream. “Upon eating this, my husband said ‘I'm done with regular corn on the cob. I'll never eat it again. What's the point?’ We've been eating and loving elote all summer.”

“This is one of my favorite ways to eat corn on the cob,” says Mel D. “I also like to add a little chili powder on these to spice it up a bit.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

• 4 ears corn, shucked

• ¼ cup melted butter

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup grated cotija cheese

• 4 wedges lime (Optional)

1. Gather all ingredients.

   

2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.

3. Grill corn on the preheated grill until hot and lightly charred all over, 7 to 10 minutes.

   

4. Roll corn in melted butter, then spread evenly with mayonnaise. Sprinkle with cotija cheese.

   

   

5. Serve with lime wedges.

   

Nutrition Facts (per serving)