This easy elote recipe brings the taste of Mexico right to your kitchen! Sweet corn on the cob is slathered in a rich, creamy sauce, making each bite deliciously messy.
What’s great about this dish is that you can eat it with your hands—perfect for outdoor cookouts. I love serving it alongside tacos for extra fun at dinner time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh ears of corn are best for this dish. Look for bright and plump kernels. You can also use canned or frozen corn if fresh corn isn’t available, although the flavor won’t be as sweet or vibrant.
Mayonnaise: Traditional recipes use mayo for creaminess. If you’re looking for a healthier option, substitute with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo for a dairy-free version.
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess to the crema. You can replace it with plain yogurt or even a dairy-free sour cream alternative if needed.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese is key to elote’s flavor. If you can’t find it, feta cheese is a decent alternative. Just keep in mind feta is saltier, so adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice works, though fresh is always best for flavor.
How Do You Make Sure the Corn is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling corn can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can achieve tender and charred kernels. Here’s how:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
- When grilling, turn the corn every few minutes. This helps it cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes. You want the corn to be tender and slightly charred, which adds a nice smoky flavor.
- Keep an eye on it to avoid burning—rotate as needed until you achieve your desired char.
For an extra touch, you can soak the corn in water before grilling. This helps it steam and can prevent it from drying out, leading to juicier kernels!
Easy Elote Recipe With Crema Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Corn and Crema Sauce:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This elote recipe will take about 25-30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes grilling the corn and 10 minutes prepping the crema sauce and garnishing. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy grilled corn!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your corn gets perfectly charred and cooked through. While the grill heats up, you can prepare the crema sauce!
2. Grill the Corn:
Once the grill is ready, place the husked corn directly on the grill. Make sure to turn the corn occasionally so it gets nice and charred all around. This should take about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the kernels are tender and have lovely grill marks!
3. Make the Crema Sauce:
While the corn is grilling, grab a medium bowl and mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This sauce will add a delicious tangy flavor to your corn!
4. Coat the Corn:
Once the corn is off the grill and has cooled slightly, brush the crema sauce generously over each ear of corn. Don’t be shy with the sauce; it brings everything together!
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese evenly over the sauced corn. For a little kick, dust the corn with chili powder and then garnish with chopped cilantro. This adds not only flavor but also a nice pop of color!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your elote hot with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze the lime over the corn before taking a bite for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious grilled corn creation!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen corn if fresh is not available! Just make sure to thaw it completely and dry it off before grilling. You may need to grill for a shorter time, about 5-10 minutes, until heated through and slightly charred.
Can I Make the Crema Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crema sauce a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Stir it well before using, as some ingredients may separate over time.
How to Store Leftover Elote?
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 2-3 days. When reheating, you can either microwave the corn or place it on a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
What Can I Use Instead of Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese makes a great substitute due to its similar texture and salty flavor. Just crumble it on top in the same amount for a delicious alternative!
