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
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4 ears corn, shucked
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¼ cup melted butter
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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½ cup grated cotija cheese
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4 wedges lime (Optional)
Directions
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Gather all ingredients.
![Overhead of Elote ingredients resting on a counter.]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
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Grill corn on the preheated grill until hot and lightly charred all over, 7 to 10 minutes.
![Overhead of corn on the cob being cooked on a grill.]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Roll corn in melted butter, then spread evenly with mayonnaise. Sprinkle with cotija cheese.
![Overhead of cooked Elote being covered in butter on a baking sheet.]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
![Overhead of Elote being covered in cotija cheese on a baking sheet.]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Serve with lime wedges.
![looking down at four Mexican corn on the cobs on a plate with a few lime wedges as garnish]()
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Recipe Tip
To make this in the air fryer, prepare as directed, except instead of grilling, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Cut ears of corn if needed to fit the air fryer basket. Working in batches if necessary, arrange ears of corn in an even layer in the basket. Cook, turning once halfway through, until kernels are tender and coating is lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 387 | Calories |
| 29g | Fat |
| 29g | Carbs |
| 8g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
| Calories 387 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 29g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat 12g | 62% |
| Cholesterol 53mg | 18% |
| Sodium 368mg | 16% |
| Total Carbohydrate 29g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 14% |
| Total Sugars 5g | |
| Protein 8g | 17% |
| Vitamin C 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium 121mg | 9% |
| Iron 1mg | 5% |
| Potassium 411mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
