Corn Recipes

Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote)

Elote is Mexican corn on the cob that's grilled and smothered in butter, mayonnaise, and crumbled cotija cheese. This recipe was given to me by a Mexican friend of mine. Street vendors there sell their corn made this way.

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.

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.

Ingredients

• 4 ears corn, shucked

• ¼ cup melted butter

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup grated cotija cheese

• 4 wedges lime (Optional)

• Directions

  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.

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 29g37%Saturated Fat 12g62%Cholesterol 53mg18%Sodium 368mg16%Total Carbohydrate 29g11%Dietary Fiber 4g14%Total Sugars 5gProtein 8g17%Vitamin C 11mg12%Calcium 121mg9%Iron 1mg5%Potassium 411mg9%

  * 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.