Elote Mac and Cheese

Name: Elote Mac and Cheese (Baked)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb small shell pasta; 1 tbsp butter; 16 oz corn kernels, frozen or canned; 1 jalapeño, finely diced; 2 tbsp elote seasoning blend, divided; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 2 tbsp Mexican crema, for garnish; 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled, for garnish; 2 scallions, sliced, for garnish

Elote Mac and Cheese is a creamy baked pasta that fuses Mexican street corn flavors with classic comfort food, combining sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, and sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack cheese, finished with cotija and crema.

🌍Mexican-American 🏷️Mac and cheese 🏷️Elote 🏷️Mexican street corn 🏷️Pasta Cheesy

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

-0:00

cheatdayeatsonTikTok

Total

40 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by cheatdayeats

-0:00

cheatdayeatsonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb small shell pasta
1 tbsp butter
16 oz corn kernels, frozen or canned
1 jalapeño, finely diced
2 tbsp elote seasoning blend, divided
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tbsp Mexican crema, for garnishoptional
1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled, for garnishoptional
2 scallions, sliced, for garnishoptional

12 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the corn kernels and sauté. Add 1 tablespoon of elote seasoning and the diced jalapeño. Cook until fragrant and tender, then set aside.
3
In a large pot or the same skillet, warm the milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of elote seasoning.
4
Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese (reserving about 1/2 cup for topping) until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5
Add the cooked pasta and the sautéed corn and jalapeño mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
6
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
7
Top with the reserved shredded cheese.
8
Bake until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and garnish with a drizzle of Mexican crema, crumbled cotija cheese, and sliced scallions before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Dice jalapeños finely and remove seeds for milder heat; leave seeds in for more spice.
Toast the elote seasoning in butter before adding milk and cream to deepen its flavor.
Stir the cheese sauce frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom; low-to-medium heat is key.
Bake until the top is golden and the sauce bubbles at the edges; this ensures the cheese is fully melted and creamy throughout.

Substitutions

Monterey Jack → Oaxaca cheese (softer melt, equally creamy)
Sharp cheddar → Gruyère (nuttier flavor, slightly less sharp)
Mexican crema → equal parts sour cream + whole milk (thinner consistency but similar tang)
Frozen corn → fresh corn kernels (sweeter, use 16 oz equivalent)

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil, stirring halfway through; add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.

Equipment

9x13 inch baking dish · Large pot

Common Questions

Can I make elote mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese or queso fresco work well as a crumbly, salty topping. Cotija has a distinct salty flavor, so adjust seasoning if using alternatives.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes. Use fresh corn kernels cut from 2–3 ears of corn. Fresh corn will have a slightly sweeter flavor than frozen.

What is elote seasoning?

Elote seasoning is a Mexican blend typically containing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and lime zest. Check your recipe's blend or make your own.

Is Mexican crema necessary or can I substitute it?

Sour cream mixed with a splash of milk works as a substitute. Crema has a thinner consistency and tangier flavor, but sour cream is a common alternative.