Mexican Street Corn (Elote) is a creamy, tangy corn salad combining grilled kernels with cotija and queso fresco cheese, crema, and a savory elote seasoning blend. The combination of butter, mayo, lime, and cilantro delivers authentic street-vendor flavor in a make-ahead side dish.
Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.
CookOS may earn a commission from Instacart orders.
Prices vary by store
*Service fees apply. Instacart® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.
Grill the ears of corn on a hot griddle or grill until charred in spots on all sides.
Allow the corn to cool slightly. To easily remove the kernels, stand one ear of corn upright in the center hole of a bundt pan and carefully slice the kernels off downwards with a knife. The pan will catch the kernels.
Transfer all the corn kernels to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the melted butter over the warm corn and stir to combine.
Add the mayonnaise and Mexican crema to the bowl.
Squeeze in the juice of one lime.
Sprinkle in the elote seasoning blend and mix everything together thoroughly.
Crumble in the queso fresco and add the cotija cheese.
Add the chopped cilantro and mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
Garnish with a little more fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of elote seasoning before serving.
Store leftover elote covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; serve chilled or at room temperature. Best eaten within 24 hours before cheese absorbs too much moisture.
grill or grill pan · corn kerneler or sharp knife
Yes. Thaw frozen corn, pat dry, and either grill in a grill basket or pan-fry in butter. The texture will be slightly softer but the flavor remains authentic.
Elote is served on the cob with toppings; esquites is corn kernels mixed with the same toppings. This recipe makes esquites (corn salad).
Grill the corn and prepare toppings separately up to 4 hours ahead. Toss together just before serving to keep cheese and cilantro fresh.
Use sour cream thinned with a splash of milk, or Greek yogurt. Crema is thinner and less tangy, so adjust mayo ratio if needed.
Yes. All ingredients are vegetarian; it contains no meat.
