The Best Homemade Mexican Street Corn Recipe

Perfectly grilled corn slathered in creamy sauce and spices—discover the secret to authentic Mexican street corn at home. Your taste buds will thank you.

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade Mexican street corn recipe is a fun, easy way to bring the flavors of a food cart right to your kitchen. You’ll love how simple it is to make, with just a handful of ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. The creamy, tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the sweet charred corn, making every bite a delightful mix of textures. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties, BBQs, or even a quick weeknight treat. And don’t forget the finishing touch of crumbled cheese and spices—it’s what takes this dish to the next level!

Recipe

grilled corn mexican flavor

Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a popular street food that combines grilled corn on the cob with a creamy, tangy sauce and a sprinkle of cheese and spices. This homemade version brings the authentic flavors of Mexico to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ears of corn, husks removed
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream (or crema) until smooth.
  4. Once the corn is cooked, brush each ear generously with the mayo-sour cream mixture.
  5. Sprinkle the cotija cheese and chili powder over the corn.
  6. Squeeze lime juice over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
  7. Serve immediately.

Notes:

  • For a smokier flavor, grill the corn with the husks on and remove them after cooking.
  • If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta can be used as a substitute.

Equipment:

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Brush for applying sauce
  • Small mixing bowl

Time:

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking time: 10 minutes

Cuisine:

Mexican

Serving:

4 servings

Nutrition

1 serving of Mexican Street Corn provides a balance of flavors and nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories220 kcal
Fat12 g
Carbohydrates25 g
Protein6 g
Fiber3 g
Sodium350 mg

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my homemade Mexican street corn with a fresh Mexican salad, as the crisp veggies add a nice contrast to the creamy corn. Grilled veggie skewers are another favorite of mine, especially when I’m grilling the corn already. Both options make the meal feel complete without taking away from the star of the show.

Fresh Mexican Salad

A bright, crunchy fresh Mexican salad is the perfect sidekick to homemade street corn—it’s light, zesty, and packed with flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance. I love tossing together crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and sweetcorn for a base, then adding a pop of color with sliced radishes and red onion. A squeeze of lime juice and a drizzle of olive oil bring it all together, while a sprinkle of cilantro adds that fresh, herbal kick. It’s simple to make, but the combo of textures and tangy flavors balances the richness of the corn beautifully.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

While homemade Mexican street corn steals the show, grilled veggie skewers can’t be overlooked—they’re a colorful, flavorful addition that’ll round out your meal perfectly. I love threading bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, and mushrooms onto skewers, then brushing them with olive oil and a sprinkle of chili powder. The char from the grill brings out their natural sweetness, and they pair so well with the creamy, tangy corn. Plus, they’re easy to customize—add cherry tomatoes or pineapple for a fun twist. Just don’t forget to soak wooden skewers first, or you’ll end up with a fiery surprise!

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