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Flavorful Elote Mexican Street Corn Recipe with Creamy Spicy Toppings

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This flavorful Elote Mexican street corn features smoky charred corn slathered with a creamy, spicy topping made from mayo, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder. Perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or casual gatherings, it delivers bold, nostalgic flavors in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Duke’s recommended)
  • ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (feta as substitute)
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (ancho for mild, cayenne for heat)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Optional extras: Tajín seasoning, sliced jalapeños, smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C), about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Remove husks and silk from the corn ears. Rub each ear with melted butter using a basting brush.
  3. Place corn on the grill grates or pan. Turn every 2-3 minutes to evenly char all sides, about 10-12 minutes total, until golden brown with light blackened marks.
  4. While corn grills, mix mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and chopped cilantro in a mixing bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Remove corn from grill and let cool for 1-2 minutes until warm but not hot.
  6. Generously slather each ear with the creamy spicy sauce using a spoon or spreader.
  7. Sprinkle additional cotija cheese or Tajín seasoning on top. Add sliced jalapeños or extra lime juice if desired.
  8. Serve immediately, best enjoyed hot off the grill or at room temperature.

Notes

If corn isn’t charring well, pat dry before buttering. Avoid slathering sauce before grilling to prevent burning. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and omit cheese or use nutritional yeast. Can roast corn in oven at 425°F for 20 minutes as alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: Elote, Mexican street corn, grilled corn, creamy spicy corn, cotija cheese, summer barbecue, Cinco de Mayo, easy corn recipe

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/flavorful-elote-mexican-street-corn-recipe-with-creamy-spicy-toppings-easy-and-best-guide/