This Easy Elote is a tasty Mexican street corn dish that’s perfect for summer! It’s grilled to perfection and coated with a creamy sauce that makes every bite rich and delicious.
Who doesn’t love corn on the cob? The creamy sauce is so good, you might just lick the cob clean! I enjoy serving it at BBQs, and leftovers never last long in my house!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh sweet corn is best for this recipe as it has the right texture and natural sweetness. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen or canned corn can be used, but fresh corn really shines in this dish.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise adds creaminess, but you could substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. If you need a dairy-free option, try an avocado-based mayo that’s rich and flavorful.
Sour Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, use plain yogurt instead of sour cream. This also gives a nice flavor and creaminess. For dairy-free, opt for coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese is perfect for topping elote. If you can’t find it, feta cheese can be a good substitute. Just crumble it up as you would with cotija.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or chives can add a nice touch as well. It will alter the flavor slightly but still keep it fresh.
How Do I Grill Corn for the Best Flavor?
Grilling corn gives it a fantastic smoky flavor. Here’s how to get that delicious char and tender texture:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill is essential for the kernels to cook properly.
- Husk the corn completely, removing all silk. You can soak the corn in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning, but it’s not necessary.
- Place the ears of corn directly on the grill. Turn them every few minutes to allow even cooking and charring.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes or until the kernels are tender and show some char marks. It’s okay if some kernels get a bit charred—this adds flavor!
Using a grill basket also works well, especially to keep the corn from falling through the grates. Just remember to keep an eye on it!
Easy Elote with Crema Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Elote:
- 4 ears of corn (husked)
For the Crema Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
For Topping:
- ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Additional lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to grill the corn. In total, you’ll spend about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and tasty side dish perfect for any summer BBQ!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure it’s hot enough to give your corn those lovely char marks and a delicious grilled flavor.
2. Grill the Corn:
Once the grill is hot, carefully place the husked corn directly on the grill. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning it occasionally so it cooks evenly. You want it to be tender and slightly charred for the best flavor!
3. Make the Crema Sauce:
While the corn is grilling, prepare your crema sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined and creamy. This will be the delicious topping for your elote!
4. Add the Crema Sauce:
Once the corn is perfectly grilled, take it off the grill and let it cool for a minute. Then, brush the crema sauce generously over each ear of corn. You can use a spoon or a brush to make sure it’s nicely coated.
5. Top It Off:
Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro over the sauced corn. This adds a lovely flavor and extra texture to your elote!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the elote immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the corn. Enjoy your tasty and colorful elote with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Corn for This Recipe?
While fresh corn gives the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen corn if needed! Thaw it completely and consider grilling it in a grill basket or on skewers. Aim for about 8-10 minutes of grilling time for frozen corn, turning occasionally until heated through and lightly charred.
Can I Substitute the Cotija Cheese?
Absolutely! If you can’t find cotija cheese, feta cheese makes a great substitute due to its similar crumbly texture and salty flavor. Another option is to use queso fresco, which will offer a milder taste.
How to Store Leftover Crema Sauce?
Store any leftover crema sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it again as it may separate slightly. You can also use it as a dip for veggies or tacos!
Can I Make the Crema Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the crema sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This actually allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when you’re ready to serve your elote.
