Hey y'all! Nothing says summer like the smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors of Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob. This Mexican street corn recipe is a crowd-pleaser, bringing together sweet roasted corn, tangy lime, creamy mayo, and a sprinkle of cheese—a perfect treat for backyard BBQs, picnics, or any festive gathering. Ready to take your taste buds on a flavor adventure? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob
- Bold and irresistible flavors with every bite—smoky, sweet, tangy, and spicy!
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Versatile side dish that shines at cookouts, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
- Customizable to suit your spice level and favorite toppings.
- Brings authentic Mexican street food vibes straight to your kitchen!
Ingredients for Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob
- 4 ears of fresh corn on the cob, husks and silk removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Prep & Roast the Corn
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush each ear of corn with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Place the corn directly on a lined baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Elote Sauce
While the corn roasts, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Slather and Garnish
Once the corn is roasted, remove it from the oven. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each cob with the creamy sauce. Roll or sprinkle the corn with crumbled cotija cheese, then top with fresh cilantro and a pinch of extra chili powder.
Step 4: Serve with Lime
Serve your Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob immediately with lime wedges for a refreshing, tangy squeeze. Enjoy!
Notes for Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob
- Can’t find cotija? Feta cheese is a great alternative that mimics the salty tang. See more cheese substitutions on Bon Appétit.
- If you love a smokier flavor, try charring the corn directly over a gas flame or grill for a minute or two.
- Learn more about the history and culture of Elote at TasteAtlas.
Variations of Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob
- Spicy Sriracha Elote: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha to the creamy sauce for a fiery kick.
- Elote Salad (Esquites): Cut roasted corn kernels off the cob, mix with sauce and toppings in a bowl for a mess-free salad version.
- Vegan Elote: Use vegan mayo, plant-based sour cream, and dairy-free cheese crumbles.
Required Equipment for Making Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife (for chopping cilantro and lime)
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for baking sheet lining)
Storage Instructions for Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob
Store leftover roasted corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the corn and sauce may change.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob
- Pair with grilled chicken, fajitas, or tacos for a full Mexican-inspired meal.
- Serve with a cool and refreshing agua fresca or a crisp Mexican lager.
- Great as a side for summer BBQs alongside burgers and hot dogs.
Pro Tips for the Best Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the cheese before sprinkling.
- If you prefer your corn extra-charred, finish it off under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
- Always use fresh lime juice for the brightest, most authentic taste. Check out Simply Recipes for more corn tips.
FAQ: Elote-Style Roasted Corn on the Cob
- Can I make Elote-Style Roasted Corn ahead of time?
- Yes, you can roast the corn in advance and store it refrigerated. Add the sauce and toppings just before serving for best texture.
- What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
- Feta or parmesan are great substitutes if cotija isn’t available.
- Can I grill instead of roast the corn?
- Absolutely! Grilling over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes will add extra smoky flavor—just rotate often for even charring.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 ears fresh corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
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2Place the husked corn cobs on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the corn is lightly charred and cooked through.
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3In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and salt until smooth.
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4Remove the roasted corn from the oven. While still hot, brush each ear generously with the mayonnaise mixture.
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5Sprinkle the corn evenly with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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