Name: Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 ears corn, shucked; 0.25 cup melted butter; 0.25 cup mayonnaise; 0.5 cup grated cotija cheese; 4 wedges lime

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:

4

Jump to Nutrition Facts

This Mexican corn on the cob recipe (a.k.a. elote) will please even the pickiest of eaters.

What Is Elote?

Elote, or Mexican corn on the cob, is a popular street food in Mexico (that’s why it’s also known as Mexican street corn). Corn on the cob is charred on the grill, slathered with butter and mayonnaise, and finished with salty Cotija cheese.

How to Make Mexican Corn on the Cob

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Mexican Corn on the Cob Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this Mexican corn on the cob recipe:

Corn: This elote recipe makes four servings, so you’ll need four shucked corn cobs.
Butter and mayonnaise: The grilled corn is rolled in melted butter and mayonnaise, resulting in a rich and flavorful finished product.
Cheese: You can find Cotija, a salty and crumbly cheese, in most grocery stores.
Lime: A lime wedge (for serving) is optional, but it adds a bright pop of flavor.

Tip: For a bit of color and heat, lightly dust the elote with chili powder or cayenne pepper before serving. Fresh cilantro is also a tasty addition.

How to Make Mexican Corn on the Cob at Home

To make elote, you’ll start by grilling the corn until it’s lightly charred all over. Roll it in butter, spread it with mayonnaise, and sprinkle it with cheese. That’s all there is to it!

Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote) — Soup Loving Nicole

What to Serve With Mexican Corn on the Cob

Wondering what to pair with Mexican corn on the cob? We’ve got you covered. Find delicious inspiration serving inspiration in our collection of 21 Best Authentic Mexican Recipes. Here are a few of the top-rated recipes you’ll find:

Can You Make Mexican Corn on the Cob Ahead of Time?

Elote is best served fresh. However, if you’re entertaining, you can get a head start on things by grilling the corn a day in advance. You can add the butter, mayonnaise, and cheese right before serving.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“I made this tonight and it was excellent,” raves yreka2011. “In fact, it is the best corn I have ever tasted! I rolled the corn in butter, then put mayonnaise/lime juice mixture on it and sprinkled with Cotija cheese and chili powder!”

“Elote is THE BEST and this is a good basic recipe to get you started with the concept,” according to AllieDream. “Upon eating this, my husband said ‘I'm done with regular corn on the cob. I'll never eat it again. What's the point?’ We've been eating and loving elote all summer.”

“This is one of my favorite ways to eat corn on the cob,” says Mel D. “I also like to add a little chili powder on these to spice it up a bit.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

4 ears corn, shucked
¼ cup melted butter
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ cup grated cotija cheese
4 wedges lime (Optional)

Directions

Gather all ingredients.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
Grill corn on the preheated grill until hot and lightly charred all over, 7 to 10 minutes.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Roll corn in melted butter, then spread evenly with mayonnaise. Sprinkle with cotija cheese.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Serve with lime wedges.

DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

Tips

To make in the air fryer: Prepare recipe as directed, except instead of grilling preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Cut ears of corn to fit air fryer, if needed. Working in batches if needed, arrange ears of corn in an even layer in basket. Cook, turning once halfway through, until kernels are tender and coating is lightly browned, about 8 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

387	Calories
29g	Fat
29g	Carbs
8g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 387
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 29g	37%
Saturated Fat 12g	62%
Cholesterol 53mg	18%
Sodium 368mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate 29g	11%
Dietary Fiber 4g	14%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 11mg	56%
Calcium 121mg	9%
Iron 1mg	5%
Potassium 411mg	9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.