grilled corn elote style (Printable Version)

Charred corn slathered in tangy creamy sauce, cheese, and chili. Perfect for summer gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Corn

01 - 4 ears fresh corn, husked
02 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Sauce

03 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
04 - 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
07 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - Salt, to taste

→ Toppings

10 - 1/2 cup Cotija cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
12 - Lime wedges, for serving
13 - Additional chili powder, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
02 - Brush each ear of corn with vegetable oil to coat evenly.
03 - Place corn directly onto the grill grates. Grill, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred and tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
04 - While the corn grills, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Mexican crema, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a mixing bowl until the sauce is smooth.
05 - Remove corn from the grill once cooked. While still warm, coat each ear generously with the prepared sauce using a basting brush.
06 - Sprinkle crumbled Cotija or feta cheese and chopped cilantro over the sauced corn.
07 - Dust each ear lightly with additional chili powder. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No one expects the creamy, tangy sauce—it's like a delicious surprise every time.
  • Grilled elote is a breeze, and guests can help pile on toppings so it's truly a party food.
02 -
  • Trying to sauce cold corn just makes a mess and it never sticks—get it right off the grill while it's hot.
  • Swapping feta for Cotija gives a different but delicious riff, especially if you triple the lime juice for punch.
03 -
  • Grill the corn until the kernels start to pop and brown for a smoky finish.
  • Mix a pinch of cayenne into the sauce if you love a little fire—just don't tell anyone before they taste it.
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