
Mexican street corn off the cob with all the classic toppings
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6
6 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Mexican street corn off the cob with all the classic toppings
Charred corn kernels tossed with mayo, cotija, chili powder, and lime in individual cups for easy serving and no mess.
10m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
20m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
(Updated )
Elote, Mexican street corn, is one of those foods that is perfect as-is but sometimes impractical to eat at a party. These cups solve that problem by cutting the corn off the cob and serving everything in small portions with forks. You get all the same flavors without the mess.
The corn gets charred first to develop sweetness and a little smokiness, then tossed with the classic combination of mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. It is salty, tangy, spicy, and creamy all at once.
Char the corn kernels in a hot, dry skillet, stirring occasionally, until blistered and golden in spots.
Remove from heat and toss with the mayonnaise, garlic, and a squeeze of lime.
Divide among small cups or bowls.
Top with crumbled cotija, chili powder, cilantro, and a lime wedge.
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Frozen corn works in a pinch — just thaw and dry it well before charring.
Swap mayo for sour cream if you prefer.
Tajin seasoning is an easy shortcut for the chili-lime flavor.
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.
Per serving (1 cup) · 6 servings
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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