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  3. Elote Street Corn Cups
Colorful and appetizing Mexican elotes in white cups with toppings, captured on a vibrant yellow backdrop.

Mexican street corn off the cob with all the classic toppings

Elote Street Corn Cups

Elote Street Corn Cups

20 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

10 min

Total Time

20 min

Servings

6

6 cups

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Budget

$

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Elote Street Corn Cups

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

Mexican CuisineSide DishAppetizerSnackVegetarianGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

February 1, 2026(Updated April 12, 2026)

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.

Why This Recipe Works

Charring the corn in a very hot dry skillet caramelizes the sugars and adds a smoky depth that elevates the dish beyond what boiled corn can deliver.

Ingredients

  • 4 ears corn, kernels cut off
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tsp chili powder or Tajin
  • 2 limes
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Char the corn kernels in a hot, dry skillet, stirring occasionally, until blistered and golden in spots.

  2. 2

    Remove from heat and toss with the mayonnaise, garlic, and a squeeze of lime.

  3. 3

    Divide among small cups or bowls.

  4. 4

    Top with crumbled cotija, chili powder, cilantro, and a lime wedge.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • 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

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • 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.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 cup) · 6 servings

Calories160
LowModerateHigh

A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein5g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat9g
Fiber2g
Sugar5g
Sodium280mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.

Explore More

More Mexican RecipesMore Side DishMore AppetizerMore SnackVegetarian RecipesGluten-Free RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

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.

View all recipes →

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