Grilled Corn Elote Style (Printable Version)

Charred sweet corn covered in creamy, tangy sauce, cheese, and chili. Perfect for a zesty summer Mexican side dish.

# 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, crumbled
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
12 - Lime wedges, for serving
13 - Additional chili powder, for garnish

# Method:

01 - Set a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
02 - Brush each ear of husked corn with vegetable oil to coat evenly.
03 - Place prepared corn directly on the hot grates and grill. Turn occasionally until all sides are charred and the kernels are tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
04 - While the corn grills, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a mixing bowl until completely smooth.
05 - Remove corn from heat. While still hot, generously brush each ear with the prepared sauce.
06 - Top sauced corn with crumbled cheese and chopped cilantro. Dust with additional chili powder if desired and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • There&aposs a secret thrill in brushing warm corn with that sharp, velvety sauce while the cheese turns dreamy on top.
  • This recipe is my go-to crowd pleaser when I want something effortless but bold for summer cookouts.
02 -
  • If you rush and try to sauce the corn when it&aposs cold, the mix doesn&apost stick and the experience loses its magic.
  • I discovered that grilling with the husks on for a few minutes first adds even more smokiness—peel them back for the final char.
03 -
  • Let grilled corn rest for a minute before saucing; the steam helps the sauce cling and meld flavors.
  • Grilling briefly with husks on then finishing bare adds unbeatable smokiness—worth the extra step every time.
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