This Easy Elote recipe brings the vibrant flavors of grilled corn together with a creamy sauce. With a sprinkle of cheese and spice, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Seriously, who can resist warm, cheesy corn slathered in sauce? I love serving this as a fun side dish! Just remember to have napkins handy—things can get a little messy! 😄
This recipe is super simple. Just grill the corn, mix the crema sauce, and enjoy! It’s a tasty treat that brings everyone together at the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is ideal. Look for ears that are plump and the husks are bright green. If fresh corn isn’t available, you can also use frozen corn; just grill it until heated through, though it won’t have the same charred flavor.
Mexican Crema: This ingredient adds a creamy richness. If you can’t find it, sour cream works as a great substitute. You could even mix sour cream with a bit of milk to loosen it. It will still taste fantastic!
Cotija Cheese: Cotija has a nice crumbly texture and salty taste. If cotija is hard to find, feta cheese can be a good alternative. It has a similar saltiness and crumbles well on the corn.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides a bright flavor, but bottled lime juice is an acceptable substitute in a pinch. Feel free to taste and adjust the amount based on your preference!
How Do I Grill Corn to Get That Perfect Char?
Grilling corn is all about achieving the right texture and flavor. The key is to ensure even cooking and the perfect char without burning.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. A hotter grill gives better charring.
- Place the corn directly on the grill, turning it every 2-3 minutes. This helps achieve that beautiful char on all sides.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the kernels are tender and you see nice grill marks. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Once done, let it cool slightly before brushing on the crema sauce, so you don’t burn yourself.
How to Make Easy Elote with Crema Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Elote:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
For The Crema Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy elote recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes grilling the corn and 15 minutes preparing the crema sauce and garnishing your delicious dish. Perfect for a quick and tasty summer treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure your corn gets those lovely char marks and cooks evenly.
2. Grill the Corn:
Place the husked ears of corn directly on the grill. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning it occasionally so that all sides get nicely charred and the kernels become tender. You want them to have a beautiful golden color!
3. Prepare the Crema Sauce:
While the corn is grilling, take a bowl and mix together the Mexican crema, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir it well until everything is nicely blended. This sauce will give your elote that creamy, zesty flavor!
4. Cool the Corn:
Once the corn is done grilling, carefully remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly for a few minutes so you can handle it without burning your fingers.
5. Brush on the Crema Sauce:
Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each ear of corn with the crema sauce mixture, making sure to cover all sides for maximum flavor!
6. Add the Cotija Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the sauced corn, gently pressing down to help it stick. Cotija cheese adds a delicious salty taste that perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Now it’s time to add the finishing touches! Garnish the elote with chopped cilantro and a little extra chili powder if you like a bit more spice. Serve the corn immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh Corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn, but the texture and flavor will differ. To use frozen corn, grill it in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly charred. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
What if I Can’t Find Mexican Crema?
No worries! You can substitute Mexican crema with sour cream or a mixture of sour cream and heavy cream for a similar consistency and taste. If you want to mimic the tangy flavor, add a squeeze of lime or a pinch of vinegar to the sour cream mix before combining it with the other ingredients.
How to Store Leftover Elote?
Leftover elote can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave, covered, for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to overheat!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegan version, substitute the Mexican crema and mayonnaise with a vegan sour cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cotija cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of smoked paprika instead of chili powder for an extra kick!
