Mexican Corn Recipe (Elotes)

Cooked corn and cilantro on white marble tabletop.

5 from 3 votes

This is a quick and easy Mexican Corn Recipe using a creamy tangy sauce, cobs of corn and other ingredients that you can make in the Oven that is perfect anytime of the year!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 234kcal

Author Sharee

Ingredients

4 corn on the cob
1/2 cup queso fresco or Cotija cheese crumbled (I like to have extra for garnish)
1/8 cup Mayonnaise (I use reduced fat mayo)
1/2 cup Mexican Crema (Mexican Sour Cream) or regular sour cream
Salt
Pepper
4 teaspoons Ancho Chili Powder
1/4 teaspoon Smoky Paprika
1/8 to 1/4 cup Cilantro (optional - used as garnish)
1 lime (optional) cut into wedges

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Leave the corn in the husk, and place on baking sheet.
Once the oven is preheated, place the pan on the middle oven rack, and cook for about 30 to 40 minutes.
Mix the salt, pepper, sour cream and mayonnaise together in a small mixing bowl, set aside.
After corn has cooked, remove the pan from oven using an oven mitten, and let sit for a few minutes so you don't burn yourself.
Then, remove husk from corn.
To get a char on them, place the oven temperate on broil. Place the pan of husked cooked pieces back in the oven. Cook for four to five minutes or until the kernels become slightly brown. Remove the pan from oven using oven mittens.
Brush each piece evenly with sour cream mixture using a pastry brush or marinade brush.
Next, sprinkle the crumbled cheese evenly on each piece.
Now sprinkle the Chili powder and smoky paprika evenly on each piece.
Garnish with cilantro.
Squeeze the juice of lime wedges evenly on each piece if you like. Then serve immediately.

Notes

Other Cheese Alternatives: Feta Cheese has similar flavors and texture similar to the recommended cheeses if you can’t find queso or cotija.
Limes: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds some brightness to the richness of the cheese and creams.
Fresh vs frozen corn: Fresh produce is always the better choice. Using frozen options may give you a mushy texture!
Seasoning tips: If you can’t find the ancho chili powder, double the smoky paprika. You’ll still have similar results. Add about a teaspoon of garlic powder to create a delicious garlic mayo spread! A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce will give this a bit of spiciness.
Easy clean up: Place foil on the pan prior to placing the cobs on the pan to help with easier cleaning of the pan afterwards.
Garnish: Fresh cilantro is the best topping to use, but feel free to use finely chopped green onions.

Nutrition