This Easy Elote recipe is a tasty twist on street corn! Fresh corn is grilled and topped with a rich crema sauce, cheese, and a sprinkle of spices—yum!
Perfect for summer barbecues, and guess what? You might find yourself eating way more than one! I know I do; it’s just too good to resist! 😄
Whether you serve it as a side dish or snack, this elote brings a burst of flavor with every bite. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up with just a few ingredients!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is the star of the dish. The sweetness of the corn shines when grilled. If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use frozen corn. Just a heads up, the texture will be a bit different though.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: Both add creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, plain yogurt can work here instead of sour cream. You can also mix in Greek yogurt for extra protein.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese gives a nice salty flavor. If you can’t find cotija, feta cheese is a great substitute. Just keep in mind, it might be a bit saltier than cotija, so adjust salt in the sauce accordingly.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness. If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley is a good alternative. It won’t have the same flavor but will still add a nice color and freshness to the dish.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Corn Perfectly?
Grilling corn can be tricky if you haven’t done it before. Here’s how to help achieve perfectly grilled corn:
- Preheat your grill to a good medium-high heat, which ensures a nice char without burning the corn.
- Don’t skip the turning! Rotate the corn every few minutes while it grills for even cooking and those lovely char marks.
- If you want even deeper flavor, soak the corn (in the husk) in water for about 30 minutes before grilling—it keeps the corn juicy.
Once the corn is cooked, let it cool for a bit before adding the crema sauce. That way, it won’t melt the cheese and keep everything nice and creamy!
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 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes. You’ll spend about 5 minutes getting everything ready and another 10-15 minutes grilling the corn. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This will give the corn that perfect charred flavor.
2. Make the Crema Sauce:
While the grill is heating up, grab a medium bowl and mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt. Stir until the mixture is nice and smooth, then set it aside for later.
3. Grill the Corn:
Place the husked corn directly on the hot grill. Grill it for about 10-15 minutes, turning the corn occasionally. You want it to get nicely charred and cooked through, which gives it great flavor!
4. Coat the Corn:
Once the corn is grilled, carefully take it off the grill and let it cool for just a minute. Then, brush a generous layer of your crema sauce all over the corn, making sure to cover it on all sides.
5. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the crema-coated corn. This adds a delicious salty flavor! Next, garnish with the fresh chopped cilantro for some extra freshness.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your elote with lime wedges on the side, so you can squeeze some lime juice over the corn before digging in. Enjoy your delicious elote with crema sauce!
## FAQ for Easy Elote with Crema Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Corn for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen corn! However, it’s best to thaw and drain it first to remove excess moisture. You can grill the thawed frozen corn in a grill basket for about 8-10 minutes, turning frequently until heated through and slightly charred. This will help achieve that delicious grilled flavor.
Can I Make the Crema Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crema sauce a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure everything is well mixed again!
How Do I Store Leftover Elote?
If you have any leftover elote, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the grill or in a microwave. If the crema sauce seems thick, you can mix in a little extra sour cream or a splash of lime juice to freshen it up.
What Can I Use Instead of Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a similar flavor and texture. Alternatively, crumbled queso fresco or ricotta salata can work as well, but adjust the amount to your taste since flavors may vary!
