If you’ve ever bitten into authentic Mexican street corn, or “elote,” you know just how irresistible it is. Sweet, juicy corn on the cob coated with creamy mayonnaise or Mexican crema, rolled in tangy cotija cheese, dusted with chili powder, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lime—it’s the perfect balance of smoky, savory, spicy, and refreshing. This beloved street food isn’t just a snack; it’s a true celebration of flavor and color, and it has become a favorite around the world.
The best part about elote is its versatility. While the traditional grilled version will always be a classic, there are countless ways to reinvent and enjoy it. That’s where these 12 easy elote recipes come in—each one putting a fresh spin on the iconic dish. From party-ready dips to flavorful salads and even creative twists like pasta or tacos, these recipes prove that elote is so much more than just corn on the cob.
One of the most popular variations is elote en vaso (Mexican street corn in a cup). This handheld version is layered with corn, crema, cheese, spices, and lime, making it super easy to eat at parties or festivals. For something shareable, Mexican street corn dip is always a crowd-pleaser. Served warm with tortilla chips, it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky corn flavor—perfect for game days or summer cookouts.
If you’re a salad lover, Mexican street corn salad (esquites) is another must-try. By cutting the kernels off the cob and tossing them with all the traditional toppings, you get all the flavor of elote in a spoonable, mess-free dish. This salad works beautifully as a barbecue side or a topping for grilled meats.
For heartier meals, you can try incorporating elote into tacos, pasta, or even casseroles. Imagine warm tortillas stuffed with juicy grilled corn, avocado, cotija cheese, and a splash of hot sauce—it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Or mix the corn with pasta, crema, lime, and chili for a creamy, tangy, and spicy pasta salad that works great for potlucks. Even baked casseroles infused with street corn flavors bring comfort food to a whole new level.,
Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote)
This is the iconic elote dish, the one that probably flamed your love for the flavors of the famous Mexican street food. Grilled until just tender, this corn on the cob gets the works: It’s rolled in butter, smeared with a little mayonnaise, then sprinkled with cotija cheese and lime juice.
Elotes (Mexican Corn in a Cup)
Ready in just 15 minutes, this elotes—Mexican corn in a cup—makes for a delicious side or impressive appetizer.
Elote en Vaso
What makes this elote recipe stand out from the rest is the choice of seasoning blend. made from a blend of ancho chili pepper, cumin, Mexican oregano, and more. It adds a little spice and smokiness to this creamy corn salad.
Esquites (Mexican Elotes Salad)
“Esquites are an off-the-cob version that makes a refreshing salad on a hot summer day,” says recipe creator CJ, who suggests topping with Cotija cheese and a dusting of Tajin.
Skillet Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
When grilling isn’t an option, fire up the skillet instead to make this off-the-cob elote. “Great side dish to go alongside our grilled chicken tonight! Simple to make and really great flavors,” says Christina. “This was a nice change from the usual, and a hit with the family. I will be making this all summer long!”
