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Flavorful Elote Style Grilled Corn Recipe with Cotija and Lime Crema

elote style grilled corn - featured image
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This easy and delicious elote-style grilled corn features smoky charred corn smothered in a tangy lime crema and topped with salty cotija cheese, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist)
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Salt to taste (kosher salt recommended)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 204°C).
  2. Remove husks and silk completely from the corn. Rinse the ears under cold water to clean off any remaining silk.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Lightly brush each ear of corn with melted butter.
  5. Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes, cooking for about 10-12 minutes total until the kernels are tender and charred in spots.
  6. Once grilled, immediately slather each ear generously with the lime crema using a brush or spoon.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese all over the coated corn.
  8. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime if desired.
  9. Serve right away, preferably with plenty of napkins.

Notes

Keep extra napkins handy as this corn is deliciously messy. For even cooking, turn the corn every 2-3 minutes and watch closely to avoid burning. Apply the lime crema while the corn is warm so the sauce and cheese stick better. Variations include adding hot sauce for spice, swapping cilantro for basil or mint, or making a vegan version with vegan mayo and nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: elote, grilled corn, cotija cheese, lime crema, summer BBQ, Mexican street food, easy side dish

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/flavorful-elote-style-grilled-corn-recipe-with-cotija-and-lime-crema-easy-and-perfect-for-summer-bbqs/