Easy Elote
Make authentic elote at home with fresh corn, Greek yogurt, and cotija cheese. Easy grilled Mexican street corn recipe that's naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 4 medium ears of fresh corn, husked and cleaned
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cotija cheese, reserved for garnish
- Wooden skewers or corn holders, optional
Instructions
- 1
Prepare your grill or grill pan by heating it to medium-high heat, about 5 minutes before cooking.
- 2
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic and let it infuse while the grill heats.
- 3
Whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in another bowl until smooth and well combined, about 1 minute.
- 4
Brush the garlic butter generously over all sides of each corn ear, ensuring even coverage.
- 5
Place the buttered corn directly onto the hot grill grates and cook for about 12-15 minutes total, rotating every 3-4 minutes, until light char marks appear on all sides.
- 6
Remove the corn from the grill and let cool for 1-2 minutes until comfortable to handle.
- 7
Spread or brush the yogurt mixture evenly over each warm corn cob, coating all exposed kernels thoroughly.
- 8
Roll or carefully press each coated corn ear in a shallow dish filled with crumbled cotija cheese, allowing the cheese to stick to the creamy coating.
- 9
Sprinkle fresh cilantro and sliced scallions over the top of each ear for bright, herbaceous flavor.
- 10
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice over each ear and a light sprinkle of reserved cotija cheese.
- 11
Serve immediately while the corn is still warm, passing extra lime wedges and chili powder on the side for those who want more heat.
- 12
Insert wooden skewers into the ends of each ear if desired for easier handheld eating and serving.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| mayonnaise | Greek yogurt or Mexican crema | Greek yogurt provides probiotics and live cultures that support gut microbiome health while maintaining the creamy texture and tangy flavor profile |
| butter | ghee or avocado oil | Ghee has a higher smoke point and cleaner taste without lactose, while avocado oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats with anti-inflammatory properties |
| chili powder blend | ancho chili powder or tajín seasoning | Ancho provides a deeper, fruity heat with less sodium, while tajín combines dried chiles with dehydrated lime for natural tang without added salt |
| cotija cheese | queso fresco or nutritional yeast | Queso fresco offers similar flavor with slightly lower sodium, while nutritional yeast provides umami depth and B-vitamins for plant-based diets |
| fresh corn | frozen corn kernels (thawed) or canned low-sodium corn | Frozen corn retains nutrients locked in at peak ripeness and eliminates seasonal limitations, while low-sodium canned corn preserves accessibility year-round |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 18mg |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Protein | 12g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
