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Creamy Mexican Street Corn

Creamy Mexican Street Corn

Creamy Mexican Street Corn is a vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring smoky grilled corn coated in a tangy, creamy sauce with cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Ready in under 30 minutes, it beautifully complements grilled meats, tacos, or can be enjoyed on its own, delivering a perfect blend of zest, creaminess, and spice.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, shucked
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Grill the Corn: Start by shucking the fresh corn and cleaning it thoroughly. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the corn directly on the grates. Grill, turning occasionally, until the kernels develop charred spots and a smoky aroma, usually about 10-12 minutes.
  2. Mix the Creamy Sauce: While the corn grills, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until a smooth, creamy sauce forms with a tangy and mildly spicy kick.
  3. Coat the Corn Thoroughly: Once the corn is grilled perfectly, use a brush or spoon to slather the creamy sauce all over each ear, making sure to cover every inch of the kernels for maximum flavor absorption.
  4. Add Cheese and Garnishes: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese generously over the sauced corn. Finish with a handful of chopped cilantro and a little extra chili powder if desired for a colorful, flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh ears of corn for the sweetest, juiciest flavor and best grilling results.
  • Don’t skip getting some char on the corn—it adds essential smoky depth.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of lime juice or water to make spreading easier.
  • Adding cotija cheese immediately after coating helps it stick better to the corn.
  • Serve the corn immediately fresh off the grill; if needed, warm leftovers gently on the grill or in a skillet to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn, elote, creamy corn, grilled corn, cotija cheese, spicy corn side dish