If you have ever wandered the vibrant streets of Mexico or attended a lively fiesta, you know that elote is an absolute star—charred, creamy, spicy corn on the cob that bursts with flavor. Now, imagine all that goodness transformed into a perfectly portable, bite-sized snack: that’s exactly what Elote Cup: The Ultimate Mexican Street Corn Treat Recipe delivers. This delightful dish captures the essence of traditional Mexican street corn with a luscious blend of creamy mayo, tangy lime, smoky chili, and crumbly cotija cheese, served in a convenient cup that makes snacking effortless and fun. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug from Mexico’s heart with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Elote Cup: The Ultimate Mexican Street Corn Treat Recipe lies in its simple and vibrant ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the sweet crunch of fresh corn to the creamy, tangy dressing, and the burst of flavor from spices and cheese. These ingredients come together to create an irresistible texture and colorful appearance that’s as charming as its taste.
- Sweet corn (2 cups): Fresh or frozen, this is the star ingredient and the perfect canvas for all the bold flavors.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds creamy richness that binds everything together.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Brings a tangy, cooling balance to the spicy elements.
- Cotija cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup): A crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that gives a savory punch and gorgeous texture.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Injects bright acidity that lifts the dish.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Imparts smoky warmth and that signature Mexican street corn kick.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances every layer of flavor in the dish.
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish): Offers a fresh, herby finish and vibrant green flecks.
How to Make Elote Cup: The Ultimate Mexican Street Corn Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Start by mixing the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl. This creamy sauce is your flavor base, so be sure to whisk it until it’s smooth and evenly combined. The lime juice cuts through the richness, while the chili powder introduces that addictive smoky heat.
Step 2: Toss in the Corn
Add your sweet corn, whether freshly roasted or thawed from frozen, into the bowl with the sauce. Stir until every kernel is beautifully coated with the tangy, spicy mixture. This step ensures that each bite bursts with the perfect balance of flavors and a luscious texture.
Step 3: Cup It Up
Now comes the fun part—spoon the corn mixture into individual serving cups. This presentation makes it easy for everyone to grab a portion and indulge without the mess of corn on the cob. It’s perfect for parties, picnics, or craving a street-style snack at home.
Step 4: Top with Cotija Cheese and Cilantro
Sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled cotija cheese over the top of each cup, followed by a scattering of fresh chopped cilantro. The cheese adds a salty finish, while cilantro brings a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic note that pulls everything together.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Elote Cup is best enjoyed fresh to savor the contrast of creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures. Serve right away for a vibrant snack that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Serve Elote Cup: The Ultimate Mexican Street Corn Treat Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic cilantro and cotija cheese garnishes are perfect, you can also get creative by adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika, a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick, or some finely chopped green onions for a mild oniony bite. Each garnish adds a new dimension while keeping the authentic spirit of the dish alive.
Side Dishes
Elote Cup: The Ultimate Mexican Street Corn Treat Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fresh salads, or even alongside some warm tortillas for a full-on Mexican feast. It’s an excellent companion to smoky barbecues or light, citrusy dishes that balance its rich, creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve these in small mason jars or shot glasses for a chic appetizer. You could even layer the corn mixture alternately with guacamole or pico de gallo for a stunning, multi-layered dip presentation that wows at any party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, but the texture of the corn may soften slightly, so it’s best consumed within 1-2 days.
Freezing
Freezing Elote Cup is not recommended because the creamy texture of the sauce and the freshness of the corn can degrade after thawing, leading to a watery or grainy consistency that impacts the taste.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, allow the Elote Cup to come to room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Avoid overheating as it could cause the mayo and sour cream to separate. Adding fresh cheese and cilantro after reheating freshens it up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works perfectly here—just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the creamy sauce to avoid a watery final dish.
Is cotija cheese essential in Elote Cup?
Cotija cheese is traditional and gives that authentic salty kick, but if you can’t find it, feta is a good stand-in due to its crumbly saltiness.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder. You can adjust the amount or add a dash of hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
Can I make Elote Cup vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan versions and substitute cotija cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
What are some fun occasions to serve Elote Cup?
They make fantastic appetizers for summer BBQs, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a snack that’s bursting with Mexican street food vibes.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like Elote Cup: The Ultimate Mexican Street Corn Treat Recipe to bring a festive, flavorful burst of Mexico into your kitchen. It’s simple, quick, and endlessly satisfying, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special treat. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy corn, packed with exciting textures and bursts of zest!
Print
Elote Cup: The Ultimate Mexican Street Corn Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Elote Cup is a delightful and easy-to-make Mexican street corn treat featuring sweet corn blended with creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, tangy lime juice, and a touch of chili powder for a spicy kick. Topped with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, this flavorful snack captures the essence of traditional Mexican elote in a convenient, cup-friendly form perfect for parties or quick bites.
Ingredients
Corn Mixture
- 2 cups sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce that balances tangy, spicy, and savory flavors.
- Mix the corn: Add the sweet corn (either fresh or thawed frozen corn) to the bowl with the sauce and stir until every kernel is well coated, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Serve in cups: Spoon the coated corn mixture into individual serving cups for easy eating and attractive presentation.
- Add toppings: Generously sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the corn in each cup, then garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to add brightness and enhance the traditional Mexican street corn taste.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your Elote Cup while fresh and chilled for the best flavor and texture. This dish is perfect as a snack or side at gatherings.
Notes
- Using fresh corn will yield the best flavor, but frozen corn works well when fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust the level of chili powder depending on your spice preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and omit cotija cheese or replace with a plant-based cheese.
- Serve chilled to enhance the creamy, tangy flavors of the sauce.
- This recipe is best consumed immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
