Elotes: next-level Mexican corn
Learn about authentic Mexican elotes, their different variations (from Hot Cheetos to Unicorn elotes) and how to make them easily.
Where Can I Get it? | How Can I Make It?
What is an elote?
An elote (pronounced eh-LOT-eh) is a popular Mexican street food made 
of grilled corn on the cob peeled from the husk and covered in savory condiments that traditionally include: crema (sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, butter, cotija cheese, chili powder and salt. These savory toppings provide a perfect compliment to the sweet corn. Elotes are commonly served on a stick or with the husk (which is used as a handle), but somtimes they are served in a cup or bowl known as “elote en el vaso” with the kernels cut from the cob and mixed with traditional ingredients.
What are the different variations of elotes?
Certain places have taken elotes to the next level by adding crushed chips like Doritos, Tostitos, Takis and even Flamin’ Hot Cheetos…
Swirl Fiesta
A place in Tijuana, Mexico jumped into the deep end and created el “elote unicornio” (unicorn elote) made with pink mayo and colored sprinkles…
La Eloteria
The owner of a pizza place in Brooklyn loved elotes so much he invented the “elote pizza” …Vinnie’s Pizzeria
Where can I get it?
Elotes are sold by many Mexican food vendors and are a popular food item at local county and street fairs. Here are some places where you can get elotes all year round.
Chicago, IL: D Fruta La Vida?: D Fruita La Vida on Facebook
New York, NY: Cafe Habana?: Cafe Habana on Facebook
San Francisco, CA: Nick’s Crispy Tacos?: Nick’s Crispy Tacos on Facebook
Las Vegas, NV: Dirt Dog?: Swirl Fiesta on Facebook
Riverside, CA: Swirl Fiesta?: Swirl Fiesta on Facebook
San Diego, CA: The Taco Stand?: The Taco Stand on Facebook
How can I make it?
Elotes are really easy to make. The most important thing is to make sure your corn is sweet and fresh. Here’s a simple recipe you can follow and save on Glutto.
Special Tools
Ingredients
- 4 sweet corn on the cob (with husk)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema
- 1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon cayanne pepper (to taste); can substitute with 1 cup Flamin’ Hot Cheetos or Doritos (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 4 lime wedges
Directions
- First, completely peel back the husk (keep attached to corn) and dip the husk in water to prevent burning.
- Place the exposed corn on the cob directly on a hot grill and rotate every few minutes (or as needed) until golden brown.
- Remove the corn from the grill, then completely coat your corn with the mayonnaise and crema.
- Sprinkle on the Cotija cheese and cayanne pepper or Cheetos/Doritos. Salt to taste.
- Finally, squeeze the lime on the corn and enjoy!