Elote Mexican Street Corn Cups

Highlighted under: World Cuisine

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Elote in a convenient cup form, perfect for parties or a tasty snack.

Emma Johnson

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-18T22:22:49.930Z

Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a beloved snack in Mexico, typically sold by street vendors. This recipe transforms the classic flavors into a convenient cup form, making it easy to serve at gatherings or enjoy as a savory treat at home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with authentic Mexican flavors
  • Creamy and tangy dressing perfectly complements the sweet corn
  • Fun and easy to serve in individual cups

Deliciously Convenient

Elote Mexican Street Corn Cups are a delightful twist on the traditional elote, making them perfect for any occasion. These flavorful cups are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly convenient for serving at gatherings or parties. Guests can enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of elote without the mess of eating it off the cob. The individual servings make it simple to share and enjoy, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this beloved Mexican street food.

The presentation of Elote in a cup adds an element of fun to your table. With vibrant colors and textures, these cups are visually appealing and will surely catch the eye of your guests. The combination of sweet corn, tangy dressing, and crumbly cotija cheese creates a feast for the senses, making these cups an instant hit at any event.

A Flavor Explosion

What sets Elote apart is its unique blend of flavors that come together to create a delicious experience. The sweetness of the corn is perfectly balanced by the tangy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing, while the lime juice adds a refreshing zesty kick. Each bite is a journey through the vibrant culinary landscape of Mexico, making these cups a must-try for anyone looking to expand their palate.

Chili powder brings a subtle warmth and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Whether you enjoy a mild or spicy kick, this recipe allows you to adjust the seasoning to your liking. This versatility ensures that everyone can enjoy the dish, regardless of their spice tolerance.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Elote Mexican Street Corn Cups are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, a birthday party, or a casual family gathering, these cups are a fantastic addition to your menu. They can be served as a side dish or a standalone snack, making them perfect for any appetite.

Additionally, these cups offer a chance for creativity in your cooking. You can customize the toppings, add different spices, or even incorporate other ingredients like jalapeños or bell peppers for an extra kick. This flexibility allows you to make the recipe your own while still delivering the authentic flavors that make elote so beloved.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Elote Mexican Street Corn Cups:

Ingredients

  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Make sure to have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Elote Mexican Street Corn Cups:

Prepare the Corn

In a skillet over medium heat, add the corn kernels and cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth.

Combine Corn and Dressing

Add the cooled corn to the dressing mixture and toss until the corn is evenly coated.

Serve in Cups

Spoon the corn mixture into individual cups and sprinkle with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Elote Mexican Street Corn Cups!

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Elote cups, storing them is straightforward. Place the cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they should stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors will meld together even more, making them delicious the next day. However, it's best to wait until serving to add the cotija cheese and cilantro to maintain their freshness and texture.

When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can serve them cold straight from the fridge or reheat them gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Just be sure to stir them well to distribute the heat evenly. This makes it easy to enjoy the great taste of Elote without having to prepare a new batch.

Serving Suggestions

These Elote cups are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be paired with a variety of delicious accompaniments. Consider serving them alongside grilled meats, tacos, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal. The creamy, zesty flavor of the cups complements rich and savory dishes beautifully, enhancing your overall dining experience.

For a more festive touch, you can serve the cups at a buffet-style gathering where guests can create their own elote variations. Set up a toppings station with additional ingredients like diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce, allowing everyone to customize their cups to their taste. This interactive element adds excitement to the meal and encourages creativity.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.

→ What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

Feta cheese can be a good substitute if you can't find cotija.

→ How can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan versions, and use nutritional yeast instead of cotija cheese.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the corn mixture ahead of time, but it's best to serve it fresh to maintain the texture.

Elote Mexican Street Corn Cups

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Elote in a convenient cup form, perfect for parties or a tasty snack.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emma Johnson

Recipe Type: World Cuisine

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  2. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  3. 1/2 cup sour cream
  4. 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  5. 2 tablespoons lime juice
  6. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  7. Salt to taste
  8. Fresh cilantro for garnish
  9. Lime wedges for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a skillet over medium heat, add the corn kernels and cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, and salt. Mix well until smooth.

Step 03

Add the cooled corn to the dressing mixture and toss until the corn is evenly coated.

Step 04

Spoon the corn mixture into individual cups and sprinkle with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 6g