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Flavorful Grilled Elote Corn on the Cob Recipe Perfect for Summer BBQs

grilled elote corn on the cob - featured image

A smoky, tangy, and cheesy grilled elote-style corn on the cob recipe featuring cotija cheese and smoked paprika, perfect for summer BBQs and quick gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C), which usually takes 10 minutes.
  2. Remove husks and silk from the corn. Rinse and pat dry. Brush each ear with melted butter on all sides.
  3. Place corn directly on the grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes to get even char marks on all sides. Grill for 10-12 minutes until kernels are tender and lightly charred.
  4. While the corn grills, combine mayonnaise, crumbled cotija, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  5. Once grilled, immediately brush or spread the mayo mixture all over each ear of corn. The warmth will help the cheese stick and slightly melt.
  6. Sprinkle a little more cotija and smoked paprika on top. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Use fresh cotija cheese for best texture. Dry corn thoroughly before grilling to ensure proper charring. Brushing with melted butter helps the mayo mixture stick better. For vegan options, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo or mashed avocado and use plant-based cheese alternatives. If no grill is available, roast corn in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, elote, Mexican street food, cotija cheese, smoked paprika, summer BBQ, corn on the cob, smoky corn