Mexican elotes or corn in the cob are one of my favorite snacks, whether cooked or roasted, alone, we love them. Check out the video at the end.
In Spanish: Elote al horno
You can enjoy elotes by themselves or you can serve them as a side in a dish. Before learning how to make roasted corn in the oven, I was always looking for esquites or Mexican street corn, now, we eat them more often.
I really miss the elotero man passing by my house in the afternoons, I mean, the elotes I used to buy.
No more waiting for my husband to turn on the grill. I just put the elotes in the oven and that’s it! My eldest son prefers elote in a cup, because of the brackets.
Let’s make this elote recipe step by step.
Elote recipe
Elotes or corn with husks
Cream or mayonnaise
Lemon
Chile powder
Hot red sauce
Salt to taste
How to Make Oven Roasted or Grilled Corn
Prepare the Corn
Remove the silks from the corn and peel back one or two layers of husks, leaving some layers to protect the corn while roasting.
Wash the corn and pat dry.
Roast or Grill the Corn
Oven method: Preheat your oven to low heat (around 325°F / 160°C). Place the corn on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, turning the corn halfway through.
Switch to high heat (around 425°F / 220°C) and roast for another 15 minutes, or until the corn reaches your desired level of doneness.
Grill method (optional): Preheat your grill. Place the corn directly on the grates and cook for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred and cooked through.
Add Toppings
Once cooked, remove the corn from the oven or grill.
Spread cream or mayonnaise over the corn.
Sprinkle with chili powder and a pinch of salt.
Drizzle with hot red sauce if desired.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each ear.
Optional: Add Cotija or shredded yellow cheese.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the elotes as a snack or a side dish.
For kids or anyone who prefers, you can cut the kernels off the cob and serve them in a cup.
Check out the elote recipe video on my Instagram.
FAQ
Elotes are Mexican street corn, usually roasted or grilled and topped with cream, cheese, chili, and lime.
Yes! You can grill them on a barbecue or cook them in a pan on the stove.
Traditional toppings include cream or mayonnaise, chili powder, lime, cheese, and hot sauce. You can customize to your taste.