Creamy Mexican street corn in a cup, also known as elote en vaso or esquites, is one of Mexico’s most beloved street foods. Sweet corn kernels are tossed in a tangy, creamy sauce and finished with chile, lime, and salty cheese for a flavor combination that is bold, addictive, and deeply comforting.
This dish captures everything people love about classic elote on the cob, but in a spoonable, mess-free form that is perfect for parties, weeknight sides, or casual snacking. Each bite delivers sweetness from the corn, richness from the creamy sauce, and a bright kick of citrus and spice.
What makes elote en vaso so special is its balance. The mayonnaise and crema coat the corn without overwhelming it, while lime juice cuts through the richness and chile adds warmth rather than heat. Cotija cheese brings the final savory punch that ties everything together.
ADVERTISEMENT
Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this street corn cup is ideal as a side dish, appetizer, or fun addition to taco night. Serve it warm and let everyone add their favorite toppings for an authentic street-style experience at home.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus extra wedges for serving
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings
- Extra cotija cheese
- Tajín seasoning
- Hot sauce or Valentina
Instructions:
See Next Page =>
