Print

Flavorful Grilled Corn with Cotija and Lime

flavorful grilled corn with cotija and lime - featured image

A quick and easy grilled corn recipe featuring smoky char, creamy cotija cheese, zesty lime, and a touch of chili powder, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C), which takes approximately 10 minutes.
  2. Remove husks and silk from the corn ears. Optionally, brush the corn lightly with melted butter or olive oil for extra smoky flavor.
  3. Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes to achieve an even char all around, grilling for about 10-12 minutes until golden-brown spots appear and a smoky aroma develops.
  4. While the corn grills, combine mayonnaise, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), a pinch of salt, and half the lime juice in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.
  5. Once the corn is grilled, immediately brush or spoon the mayo mixture all over each ear while warm to help it absorb.
  6. Generously sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the coated corn, pressing lightly so it sticks. Scatter chopped cilantro on top for fresh herbal notes.
  7. Squeeze the remaining lime juice over the corn for a final zing that cuts through the richness.
  8. Serve the elote hot or warm with extra lime wedges and chili powder on the side for added kick.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh lime juice and do not skip the char on the corn. Mayonnaise helps the toppings stick better than butter. If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta or queso fresco are good substitutes. For a dairy-free version, use vegan mayo and nutritional yeast or crushed nuts instead of cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a skillet or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, elote, cotija cheese, lime, summer BBQ, Mexican street food, chili powder, smoky corn