Super Easy Elote Cups
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These super easy Elotes cups come together in about 15 minutes flat, and they are one of the best party food snacks for summer. Creamy, smoky, salty, and a little tangy all at once, this is street corn flavor packed into fun and easy to serve cups. No grill required, and made wtih simple ingredients and delicious flavor.
I first had street corn in Mexico, and immediately knew I had to make my own version at home. There is something about that combination of charred corn, creamy sauce, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime that is just absolutely irresistible.
I wanted a version that anyone could pull off quickly on a weeknight, for a party, or just because it sounded delicious that day.
This recipe uses frozen corn, which means you can make it any time of year without waiting for corn to be in season. It is one of my favorite snack and appetizer recipes to bring to a summer cookout or Cinco de Mayo party.
If you love a fresh, bright topping situation, my Pico de Gallo is another one to keep in your back pocket for gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Recipe – This recipe comes together quickly with simple, wholesome ingredients. Most of the prep is just stirring things together.
- Budget-Friendly – This is a great way to use fresh or frozen corn
Individual servings are perfect for parties. You can usually find corn on sale! - Delicious – These corn cups are creamy, tangy and slightly spicy, and easy to customize the toppings
- Festive – Elotes cups are a fantastic choice for Cinco de Mayo, summer cookouts, game day spreads, or honestly just because it’s Wednesday and you want something fun and flavorful.
Elotes Cups Ingredients
- Frozen corn – Frozen corn works beautifully here. No need to thaw it first.
- Unsalted butter – Used to cook the corn and help get those delicious charred bits.
- Mayonnaise – This is what gives elotes their signature creamy coating. Full-fat mayo works best.
- Sour cream – Adds a nice tang to balance the richness of the mayo.
- Chili powder – Brings the smoky, slightly spicy flavor that makes elotes taste like elotes.
- Cotija cheese – A crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that is the finishing touch. You can find it near other specialty cheeses at most grocery stores.
- Cilantro – Optional, but it adds a fresh, bright flavor that really ties it all together.
- Lime – Fresh lime juice or a wedge on the side is a must
Substitutions & Alterations
- You can use fresh or canned corn if you prefer. Fresh corn cut off the cob is amazing when it is in season.
- Swap sour cream for Mexican crema for an even more authentic flavor.
- If you cannot find cotija cheese, crumbled feta cheese is a great substitute. It has a similar salty, crumbly texture.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little more heat.
- Skip the cilantro if you are not a fan – these cups are still incredible without it.
- For a fun twist, add a small drizzle of hot sauce or Tajin seasoning on top.
How to Make Elotes Cups
This is an overview of the step by step instructions. For the full recipe and amounts, see the recipe card below.
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Step 1Â Add butter to a large skillet and heat over medium heat until melted. Turn the heat up to high and let it get nice and hot for a minute or two. Add the frozen corn and cook, stirring occasionally. You want the corn to get some color and a little char on it – that is where so much of the flavor comes from.
Step 2Â Turn the heat back to medium if needed so it does not burn. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix until everything is well coated and creamy.
Step 3 Divide the corn mixture evenly among your cups.
Step 4 op each cup with cotija cheese, an extra sprinkle of chili powder,
Step 5Â Add chopped cilantro if using, and a lime wedge or wheel. Serve right away and enjoy.
Time Saving Tips
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one. It holds heat really well and gives you a better char on the corn.
- Have all your toppings prepped and ready before the corn is done cooking since this recipe comes together quickly.
- Taste the corn mixture before adding it to the cups and adjust salt and chili powder to your liking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture. The corn is creamiest and most flavorful right when it is made.
- Store any leftover corn mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Serve Elotes Cups
These cups are so fun and versatile. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy them.
Serve elotes cups as a starter or side dish at a summer cookout or backyard barbecue. They go great alongside grilled meats, tacos, or anything off the grill. My Grilled Beef Skewers are a personal favorite pairing – the smoky, charred flavors on the skewers complement the corn beautifully.
How to Store Leftover Elotes Cups
Store leftover corn mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the corn and the toppings separately so the cheese and cilantro stay fresh.
To reheat, warm the corn mixture in a small skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Add fresh toppings after reheating.
FAQs
What is cotija cheese? Cotija is a firm, dry, salty Mexican cheese that crumbles easily. It is named after a town in Mexico and has a flavor similar to parmesan or feta. You can usually find it in the specialty cheese section of most grocery stores.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh corn cut right off the cob is wonderful when it is in season. Just cut the kernels off about 2 to 3 ears of corn and use the same method. My Corn Tomato and Zucchini Salad is another great way to use fresh summer corn if you have extra on hand.
What cup size should I use? Small paper cups, clear plastic cups, or even small bowls all work great. The recipe as written makes about 3 generous servings, but you can easily stretch it to 4 to 5 smaller cups if serving as an appetizer.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can cook the corn mixture a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, warm it up and add the toppings fresh.
Elote Cups
Equipment
- Mixing spoon
- Small cups
Ingredients
- 1 lb. frozen corn
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- salt
- For topping-
- Cotija cheese about 1/2 cup
- Extra chili powder
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges or wheels
Instructions
- Add the butter to a skillet and heat over medium heat, until melted.
- Turn the heat up to high, and wait 1-2 minutes.
- Add the frozen corn, and cook stirring occasionally. You want some of the corn to be a bit charred, but turn the heat back to medium if needed.
- Remove from the heat and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and salt to taste.
- Divide evenly among your cups (we made 3).
- Top with cotija cheese, an extra sprinkle of chili powder, chopped cilantro (optional), and a lime wedge or wheel.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level. Start with a small amount of chili powder or TajÃn and add more to taste. A dash of hot sauce is great for extra heat.
- Prep ahead for parties. Make the creamy sauce and prep the toppings ahead of time, then cook the corn and assemble the cups just before serving.
- Adjust the spice level. Start with a small amount of chili powder or TajÃn and add more to taste. A dash of hot sauce is great for extra heat.
- Prep ahead for parties. Make the creamy sauce and prep the toppings ahead of time, then cook the corn and assemble the cups just before serving.
Nutrition
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