Sunny discovered this Easy Elote Recipe With Canned Corn while scrolling through YouTube Shorts before taco night. The video showed creamy street corn topped with chili powder and crumbly cheese, but instead of grilling fresh corn, the creator used canned corn. Sunny felt relieved. She didn’t have fresh corn on hand, and grilling wasn’t an option that evening. Since she isn’t a kitchen expert, she appreciated how simple it looked. After lightly charring the canned corn in a skillet and mixing in creamy sauce, she tasted it and smiled. It delivered bold street corn flavor in minutes.
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Why Easy Elote Recipe With Canned Corn Works So Well
Authentic Street Corn Flavor Without the Grill
Traditional elote features grilled corn on the cob coated in mayonnaise, lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. However, this Easy Elote Recipe With Canned Corn recreates those same bold flavors using pantry ingredients.
First, draining and drying the canned corn prevents sogginess. Then, sautéing it in a hot skillet develops light charring. That char adds depth similar to grilled corn. Meanwhile, the creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime delivers the classic street corn taste.
Because this method eliminates grilling, it saves time while maintaining rich flavor.
Perfect for Quick Weeknight Meals
This Easy Elote Recipe With Canned Corn comes together in under 15 minutes. Since canned corn requires no shucking or boiling, prep time stays minimal.
Additionally, this recipe works as a side dish for tacos, grilled chicken, or burrito bowls. You can also serve it as a dip with tortilla chips.
Because it uses simple pantry staples, it becomes a convenient go-to recipe.
Ingredients for Easy Elote Recipe With Canned Corn
Ingredient List
This recipe serves 4–6.
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Canned sweet corn (drained well) | 2 (15-ounce) cans |
| Mayonnaise | 1/3 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cotija cheese (crumbled) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Drain the corn thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels for best results.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
You can add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Additionally, substitute feta cheese if cotija is unavailable.
For a lighter version, replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
How to Make Easy Elote Recipe With Canned Corn
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the drained corn in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred.
While the corn cooks, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
Once the corn develops golden brown spots, remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.
Pour the creamy sauce over the warm corn and stir until evenly coated.
Fold in crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Reserve a small amount for garnish.
Sprinkle extra chili powder and cheese on top before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not skip drying the corn. Excess moisture prevents charring.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper browning.
Finally, taste before adding extra salt. Cotija cheese adds natural saltiness.
Serving and Storage Tips
Best Ways to Serve
Serve this Easy Elote Recipe With Canned Corn warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled meats, or rice bowls.
Additionally, you can spoon it over baked potatoes or use it as a topping for nachos.
How to Store Properly
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Stir gently before serving again. If needed, add a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the flavor.
This Easy Elote Recipe With Canned Corn proves that you don’t need fresh corn on the cob or a grill to enjoy bold street corn flavor. Because canned corn cooks quickly and chars beautifully in a hot skillet, it delivers that slightly smoky depth in minutes. Meanwhile, the creamy lime sauce and crumbly cotija cheese bring the tangy, savory finish that makes elote so popular.
Additionally, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights, taco nights, and backyard gatherings. When you dry the corn properly and balance the lime and chili powder, you achieve authentic flavor with minimal effort. If you want a quick, flavorful side dish that tastes vibrant and satisfying, this elote recipe deserves a regular place on your table.
Easy Elote Recipe With Canned Corn
Ingredients
- 2 15-ounce cans sweet corn, drained and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cotija cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add drained and dried corn in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. Transfer warm corn to a mixing bowl and pour sauce over it. Stir until evenly coated. Fold in cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Garnish with extra cheese and chili powder before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.