Festival Classic Lunch: Grilled Street Corn with Creamy Cheese Spread

A copycat recipe for elotes, a popular festival classic inspired by street food vendors, capturing the sizzling, smoky, and indulgent flavors of a summer fair.

Time: Prep 15 mins, Cook 10-12 mins, Total 25-27 mins

Servings: 2

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican-inspired Street Food

Allergens

Dairy (may contain traces of eggs)

Ingredients

4 large ears of corn, shucked 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Salt, to taste Zest and juice of 1 lime 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat.
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chili powder, paprika, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Set aside.
Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until charred and tender, about 10 12 minutes.
Remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly.
Spread a generous layer of the creamy cheese mixture evenly onto each ear of corn.
Sprinkle with lime zest and juice, then garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Chef’s Insight

Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices or herbs to create your own unique twist on this classic dish.

Notes

Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.

Substitutions

For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cheese spread.

Alternative Preparations

This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.

Alternative Methods

You can also prepare this dish using a stovetop grill pan or an oven broiler.

Best Storage Practice

Store the corn separately from the creamy cheese spread in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving for best results.

Shelf Life

Fresh ingredients recommended for immediate consumption.

Plating Tips

Place each ear of corn upright on a large plate, then drizzle with the creamy cheese mixture. Garnish with lime zest and fresh cilantro for an eye-catching presentation.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving, this dish provides a good source of fiber from the corn and protein from the cheese. However, it is high in saturated fat due to the cheese spread.