Elote Recipe in a Cup

From Street Stands to Your Kitchen: The Best Elote Cup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the vibrant and bold flavors of Mexican street food. Among the many iconic offerings, elote (grilled corn on the cob slathered with creamy toppings and spices) stands out as a true fan favorite. If you’ve ever strolled through a Mexican street market or attended a lively fiesta, you’ve probably seen vendors crafting this irresistible snack. But did you know you can bring this magic to your own kitchen with a fun twist? Today, I’m sharing the ultimate elote recipe in a cup—an easy, mess-free way to enjoy all the flavors of this beloved street food.

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

What is Elote in a Cup?

Elote in a cup, also known as esquites, takes everything you love about traditional Mexican street corn and serves it in a convenient, portable cup. Imagine sweet, tender corn kernels mixed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime juice, crumbly cheese, and a dash of chili powder for heat. Add a sprinkle of crushed Hot Cheetos for a crunchy, spicy kick, and you’ve got a snack that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

In my family, elote cups are a must-have at gatherings. Whether we’re hosting a summer barbecue or a cozy movie night, they always disappear in minutes. After years of tweaking and experimenting, I’ve perfected this recipe and am excited to share it with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best elote recipe in a cup, gather the following ingredients:

4 cups of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned; see cooking methods below)

½ cup of mayonnaise

¼ cup of Mexican crema (or substitute sour cream if unavailable)

1 cup of crumbled Cotija cheese (or queso fresco for a milder option)

2 tablespoons of lime juice (freshly squeezed for authentic flavor)

1 teaspoon of chili powder (or Tajín for added tanginess)

Salt to taste

½ cup of crushed Hot Cheetos (optional but highly recommended for a crunchy topping)

Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, or extra lime wedges

Methods to Cook the Corn

Depending on what you have in your kitchen, you can prepare the corn using one of these methods:

1. Crockpot (Slow Cooker)

If you’re planning ahead, the crockpot is an easy, hands-off way to cook your corn. Add 4 cups of frozen or canned corn, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the corn is tender.

2. Skillet

For a quick charred flavor, heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.

3. Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread fresh or frozen corn on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

4. Canned Corn

Canned corn is the ultimate time-saver. Simply drain and rinse the corn, then heat it in the microwave or a skillet for a few minutes before mixing.

5. Frozen Corn

Frozen corn works beautifully for this recipe. Thaw and cook according to package instructions, then season to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Elote in a Cup

1. Prepare the Corn: Cook your corn using one of the methods above and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

2. Mix the Base: Stir in the mayonnaise, crema, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt until the corn is well coated.

3. Assemble the Cups: Spoon the mixture into small serving cups. Layer with crumbled Cotija cheese and top with crushed Hot Cheetos for extra crunch.

4. Garnish: Add optional toppings like cilantro, diced jalapeños, or more lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy!

My Recommended Kitchen Essentials for Making Elote in a Cup

To make this recipe even easier, I’ve discovered a few handy tools and products that are perfect for the job. Here are my top picks:

1. Cuisinart Cast Iron Skillet

A high-quality cast iron skillet is perfect for getting that irresistible charred flavor on your corn. The Cuisinart Cast Iron Skillet is durable, evenly heats your food, and transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven. Plus, it’s easy to clean and versatile for other recipes.

Grab your Cuisinart Cast Iron Skillet on Amazon today and elevate your cooking game!

2. Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker

For busy cooks, the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker is a lifesaver. It’s perfect for preparing large batches of corn with minimal effort. With its programmable settings, you can set it and forget it.

Order the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker from Amazon and make meal prep stress-free.

3. OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer

Fresh lime juice makes a world of difference in this recipe. The OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer extracts every drop of juice with ease, leaving no seeds behind.

Get the OXO Citrus Squeezer on Amazon and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavor in all your dishes.

Tips for Authentic Mexican Street-Style Flavor

Choose Authentic Ingredients: Look for Mexican crema and Cotija cheese in the Hispanic aisle of your grocery store or at a specialty market.

Don’t Skip the Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the toppings.

Experiment with Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or Tajín. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a little hot sauce on top!

Variations to Try

Elote cups are incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative:

1. Healthier Option

Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and use baked tortilla chips instead of Hot Cheetos for a l

ighter version.

2. Loaded Elote Cups

Turn it into a meal by adding protein! Grilled shrimp, diced chicken, or even crumbled bacon make excellent additions.

3. Kid-Friendly

For picky eaters, skip the spicy toppings and use mild shredded cheese instead of Cotija.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Elote in a cup is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve it as a side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or even as a fun appetizer during game nights. Pair it with:

Grilled carne asada tacos

Freshly made guacamole and tortilla chips

Sweet churros for dessert

Why I Love This Recipe

Writing this blog post brought back so many wonderful memories of enjoying elote with my family. It’s amazing how a simple snack can evoke such joy and connection. Whether you’re recreating these flavors for the first time or reliving cherished moments, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So grab your skillet, crockpot, or oven and give this elote recipe in a cup a try. I’d love to hear how it turns out—feel free to share your experience in the comments below!

Happy cooking!