Print

Best Easy Grilled Corn Elote Skewers for Tailgate Parties

grilled corn elote skewers - featured image
Print Recipe

These grilled corn elote skewers are the ultimate tailgate party food, featuring charred corn with a creamy, tangy coating, salty cotija cheese, and a bright squeeze of lime. Quick, easy, and perfect for eating standing up with one hand.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ears of fresh corn, husked
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Soak 6 wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (skip if using metal skewers).
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
  3. Husk the corn, rinse, and pat dry.
  4. Insert a skewer into the base of each ear of corn, pushing about halfway through.
  5. Grill corn directly on grates for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until charred in spots and tender.
  6. While corn grills, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or crema), chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
  7. Brush each ear of corn generously with the crema mixture.
  8. Return corn to grill, crema-side down, and cook for 1-2 minutes until coating browns and bubbles. Flip and repeat on the other side (2-3 minutes total).
  9. Remove corn from grill and place on a platter. Sprinkle each ear with crumbled cotija cheese while hot.
  10. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro.
  11. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, use the double-grilling technique: grill corn first, then brush with crema and grill again for a crusty layer. If making ahead, grill corn at home and reheat on the grill at the tailgate before adding toppings. For a vegan version, use vegan mayo, dairy-free sour cream, and nutritional yeast instead of cotija.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, elote, Mexican street corn, tailgate, summer, barbecue, easy, skewers

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/best-easy-grilled-corn-elote-skewers-for-tailgate-parties/