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Best Grilled Corn Elote Skewers for Easy Tailgate Parties

best grilled corn elote skewers for tailgate parties - featured image

These grilled corn elote skewers are the ultimate tailgate snack, featuring charred corn on a stick with a creamy, tangy sauce, crumbled cotija cheese, and a kick of chili. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re perfect for crowds and require no plates or forks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ears of fresh corn, husks removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Extra chili powder and lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F).
  2. Shuck the corn, removing husks and silk. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
  3. Cut each ear of corn in half crosswise to make 12 pieces.
  4. Thread each piece onto a skewer through the center of the cut side.
  5. Brush the corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Set aside at room temperature.
  7. Grill the corn skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until charred and tender.
  8. Remove corn from grill and immediately brush generously with the creamy sauce.
  9. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and cilantro, turning to coat all sides.
  10. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and a dusting of chili powder.

Notes

Brush the creamy sauce onto the corn while it’s still hot off the grill so it melts into the kernels. For best results, don’t overcrowd the grill and let the corn rest for 30 seconds after grilling before applying the sauce. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn elote, elote skewers, tailgate appetizer, Mexican street corn, easy elote recipe