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Flavorful Grilled Mexican Street Corn Recipe with Creamy Cotija Cheese

grilled Mexican street corn - featured image

A quick and easy grilled Mexican street corn recipe featuring creamy Cotija cheese, smoky char, and a tangy lime kick, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–450°F / 190–230°C), which takes roughly 10 minutes.
  2. Husk the corn, removing all silk strands. Rinse and pat dry with a towel.
  3. Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or on the stove. Use a basting brush to coat each ear of corn evenly with melted butter.
  4. Place the corn on the grill directly on the grates. Cook for about 10–15 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes with tongs until evenly charred with some blackened spots but no burnt kernels.
  5. While the corn grills, mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, crumbled Cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy but thick enough to stick to the corn.
  6. Once the corn is grilled, remove from heat and let cool for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Slather the creamy Cotija mixture all over the warm corn using a spoon or butter knife, covering all kernels.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the coated corn. Optionally, add extra chili powder or a squeeze of lime on top.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

Add a teaspoon of lime juice or a splash of water if the cheese mixture is too thick. Turn corn frequently to avoid burning and ensure even char. Apply cheese mixture after grilling to prevent burning. For a vegan version, use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Leftovers keep up to 2 days refrigerated; reheat gently on grill or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican street corn, grilled corn, Cotija cheese, summer BBQ, easy side dish, creamy corn, lime, chili powder