The Best Cheeses To Pair With Street Corn

Mexican street corn, also known as Elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. The corn on the cob is grilled and then covered in a variety of toppings, most commonly a creamy spread made from mayonnaise, sour cream, or Mexican crema, and Cotija cheese. The Cotija cheese is a hard, crumbly Mexican cheese made from cow's milk and is often described as salty. It can be substituted with feta cheese, which resembles Cotija in texture and taste. The corn is then seasoned with lime juice, chili powder, and fresh cilantro.

What is Mexican Street Corn?

Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is a popular Mexican street food. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then coating it with a variety of toppings. The most common toppings are butter, mayonnaise, and crumbled Cotija cheese, a salty Mexican cheese. However, other toppings can include sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, garlic, and cilantro.

The process of making Mexican Street Corn is simple. First, the corn is grilled, typically with the husks removed to create a smokey grilled flavor and to ensure char marks on the corn kernels. Then, the corn is coated in a creamy spread, typically made with mayonnaise, sour cream, or Mexican crema, a soured and thickened cream that is milder and less tangy than American sour cream. This step is important as it helps the toppings stick to the corn. After the creamy spread is added, the corn is then coated in crumbly Cotija cheese, with some recipes calling for additional toppings such as lime juice, chili powder, or cilantro.

Mexican Street Corn is a tasty snack on its own but also works well as a side dish for summer meals. It can be served alongside classic cookout fare, BBQ, or Mexican-inspired dishes. It is a simple dish to prepare at home and can be made ahead of time by grilling the corn and storing it separately from the toppings, which can be combined and added to the corn just before serving.

How to cook the corn

There are several ways to cook corn on the cob, each with its own pros and cons. Here is a guide to some of the most popular methods.

Boiling

Boiling corn is a simple and effective way to cook corn on the cob. To do this, start by removing the husks and silks from the corn. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add the corn. Cook for around 3-5 minutes, or until the corn is tender and golden. You can also place the corn in cold water, bring it to a boil, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Boiling corn is a good way to achieve sweet and juicy results, but it may not be as flavoursome as other methods.

Grilling

Grilling corn is a popular choice, especially when cooking Mexican street corn, or elote. To grill corn, shuck the corn cobs and place them on a preheated grill over direct medium heat. Turn the corn regularly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Grilling corn gives it a bold, smoky flavour, and the husks can be used to steam the corn, keeping it moist.

Oven-roasting

To oven-roast corn, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the husks and silks from the corn, and wrap the corn in foil. Place the corn on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes. Oven-roasting corn is a good way to achieve a deep, smoky flavour without using a grill.

Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot to cook corn is a quick and easy option. Shuck and halve your corn, then line the cobs up vertically in the pot. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick-release the pressure and remove the corn. This method produces tender, juicy corn with minimal effort.

Microwave

Microwaving corn is a quick and easy option, but it may not yield the best results. To microwave corn, wrap whole, shucked cobs in damp paper towels and place them on a plate. Microwave for around 5 minutes. Microwaving corn can cause it to dry out and shrink, so this method is not recommended if you want plump, juicy kernels.

Once you've cooked your corn, you can add butter, salt, pepper, or other seasonings to taste.

What kind of cheese to use

Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. It is made by grilling corn on the cob and then coating it with a creamy spread and cheese.

The traditional cheese used in Elote is Cotija, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese. However, if you can't get your hands on Cotija, there are several alternative options. Crumbly queso fresco can be used, as can feta cheese. Feta has a similar texture to Cotija and is widely available in most grocery stores. If you're unable to find either of these, parmesan or shredded mozzarella are also good substitutes.

The choice of cheese is important as it needs to be crumbly so that it sticks to the corn. The creamy spread, typically made with mayonnaise, sour cream, or Mexican crema, is what the cheese sticks to. The cheese is then able to melt slightly into the warm corn, creating pockets of warm cheese throughout.

How to get the cheese to stick

To get the cheese to stick to your street corn, you'll need to make a creamy spread for the corn cob. You can use straight mayonnaise, or a mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream, Mexican crema, or Greek yoghurt. You can also add some chilli powder and garlic to taste.

Once you've cooked your corn, spread the mayonnaise mixture all over the cobs. The mayonnaise will act as a glue for the cheese. Traditional Elote uses cotija cheese, but you can also use feta or queso fresco. Crumble the cheese finely and sprinkle it all over the corn. Finally, squeeze some lime over the corn to serve.

What to serve with it

Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a delicious side dish that can be served with a variety of Mexican main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

Appetizers

If you're serving Mexican Street Corn as a side dish, you might want to start your meal with a tasty appetizer. A Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is a great option to get your taste buds going. It pairs perfectly with the corn and will leave your guests wanting more.

Main Courses

For the main course, you have a variety of options that will complement the Mexican Street Corn. Here are some suggestions:

• Carne Asada: Grilled beef dishes are a classic choice to serve with Mexican Street Corn. The charred flavors of the corn and the grilled meat create a delicious combination.
• Pescado en Achiote (Mexican Fish in Annatto Sauce): This traditional Mexican dish is a flavorful option to serve with the corn. The annatto sauce adds a unique twist to the meal.
• Birria de Res Tacos (Beef Birria Tacos): Tacos are always a popular choice, and the Birria de Res variety will surely impress your guests. The tender, flavorful beef will be a perfect match with the corn.
• Veggie Burgers: If you're looking for a vegetarian option, veggie burgers can be a great choice to serve with Mexican Street Corn. They provide a hearty and satisfying option for your meatless meal.
• BBQ Sandwiches: For a casual and fun meal, pair your Mexican Street Corn with some mouthwatering BBQ sandwiches. The combination of smoky flavors will be a delight for your taste buds.

Salads

If you want to keep things light and fresh, you can serve Mexican Street Corn with a variety of salads. Here are some ideas:

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This salad incorporates the flavors of Mexican Street Corn and is a great way to enjoy the same tasty flavors in a different format.
• Rainbow Veggie Fajitas: A vibrant and colorful option, rainbow veggie fajitas will add a healthy and delicious touch to your meal.
• Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas: For a heartier option, these enchiladas will fill you up and provide a satisfying contrast to the corn.

Drinks

To complete your meal, don't forget to include some refreshing drinks. Here are some suggestions:

• Non-alcoholic drinks: If you're looking for non-alcoholic options, there are plenty of choices. From traditional agua frescas to refreshing horchata, there's something for everyone.
• Cocktails: For those who enjoy a tipple, why not try a classic margarita or a spicy michelada? These drinks will enhance the flavors of your meal and provide a festive touch.

Frequently asked questions