Mexican Street Corn Cup: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Elote in a Cup

If you love bold, vibrant flavors, a Mexican Street Corn Cup—also known as Elote en Vaso—is a must-try recipe. This popular street food classic takes everything you love about traditional Mexican street corn and serves it conveniently in a cup. Sweet corn kernels are tossed with creamy sauce, tangy lime, salty cheese, and a touch of spice, creating a perfectly balanced snack or side dish that’s irresistible from the first bite.

Perfect for summer gatherings, taco nights, parties, or quick snacks, Mexican Street Corn Cups are easy to make at home and packed with authentic street-style flavor.

Why You’ll Love Mexican Street Corn Cups

This recipe is simple, customizable, and full of bold flavor. It’s one of those dishes that disappears fast at parties.

Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy
Ready in under 15 minutes
No grill required
Easy to serve and eat
Perfect as a snack, side, or appetizer

Serving elote in a cup also makes it less messy and easier to enjoy anywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Mexican Street Corn Cups, gather the following ingredients:

3 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
1 tablespoon lime juice
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional toppings: Tajín, hot sauce, jalapeños

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Cup

1. Cook the Corn

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add corn and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and lightly charred. This step enhances the corn’s natural sweetness.

2. Make It Creamy

Reduce heat to low and stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Mix until the corn is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

3. Add the Cheese

Remove from heat and fold in crumbled cotija cheese, saving a little for topping.

4. Assemble the Cups

Spoon the corn mixture into small serving cups. Top with extra cheese, chopped cilantro, and any optional toppings you like.

5. Serve Warm

Serve immediately with lime wedges and spoons for easy eating.

Tips & Variations

Use grilled corn for a smoky, authentic street-food flavor.
Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Add diced avocado or black beans for extra texture.
Turn it into a meal by serving with grilled chicken or shrimp.

What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn Cups

This dish pairs perfectly with:

Tacos or quesadillas
Burgers and grilled meats
BBQ chicken
Nachos or tortilla chips
Summer cookouts and potlucks

It also works beautifully as a standalone snack or appetizer.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Cups deliver everything people love about elote—sweet corn, creamy sauce, tangy lime, salty cheese, and a kick of spice—in an easy, mess-free serving. Quick to make and packed with bold flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or anytime you’re craving Mexican-inspired comfort food.