Ingredients
Corn
- 4 corn on the cob
Toppings and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup queso fresco or Cotija cheese, crumbled (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/8 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema (or regular sour cream)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4 teaspoons ancho chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoky paprika
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat before placing the corn inside.
- Prepare Corn for Roasting: Leave the corn in their husks and place them on a baking sheet to prevent drying out and retain moisture during cooking.
- Roast the Corn: Place the baking sheet with the corn on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the corn is tender.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, Mexican crema (or sour cream), and reduced fat mayonnaise. Mix well and set aside for later use.
- Cool the Corn Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts and let the corn cool for a few minutes to avoid burns.
- Remove Corn Husks: Peel back and remove the husks from the roasted corn carefully.
- Broil for Charring: Switch the oven setting to broil. Place the husked corn back on the baking sheet and put it under the broiler for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the kernels get a slight char and brown spots. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Apply Sauce: Using a pastry or marinade brush, evenly brush the creamy sauce over each ear of corn.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled queso fresco or Cotija cheese generously over the coated corn.
- Season with Spices: Evenly sprinkle the ancho chili powder and smoky paprika on the corn for that classic smoky, spicy flavor.
- Garnish: Add chopped cilantro as a fresh herbal garnish to each ear of corn.
- Serve with Lime: Squeeze lime wedges over the corn just before serving for a bright, zesty finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful oven-elote!
Notes
- Using husks for roasting helps keep the corn moist while cooking.
- Broiling after roasting adds a lovely charred texture similar to grilled corn.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- Queso fresco can be substituted with Cotija cheese for a more crumbly texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise and crema with vegan alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican