Description
This Mexican Street Corn Soup (Elote Soup) is a creamy, smoky, and flavor-packed dish inspired by classic street corn. Made with sweet corn, warm spices, tangy lime, and rich cheese, it delivers a perfect balance of comfort and bold taste in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Soup Base:
- 5 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Creamy & Flavor Elements:
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup cotija cheese (crumbled, or feta substitute)
Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finish & Garnish:
- Juice of 1–2 fresh limes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Extra cotija cheese
- Chili flakes or paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and jalapeño, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook & Char the Corn
Add corn and cook for 8–10 minutes, allowing some kernels to lightly char for a smoky flavor.
3. Simmer the Soup
Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.
4. Blend for Texture
Blend about half the soup using an immersion blender (or standard blender). Leave some chunks for a hearty texture.
5. Add Cream & Seasoning
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, mayonnaise, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
6. Finish the Soup
Remove from heat and stir in cotija cheese and fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, extra cheese, chili flakes, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- Lightly char the corn for authentic street-style flavor
- Add mayonnaise gradually to control richness
- Use fresh lime juice for brightness and balance
- Avoid boiling after adding cream to keep texture smooth
- Blend partially for the perfect creamy + chunky consistency
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g