I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.
Here to make healthy living feel thoughtful and approachable - one recipe, ritual, or gathering at a time.
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If you love the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican street corn, you’re going to adore these Mini Elote Corn Cups. Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of smoky-spicy, they’re an easy way to serve elote at parties without the mess of corn on the cob. Each cup is packed with flavor and topped with cotija, lime, and seasoning for that signature elote bite.
These elote cups are perfect for entertaining because they’re individually portioned, easy to eat, and look gorgeous on a serving tray. You can use fresh grilled corn in the summer or roasted frozen corn year-round, so this recipe works in any season.
The homemade masa corn cups add a fun twist, but you can also keep things simple by serving the mixture in ramekins or mini disposable bowls / cups. Either way, the flavors are bold, crave-worthy, and impossible not to love.
INGREDIENTS
ELOTE FILLING
2 cups corn (freshly grilled or roasted frozen corn)
1/4 cup avocado mayonnaise (use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili lime seasoning (or a similar seasoning)
sea salt, to taste
FOR SERVING
Extra cotija and cilantro for garnish
Optional : homemade masa corn cups (2 cups masa harina + 1 1/2 cups water, formed into tortillas and gently pressed into muffin tins to bake until crispy)
EQUIPMENT
Mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Muffin tin (if making corn tortilla cups)
Ramekins or mini serving cups / bowls
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Mix Filling : In a bowl, combine warm corn with mayo, cotija, lime juice, cilantro, and chili lime seasoning. Season with salt (if your seasoning blend does not have it).
Fill Cups : Scoop mixture into homemade masa corn cups, ramekins, or mini disposable serving cups / bowls.
Garnish and Serve : Top with extra cheese, a sprinkle of additional seasoning, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm or at room temperature.
STORAGE TIPS
Refrigerator : Store filling (without garnishes) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make Ahead : Mix corn filling in advance, then assemble just before serving.
Corn Cups : If making masa cups, bake ahead of time, cool, and store at room temperature (covered) for up to 2 days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free cheese alternative; however, the cotija really adds to this recipe!
What if I don’t have cotija cheese?
Feta is the closest substitute, giving the same salty, crumbly bite.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add some chili powder, Tajín, or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Can I skip making the masa cups?
Yes! This is delicious on it’s own, tucked in a tortilla, or served with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.
These Mini Elote Corn Cups are festive, flavorful, and a creative way to enjoy street corn without the cob. They’re fun to serve at parties and always disappear quickly.
If you make this recipe, snap a photo and tag me so I can see how you served it! Let me know what you think and drop a comment below.
All the bold flavors of Mexican street corn in bite-sized cups. Creamy, tangy, and topped with cotija. The perfect versatile recipe for entertaining or simply enjoying on Taco Tuesday!
Ingredients
Scale
ELOTE FILLING
2 cups corn (freshly grilled or roasted frozen corn)
1/4 cup avocado mayonnaise (use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili lime seasoning (or a similar seasoning)
sea salt, to taste
FOR SERVING
Extra cotija and cilantro for garnish
Optional : homemade masa corn cups (2 cups masa harina + 1 1/2 cups water, formed into tortillas and gently pressed into muffin tins to bake until crispy)
Instructions
Mix Filling : In a bowl, combine warm corn with mayo, cotija, lime juice, cilantro, and chili lime seasoning. Season with salt (if your seasoning blend does not have it).
Fill Cups : Scoop mixture into homemade masa corn cups, ramekins, or mini disposable serving cups / bowls.
Garnish and Serve : Top with extra cheese, a sprinkle of additional seasoning, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm or at room temperature.
For a lighter version, swap mayo for Greek yogurt.
Make ahead by preparing filling and assembling before serving.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Category:Appetizer / Snack
Method:Mixing / Baking
Cuisine:Mexican-Inspired
Caitlin Lindsey
post author
Caitlin is the creative visionary behind Fit to Entertain, where food, wellness, and intentional living come together. She's passionate about helping others bring joy to the table and live beautifully - one meal at a time.
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