Like Trader Joes, But Better
This recipe is just like Trader Joe’s Everything But the Elote seasoning! Dare I say it’s even better than TJs version? It’s less sweet, more smoky, and bolder in Mexican flavor. Make it in bulk for on-demand elote corn or Mexican street corn dip.
- Smoky-sweet flavors: The combination of chili powder and sugar is just the right mix of smoky and sweet.
- Easy: Make it in five minutes or less with the pantry ingredients.
- Versatile: The traditional Mexican flavors go great with so many Mexican recipes.
- Customizable: Homemade seasonings let you change them up depending on what you prefer or what you have at home.
What is Elote Seasoning?
Elote means “corn” in spanish. But it’s also known as the popular Mexican street food made with grilled corn, then slathered in a mayo mixture of chili powder, cotija cheese, and fresh lime juice. It’s often served on a stick or with the husks pulled back to form a handle, making it easy to eat.
This Elote seasoning takes all the best flavors from classic elote and combines them one DIY seasoning blend to keep on hand so you can add it to all your favorite Mexican recipes.
Love Trader Joe’s Copycat recipes? Try 3-ingredient cauliflower gnocchi and blueberry goat cheese next.
What is Elote Seasoning Made of?
Here is the simple ingredient list for this recipe. Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements.
- Kosher salt: The kosher salt is key to making all of the flavors pop.
- Chili powder: Gives it a warm and smoky flavor, and a mild to moderate level of spiciness.
- Parmesan cheese: You can also use cotija cheese. You want the cheese to be finely grated.
- Cane sugar: Substitute with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- Cumin: Adds a slightly nutty flavor.
- Dried cilantro: It’s milder tasting than fresh cilantro, but feel free to use fresh instead.
- Chipotle powder: Adds heat and a smoky flavor.
Success Tip: If you want to store this seasoning in the pantry for longer, omit the parmesan cheese. Spice blends will keep for up to a year if stored in a cool, dry place.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are the step-by-step instructions with photos for this easy elote seasoning. Jump to recipe card for the printable instructions.
- Gather ingredients and measure: Measure out the spices into a small bowl.
- Mix and store: Stir all of the ingredients together until combined. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Looking for more homemade seasoning? Try the best homemade steak seasoning, blackening seasoning, or carnitas seasoning.
Make Authentic Elote with this Seasoning
Slather hot, grilled corn with a mixture of mayo and lime juice, then sprinkle generously with this seasoning. Top with more cotija cheese and lime zest. The ultimate summer flavors!
Elote Seasoning Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon parmesan cheese or cotija cheese
- 1 Tablespoon cane sugar brown sugar, or coconut sugar
- 3 teaspoons cumin
- 1 Tablespoon dried cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl until combined. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 1 Tablespoon parmesan cheese or cotija cheese, 1 Tablespoon cane sugar, 3 teaspoons cumin, 1 Tablespoon dried cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
- Use on your favorite Mexican recipes or classic Elote (grilled corn) with mayo, lime juice, lime zest, and cotija cheese.
Notes
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Resealable bag or airtight jar for storing
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQs and Quick Tips
While Tajin is a popular choice for seasoning Elote due to its tangy and spicy flavor, you can create Elote seasoning using similar ingredients found in Tajin or adjust the blend to your taste preferences
If you’re looking for a substitute for Mexican seasoning, you can create a similar flavor profile using a combination of common spices and herbs that are often found in Mexican cuisine. Some that are often used are chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Yes! Swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or omit it completely.
It’s mild to medium. For more heat, increase the chipotle powder or add cayenne.
Ways Use Homemade Elote Seasoning
Add Elote seasoning to any of these recipes for extra flavor:
- Try it in this roasted corn and goat cheese guacamole or easy healthy guacamole and serve it up with tortilla chips.
- Classic Elote (grilled corn) with mayo, lime juice, lime zest, and cotija cheese.
- This Mexican street corn pasta salad has all of the flavors of Elote, put into a delicious pasta salad recipe. Sprinkle the Elote seasoning in with the pasta and fresh corn blend.
- Take it to the grill during the summer months and use it as a seasoning on grilled hamburgers, ribeye, or chicken thighs. Add a side of black beans or fresh mango pineapple salsa to make it a meal.
- Toss it in with these crispy instant pot carnitas for the best flavor.
- We love having Mexican any time of the year, but it’s especially fun to mix it into some classic Thanksgiving side dishes. Mix it into this chorizo cornbread stuffing or add it to this easy recipe for sweet potato salad.
- Use the spice mix to season the veggies on these sheet pan shrimp fajitas or sheet pan chicken fajitas.
- Swap out the seasoning in one of our favorite recipes, sheet pan pork chops to give the dish a little heat.
- Have it with breakfast! Sprinkle it on top of this cottage cheese toast or sheet pan sweet potato breakfast hash.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container, like a glass jar, in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Want it to last longer? omit the parmesan cheese and add it just before serving. Spice blends will keep for up to a year if stored in a cool, dry place.
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!
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We used this in an elote salad last night and it added the best flavor!! This recipe is a keeper. We love elote!