Mexican Street Corn Soup: A Comforting Twist on Elote

A creamy bowl of Mexican street corn soup topped with fresh cilantro, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder.

Introduction

Few dishes capture the spirit of Mexican street food like Elote, or Mexican street corn. Traditionally served on the cob, it’s coated with mayonnaise, sprinkled with cotija cheese, dusted with chili powder, and finished with a squeeze of lime.

Mexican Street Corn Soup is more than just a comfort food—it’s a bold, creamy twist on the classic Elote For readers who love corn-inspired dishes, you’ll also enjoy this creamy street corn pasta salad—another Elote-inspired comfort food that shines at summer cookouts.

What is Mexican Street Corn Soup and Why You’ll Love It?

These Mexican Street Corn Soup variations let you customize spice levels, creaminess, and even make it vegan , spoonable form. Instead of eating kernels directly off the cob, they’re simmered with spices, broth, and dairy before being topped with traditional garnishes.

This soup is:

  • Creamy from cheese and cream
  • Smoky from roasted corn and chili powder
  • Tangy with lime juice
  • Spicy with peppers and seasonings

It’s like a Mexican corn chowder with a street food flair.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Street Corn Soup

  • Corn: roasted fresh corn for smoky sweetness, or frozen for convenience.
  • Broth: chicken or vegetable.
  • Seasonings: smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder.
  • Creaminess: cream cheese, heavy cream, or Greek yogurt.
  • Cheese: Cotija or queso fresco.
  • Toppings: cilantro, lime, tortilla strips, and Tajín.

For a heartier twist on creamy dinners, check out this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta—perfect for pasta lovers craving indulgent flavors.

Step-by-Step Mexican Street Corn Soup Recipe

  1. Roast 2 cups of corn until charred.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic in butter.
  3. Stir in corn, seasonings, and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add broth, simmer 15 minutes.
  5. Blend partially for creaminess.
  6. Stir in cream and cream cheese.
  7. Finish with lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Top with cotija cheese, cilantro, and tortilla strips.

Mexican Street Corn Soup Variations You’ll Love

  • Spicy: Add jalapeños, poblanos, or chipotle peppers for heat.
  • Vegan: Swap dairy with cashew cream or coconut cream, and use vegan cheese.
  • Protein-packed: Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, or grilled shrimp.
  • Slow cooker method: Add all ingredients (except cream and cheese), cook on low 6 hours, then stir in dairy at the end.

Best Ways to Serve Mexican Street Corn Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with Mexican-inspired sides and mains:

  • Serve alongside tacos, quesadillas, or burritos.
  • Add Mexican rice or beans for a complete plate.
  • Try it in a bread bowl for cozy nights.
  • Offer tortilla chips on the side for dipping.

It also works with other flavorful entrées like this sticky honey garlic steak and rotini, giving you a balanced mix of comfort food and bold flavors.

Extra Tips for Perfect Mexican Street Corn Soup

  • Roast corn on a grill or broiler to deepen flavor.
  • Always finish with lime juice for brightness.
  • If it feels too thick, add a splash of broth.
  • For freezing, omit cream and cheese, then add fresh dairy when reheating.
  • Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.

Can I freeze it?
Yes—freeze before adding dairy, then stir in cream and cheese after reheating.

What cheese works besides Cotija?
Feta or queso fresco are excellent options.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and spices are gluten-free.

How can I thicken it naturally?
Blend more corn or stir in cooked potatoes.

Conclusion

With smoky roasted corn, zesty lime, and creamy cheese, Mexican Street Corn Soup is a dish you’ll return to again and again , culture, and flavor in one bowl. With smoky roasted corn, tangy lime, and creamy cheese, it’s as versatile as it is delicious. Pair it with tacos, salads, or even pasta-based mains for a meal that satisfies every craving.

Print
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A creamy bowl of Mexican street corn soup topped with fresh cilantro, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder.

A quick 25-minute meal that’s rich, garlicky, and bursting with flavor.

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This creamy garlic butter shrimp pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. It combines juicy shrimp seared to perfection with a luscious garlic butter sauce enriched by cream, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon for brightness. The flavors are bold yet balanced—garlic adds depth, butter brings richness, and chili flakes provide a gentle heat.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 200g (7 oz) spaghetti or linguine

  • 250g (9 oz) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • Salt, pepper, and chili flakes (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta

    • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

  2. Sear shrimp

    • Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.

  3. Make garlic butter base

    • In the same pan, melt butter. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.

  4. Build the sauce

    • Pour in broth and simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in cream and Parmesan until smooth.

    • Add lemon juice and adjust with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

  5. Combine

    • Toss in pasta and shrimp. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

  6. Finish

    • Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

  • Author: chef agh
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: dinner
  • Cuisine: american
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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