Mexican Street Corn Soup is like a fiesta in a bowl, bursting with vibrant flavors that dance on your palate. Imagine sweet corn kernels mingling with creamy broth, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect dish for those cozy nights when you want something comforting yet exciting.

Every spoonful of this soup takes me back to sun-drenched summer days at street fairs, where the air was thick with the scent of grilled corn and spices. You know, those moments when you bite into elote—grilled corn slathered in mayo and cheese? This soup captures all that nostalgia and flavor in one delightful bowl. Whether you’re gathering friends for a game night or just need a pick-me-up after a long day, this Mexican Street Corn Soup is here to make everything feel a little more festive.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican Street Corn Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- The flavor profile is a tantalizing balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that will keep everyone coming back for more.
- With its vibrant colors and creamy texture, it’s visually appealing enough to impress even the pickiest eaters.
- Plus, you can customize toppings based on what you have available or personal preferences!
Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Corn Kernels: About 4 cups of fresh corn gives the soup its sweet base; if you’re in a hurry, frozen corn works perfectly too.
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Onion: A medium yellow onion adds depth and sweetness when sautéed; choose one that feels heavy for its size.
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Garlic: Use about 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced; it infuses the soup with aromatic goodness.
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Vegetable Broth: Aim for low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels while enhancing flavor.
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Cream: Use heavy cream or coconut cream for richness; it gives the soup that luscious, velvety texture.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright acidity; don’t skimp on this vital step!
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Cotija Cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese provides tangy flavor; substitute feta if you can’t find cotija.
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Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings freshness; feel free to adjust based on your love (or hate) for this herb!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, add some olive oil and toss in your diced onion. Cook until translucent, about five minutes. Then throw in the minced garlic and let it simmer until fragrant—trust me; your kitchen will smell divine.
Step 2: Add Corn
Stir in your fresh corn kernels and continue cooking for another five minutes. The corn should start to soften slightly but still hold some crunch—like life’s perfect balance!
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Add your vegetable broth to the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for around ten minutes so those flavors can mingle together like old friends at a reunion.
Step 4: Blend It Up
After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer it in batches to a regular blender). If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half—your choice!
Step 5: Cream It Up
Return the blended soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) along with lime juice. Let it warm through for about three minutes—it should be steaming hot but not boiling.
Step 6: Season & Serve
Taste your creation and season with salt or extra lime juice as needed. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for that final touch of magic!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every spoonful of warmth wrapped up in nostalgia as you savor this delightful Mexican Street Corn Soup!
You Must Know
- This delightful Mexican street corn soup combines creamy goodness with a burst of flavor.
- It’s a comforting dish that warms the heart and makes chilly evenings feel like a fiesta.
- Perfect for gathering friends and family around the table for a cozy meal.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting corn on the grill or in the oven for that smoky flavor. While it cools, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, then add spices before stirring in broth and cream. Finally, blend everything together for a smooth finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out fresh corn for frozen if you’re in a hurry. Add jalapeños for spice or toss in some cilantro for freshness. Crumbled queso fresco as a topping brings a delightful tangy contrast to the creamy soup.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh corn for optimal sweetness; frozen is fine but won’t have that grilled flavor.
- Don’t skimp on seasoning—taste as you go!
- A squeeze of lime at the end brightens the entire dish and enhances flavors.
Sharing my first experience making this Mexican street corn soup was memorable; I brought it to a potluck and watched everyone’s faces light up with joy after their first spoonful!
FAQs:
What ingredients are needed for Mexican Street Corn Soup?
To make Mexican Street Corn Soup, you will need fresh corn, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, vegetable broth, and lime juice. Optional ingredients include cilantro for garnish and cheese for added flavor. This combination creates a vibrant and flavorful soup that captures the essence of traditional Mexican street corn. You can also customize the recipe by adding avocado or jalapeños to enhance the taste further.
How long does it take to prepare Mexican Street Corn Soup?
Preparing Mexican Street Corn Soup typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. The cooking process involves sautéing vegetables, simmering the ingredients in broth, and blending the soup for a creamy texture. If you’re using fresh corn, be sure to account for additional time to shuck and cut the kernels off the cob. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat.
Can I make Mexican Street Corn Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Mexican Street Corn Soup ahead of time. The flavors develop beautifully when it rests in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Simply allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove over medium heat until warm. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Is Mexican Street Corn Soup suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! Mexican Street Corn Soup is naturally vegetarian-friendly as it primarily consists of vegetables and spices. To keep it vegetarian while still being deliciously rich, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add beans or quinoa for added protein if desired. This soup is a hearty option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful vegetarian meal.
Conclusion for Mexican Street Corn Soup:
In conclusion, Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful dish packed with flavor and warmth. Its simple ingredients come together quickly, making it perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and vibrant taste, this soup offers a comforting experience reminiscent of traditional street food. Whether you choose to prepare it ahead or enjoy it fresh, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!
Mexican Street Corn Soup
Mexican Street Corn Soup is a vibrant, comforting dish that brings the festive flavors of elote straight to your bowl. With sweet corn, creamy broth, zesty lime, and crumbly cotija cheese, each spoonful transports you to sunny street fairs filled with tantalizing aromas. Perfect for cozy nights or gathering friends, this easy-to-make soup is sure to impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the corn and cook for an additional five minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth or to your desired texture.
- Return the blended soup to low heat, mix in cream and lime juice, warming for three minutes.
- Season with salt or extra lime juice as needed. Serve topped with cotija cheese and cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For a smoky flavor, grill or roast the corn before adding it to the soup. Customize by adding jalapeños for spice or avocado for creaminess. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.







