Take Your Corn To The Next Level With This Elote-Inspired Swap

Corn may very well be the veggie hero of North America. After all, when European settlers arrived in Virginia, Daily Press reports that out of all the crops Native Americans taught them to grow, corn was one of the vegetables that proved essential to their survival. Today, the U.S. is the world's top corn consumer, and while some will end up on our plates at supper time, most of it becomes ethanol, animal feed, and corn syrup (via Statista). Although this crop has become almost synonymous with the U.S., it didn't get its start in the states.

North Dakota State University reports that this golden vegetable was cultivated almost 7,000 years ago in Mexico. And the country that brought corn into the world has also perfected its use. Delectable corn-filled tamales aside, if you're looking to make a significant upgrade to your corn-on-the-cob recipe, you should look to the country that has truly mastered all things corn for advice. Make your corn taste like a dream by taking notes from Mexico's famous elote corn.

Even if you've never heard of the term "elote," you have probably seen or smelled this street corn being grilled in markets or food trucks. Forbes reports that elote corn is one of the most adored foods in Mexico. A savory dish packed with flavor, elote corn is usually made with Mexican crema (sour cream or yogurt), lime, cotija cheese, and chili powder.

Whether you can't find Mexican crema or just want something richer, Southern Living suggests swapping in mayonnaise on your elote. Slathering it in mayonnaise will not only give your corn a great taste, but it also acts as a glue for all the mouthwatering toppings. The creamy component is why elote corn doesn't fall apart when you bite into it despite all of the heavy ingredients. 

If you don't want to use traditional elote corn toppings, Southern Living also notes that you can get creative and add bacon bits onto your mayonnaise-infused corn instead. Then you can dig into your customized corn on the cob and experience a new world of elote-inspired flavor.