Love the flavor of Mexican street corn? This homemade Elote Seasoning Mix makes it easy to bring those same smoky, savory, slightly tangy flavors to all kinds of foods. Inspired by the flavors in my Mexican Street Corn Slaw and Creamy Street Corn Chicken Skillet, this seasoning blend comes together in just a few minutes and is perfect for sprinkling on corn, potatoes, popcorn, chicken, and more.
I love making homemade seasoning blends because they are an easy way to add big flavor to everyday meals. Keep a jar in your pantry and reach for it whenever a dish needs a little extra something.
What Is Elote Seasoning?
Elote seasoning captures the classic flavors of Mexican street corn – smoky chili, salty cheese, and bright lime-like tang. This homemade version uses simple pantry staples and lets you control the heat and balance perfectly.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chili Powder: The main seasoning base that gives this blend its classic chili flavor. Use a mild to medium chili powder, or adjust depending on how much heat you prefer.
- Powdered Parmesan Cheese: Adds the salty, cheesy flavor that makes this seasoning taste like elote. For the longest shelf life, use a shelf-stable powdered Parmesan, like the kind found in a shaker container. Freshly grated Parmesan can also be used, but the seasoning should be stored in the refrigerator.
- Finely Ground Cornmeal: Adds a subtle corn flavor and helps give this blend that signature elote taste.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled corn, roasted vegetables, and more. You can substitute regular paprika if that is what you have; the seasoning will be a little less smoky but still flavorful.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the spices and brings out the natural sweetness of the corn flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all of the flavors in the seasoning.
- Chipotle Powder: Adds smoky heat. Use more or less depending on your preferred spice level.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Add savory depth and round out the seasoning.
- Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- Dried Cilantro: Adds a classic Mexican-inspired flavor without needing fresh herbs.
- Citric Acid: Gives the seasoning the bright, tangy flavor you would normally get from fresh lime juice. It is what helps give this blend that classic elote flavor.
How to Use Elote Seasoning Mix
This seasoning mix is inspired by the flavors of Mexican street corn, but you can use it for so much more than corn! Keep a jar in your pantry and sprinkle it on your favorite foods whenever you want a little smoky, cheesy, tangy flavor.
- Corn: Sprinkle it over grilled corn, corn on the cob, or roasted corn for an easy elote-inspired side dish.
- Popcorn: Add it to freshly popped popcorn for a savory snack with a little kick.
- Potatoes: Toss roasted potatoes, air fryer french fries, or crispy potato wedges with a little oil and elote seasoning before serving.
- Vegetables: Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, or cauliflower.
- Chicken, Shrimp, or Tacos: Use it as a finishing seasoning for grilled chicken, shrimp, tacos, or burrito bowls.
- Dips and Sauces: Stir it into homemade mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for a quick dip or creamy topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh Parmesan instead of powdered Parmesan?
Yes, you can use finely grated Parmesan if that is what you have on hand. However, powdered shelf-stable Parmesan is best if you want to store the seasoning mix in your pantry. If using fresh Parmesan, store the seasoning in the refrigerator.
Is Elote Seasoning Mix spicy?
It has a little heat from the chili powder and chipotle powder, but it is not overly spicy. To make it milder, reduce the chipotle powder. For more heat, add a little extra chipotle powder or chili powder.
What can I use instead of citric acid?
Citric acid gives this seasoning its bright, tangy flavor, similar to the lime used in traditional elote. If you don’t have it, you can leave it out, but the seasoning will not have the same tangy flavor.
How long does homemade Elote Seasoning Mix last?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, this seasoning mix will last up to 3 months. If made with fresh Parmesan, store it in the refrigerator.
How to Store Elote Seasoning Mix
Store Elote Seasoning Mix in an airtight container, like a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
If using powdered shelf-stable Parmesan, it can be stored in the pantry with your other seasonings. If using freshly grated Parmesan, store the seasoning in the refrigerator and use it within a shorter amount of time.
Elote Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chili powder, mild to medium
- 2 tablespoons powdered Parmesan cheese, shelf-stable, like Kraft, recommended for longer storage
- 1 tablespoon finely ground cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried cilantro
- ½ teaspoon citric acid
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl or jar.
- Whisk together or cover the jar and shake until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. If using freshly grated Parmesan instead of powdered shelf-stable Parmesan, store the seasoning in the refrigerator.
Did you make this recipe?
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