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Elote Seasoning

Elote seasoning is a vibrant Mexican street corn blend that combines chili powder, lime zest, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro into a versatile seasoning mix perfect for corn, popcorn, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, and more.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 12 tablespoons
Course: Condiment, Seasoning
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 15
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 3 tablespoons cotija cheese finely crumbled or grated
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder preferably Mexican chili or a blend
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried cilantro or 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Microplane or fine grater for lime zest
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Spoon for mixing
  • Airtight glass container or jar for storage
  • Food processor or blender (optional, for finer texture)

Method
 

  1. Gather all ingredients: cotija cheese, chili powder, lime, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cilantro, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
  2. Use a microplane or fine grater to zest fresh lime directly into a small mixing bowl.
  3. Finely crumble or grate cotija cheese to remove any large chunks.
  4. Add chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the bowl with the lime zest. Mix dry spices thoroughly.
  5. Stir in the crumbled cotija cheese and nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese until fully combined.
  6. Add dried cilantro or finely chopped fresh cilantro and stir until the mixture is uniform in color.
  7. Taste a pinch of the seasoning and adjust heat or lime zest as desired by adding more cayenne, chili powder, or lime zest.
  8. Transfer the finished seasoning to a clean, dry airtight glass container or jar for storage.

Notes

Use fresh lime zest for best flavor. Toast cumin and smoked paprika in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before mixing for deeper flavor. Store in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator up to 3 months or freezer up to 6 months. Perfect for seasoning corn, popcorn, roasted veggies, grilled meats, and more.