How to Make the Perfect Grilled Elote Hot Dogs: A Fusion of Flavors
If you’re a fan of street food, then you’re likely familiar with elote, the popular Mexican street corn that’s coated in creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Now, imagine combining that deliciousness with the all-American classic hot dog. The result? An elote hot dog that’s sure to be a hit at your next cookout or family dinner.
This blog post will guide you through making this flavorful fusion, with tips on how to get the perfect balance of ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilled Elote Hot Dogs
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this elote hot dog recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing out the flavors that make this dish unforgettable.
- Beef hot dogs
- Brioche hot dog buns
- 4 ears of fresh corn
- 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
- 1/2 cup of Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/2 cup of crumbled cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Hot sauce (optional, to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Elote Hot Dogs
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this elote hot dog recipe to life. Follow these steps for a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor.
1. Prepare the Corn
Start by prepping the star ingredient: fresh corn. Place corn on a large cutting board and remove the husks and silks. To enhance the sweetness and bring out a smoky flavor, grill the corn. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Lightly brush the ears of corn with avocado oil.
- Place corn on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred in spots and tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Grilling the corn gives it a nice char, which adds depth to the elote hot dog. Once done, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Elote Mixture
While the corn is cooling, it’s time to make the creamy elote mixture that will top your hot dogs.
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, Mexican crema, lime juice, and chili powder. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the bowl. Stir the mixture gently until the corn is evenly coated.
The Mexican crema gives this dish its signature tangy flavor, while the chili powder adds just the right amount of spice.
3. Grill the Hot Dogs
Next, it’s time to cook the hot dogs. While you can cook hot dogs in various ways, grilling them will add a smoky flavor that complements the elote topping.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Place the hot dogs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and have grill marks.

Grilling the hot dogs enhances their flavor and texture, making them the perfect base for the elote topping.
4. Assemble the Grilled Elote Hot Dogs
Now comes the fun part: assembling your elote hot dogs.
- Place the grilled hot dogs into the hot dog buns.
- Generously spoon the elote mixture over each hot dog, making sure to cover the top with plenty of sweet corn kernels.
- Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the top.
- Add a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick if desired.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

The combination of creamy elote topping, tangy lime juice, and spicy chili powder with the savory hot dog creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Elote Hot Dogs
To take your elote hot dog to the next level, here are a few tips and variations you can try:
- Choose the Right Corn: For the best results, use fresh corn. Sweet corn varieties work particularly well in this recipe, as their natural sweetness balances the tangy and spicy elements of the elote topping.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the hot sauce. Conversely, if you like things spicy, feel free to add more chili powder or use a spicier hot sauce.
- Experiment with Toppings: While cotija cheese is traditional, you can also try using feta cheese for a similar flavor profile. For a bit of crunch, consider adding crushed tortilla chips or sliced jalapeños on top.
- Try Different Buns: While regular hot dog buns work great, you can also use brioche buns for a slightly sweeter taste, or even Mexican bolillo rolls for an authentic touch.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of the elote hot dog lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The creamy elote mixture pairs perfectly with the grilled hot dogs, offering a delightful contrast between the tangy, spicy topping and the savory meat.
The fresh cilantro and cotija cheese add layers of flavor that make each bite unique.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a quick weeknight meal, or looking to impress guests with something new, the elote hot dog is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
While the elote hot dog is a delicious fusion of Mexican and American flavors, these other popular hot dog variations offer something for every palate.
Whether you prefer the classic flavors of a Chicago-style dog or the bold, spicy notes of a Sonoran hot dog, there’s a world of possibilities when it comes to enjoying this beloved street food.
So why not try them all and discover your new favorite hot dog flavor?
Other delicious recipes to try!
Grilled Shrimp Boil Skewers
Bring the flavors of a classic shrimp boil to your grill with these skewers! Featuring succulent shrimp, tender potatoes, corn, and smoky sausage, all seasoned with bold spices, these skewers are perfect for summer cookouts. Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh finish that’s irresistibly zesty and satisfying.
Jalapeño Popper Sausage Skewers
Spice up your grilling game with these jalapeño popper sausage skewers! Juicy sausage, cream cheese-stuffed jalapeños, and crispy bacon combine for a smoky, savory delight. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these skewers are bursting with bold flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Steak and Shrimp Tacos with Chimichurri
Upgrade your taco night with steak and shrimp tacos topped with vibrant chimichurri sauce! Juicy grilled steak, plump shrimp, and a fresh herbaceous topping create a flavor-packed combination. Serve in warm tortillas with fresh lime wedges for a meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Smoked BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Sink your teeth into smoked BBQ beef sandwiches packed with tender, flavorful beef. Slow-cooked and drenched in tangy barbecue sauce, this classic sandwich pairs perfectly with coleslaw or pickles. Ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners, it’s comfort food at its finest with a smoky twist.
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Grilled Elote Hot Dog
This Grilled Elote Hot Dog Recipe will be one of the best hot dogs you’ve ever had. Hot dogs topped with a creamy zesty elote make for the perfect bite!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 Elote Hot Dogs 1x
Ingredients
- 8 x ¼ pound Beef Hot Dogs
- Brioche hot dog buns
- 4 ears of fresh corn
- Cotija Cheese
- Fresh Cilantro
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili lime seasoning
Chipotle Creama
- 6 Chipotle peppers in adobo
- ½ cup Mexican crema
- 3 tbsp cilantro
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to get it ready for direct heat cooking.
- Drizzle avocado oil on corn then season with SPG blend.
- Grill over high heat until the corn has nice char on the outside. Cut from the cobb once cooled down.
- Mix together the grilled corn, Mexican cream, cotija cheese, cilantro and chili lime seasoning in a bowl. Mix thoroughly then refrigerate.
- Assemble Chipotle Crema by combining ingredients in a food processor then mixing thoroughly. Refrigerate once combined.
- Grill the hot dogs over direct heat rotting every couple of minutes. Remove the hot dogs when fully cooked.
- Assemble hot dogs and top them with chipotle crema, grilled elote mixture then top with more cotija cheese and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes