Last Updated on August 12, 2025 by recipeinspire
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Mexican Street Corn Soup: 7 Reasons It’s Your Next Comfort Food Fix
Have you ever wondered what cozy, comforting food can truly satisfy your cravings? Whether a chilly evening calls for a satisfying bowl of warmth or you simply want to indulge in something creamy, look no further than Mexican Street Corn Soup. This delightful dish, inspired by the popular street food elote, combines fresh ingredients with robust flavors, making it a perfect addition to your mealtime repertoire. Let’s explore seven compelling reasons why you should try this creamy, zesty delight.
This recipe is part of our 12 Nourishing Soup Recipes That Support Weight Loss—discover wholesome, flavorful soups that can help you stay full and energized. See all the recipes →
Ingredients List

To make this delicious Mexican Street Corn Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (sweet corn is best)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences; for example, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option or swap corn for diced potatoes for a heartier experience.
Timing
The total time to prepare this delightful soup is 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner! That’s around 20% less time than the average soup recipe, making it an outstanding choice when you need something quick yet gratifying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the aromas to fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Add the Corn and Spices
Next, add the corn kernels, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Stir well, coating the corn with the spices. Let this mixture cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the corn to caramelize slightly, enhancing its sweetness.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring the mixture to a standard blender), blend the soup to your desired creaminess. For a chunkier texture, blend only half.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream
Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat gently until warmed through, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, crumbled Cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice for an added zing.
Nutritional Information
This hearty bowl of Mexican Street Corn Soup boasts impressive nutritional benefits, including:
- Calories: 350 (per serving)
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
Packed with vitamins and minerals from the corn and spices, it’s nutritious comfort food that’ll leave you satisfied.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Consider these modifications to boost the health factor while still enjoying the rich flavors:
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a lower-fat option.
- Use vegetable broth and add in more high-fiber vegetables like zucchini and carrots.
- Choose low-sodium broth to control the salt intake and make the meal heart-healthy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican Street Corn Soup with crispy tortilla chips or a side of fresh guacamole for a complete meal. For a family-friendly twist, consider pairing it with grilled cheese sandwiches for the perfect cozy dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing this delicious soup, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Over-blending: Ensure you achieve your desired consistency. Too much blending may result in a gluey texture.
- Skipping the spices: Use the spices generously to enhance the flavor profile; don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Ignoring the garnish: Adding toppings like cilantro and Cotija cheese elevates the dish from good to great!
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Leftovers can be a lifesaver! To store your Mexican Street Corn Soup:
- Cool completely at room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to thin if necessary.

Mexican Street Corn Soup: 7 Reasons It’s Your Next Comfort Food Fix
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, tangy, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor, this Mexican Street Corn Soup transforms your favorite street food into a cozy one-pot dinner. Loaded with roasted corn, spices, lime, and Cotija, it’s a comforting twist on elote in a bowl!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels (roasted if desired)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder (or more to taste)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: jalapeño, diced, for extra heat
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the corn & spices: Stir in corn, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add broth & simmer: Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 10–15 minutes.
- Blend partially: Use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup (or transfer half to a blender), leaving some texture.
- Finish with creaminess: Stir in sour cream, Cotija, and lime juice. Simmer 2–3 more minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and garnish with more cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, and jalapeños if desired.
Notes
To make it vegan, use plant-based yogurt and skip the cheese or sub with vegan Cotija. Great with crushed tortilla chips on top!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Mexican-Inspired
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: elote soup, mexican corn soup, street corn chowder, creamy corn soup, cozy dinner ideas
Conclusion
In summary, the Mexican Street Corn Soup is an exceptional comfort food that embodies warmth and flavor in every spoonful. With its quick preparation time and customizable ingredients, it’s an irresistible choice for any mealtime. Try this delightful recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and favorite variations in the comments below!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen corn can be just as sweet and delicious as fresh corn—ensure it’s thawed before adding it to the pot.
Q: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Yes! Simply use a dairy-free cream substitute and vegetable broth for a delicious vegan version.
Q: How long does this soup last in the fridge?
A: It will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container, and up to 3 months in the freezer.