Say Hello to Elote Popcorn, Your Next Favorite Snack

Grilled corn on the cob is hard to resist on its own. Slather it in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and give it a splash of lime juice, and it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular street food in Mexico — where it’s known as elote.

This elote popcorn recipe by our friend Andi Linter (@raising_disney_princesses on IG) brings those addicting combination of flavors to your favorite snack. 

Follow along as we walk you through the steps to creating this mouthwatering treat using your Popper, a packet of our Oh Sooo Buttery Popcorn, and a few extra ingredients:

Elote Popcorn Ingredients

• 1 packet Popsmith Oh Sooo Buttery Popcorn
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Zest from one lime
• Chopped cilantro leaves, to taste
• Lime juice, to taste

How to Make Elote Popcorn

Step 1: Prepare Elote Popcorn Seasoning

Mix parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder together in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Heat

Set your stove to medium heat and let your Popper preheat for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Oil

Cut open the coconut oil portion of your Oh Sooo Buttery Popcorn packet and squeeze it into the Popper.

GOOD TO KNOW: It's normal for coconut oil to turn solid at room temperature or cooler temperatures. It will melt when heated, just like butter. 

Step 4: Add Kernels

Cut the kernels portion of the packet and drop 2 to 3 kernels into the pot. Add the remaining kernels after the first one pops, then cover the Popper. 

Step 5: Pop

Turn the Popper’s crank clockwise while the kernels pop. This helps distribute the oil and prevents the kernels from staying in one place.  

Step 6: Remove

When popping slows, take the Popper off the heat and remove the lid. 

Step 7: Season

Sprinkle the elote popcorn seasoning over the popcorn. Then put the Popper’s lid back on and crank or shake it a few times to distribute it evenly. Remove the lid again and add the lime juice and cilantro leaves. 

Step 8: Serve

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A post shared by Andi Linder (@raising_disney_princesses)

Pour your elote popcorn into a huge bowl and enjoy! 

More Elote Popcorn Tips

• This Mexican street corn popcorn recipe uses parmesan cheese, but if you can get your hands on cotija or queso fresco for a more authentic elote flavor, even better! You can swap cheese for nutritional yeast to make the popcorn vegan.

• If you like your popcorn spicy, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Don’t have fresh cilantro on hand? Dried cilantro or oregano will do.  

Take Your Tastebuds South of the Border

This elote popcorn is a fun and flavorful twist on a Mexican street food classic that's sure to wow your friends and family. You can’t go wrong serving it on Cinco de Mayo, game night, or movie night. It’s an easy way to bring a taste of Mexico to any gathering!

Want more Mexican popcorn recipes? Check out our blog for inspiration.