Cauliflower Elote Mexican Street Corn (Printable Version)
Roasted cauliflower florets coated in creamy lime sauce, topped with cotija cheese and fresh herbs for a Mexican-inspired twist.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Sauce
03 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
04 - 1/3 cup sour cream
05 - 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Toppings
11 - 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled or feta as substitute
12 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced optional
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder for finishing
15 - Extra lime wedges, for serving
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp-edged.
04 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
05 - Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven and immediately toss with the prepared sauce until well coated.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeño. Dust with additional chili powder and serve with lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get all those incredible elote flavors without the mess of eating corn off the cob
- The cauliflower creates this perfect canvas that soaks up every bit of that creamy tangy sauce
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like something you spent all day perfecting
02 -
- Tossing the cauliflower with sauce while it is still hot makes it absorb so much more flavor
- Do not skip the flip halfway through roasting or you will miss out on those crispy edges
03 -
- Cutting everything into similar sizes ensures even cooking
- Letting people add their own extra lime at the table makes it feel special