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    Home » All Recipes » Soups

    Sopa de Elote (Mexican Corn Soup)

    Published: Sep 14, 2023 · Updated: Nov 7, 2024 by Maggie Unzueta

    This Sopa de Elote recipe is a flavorful soup loaded with fresh corn kernels, zesty lime, and salty cotija cheese, it's Mexican comfort food at its finest.
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    Bowl of Sopa de Elote topped with cheese and Mexican crema.
    Sopa de Elote topped with cheese and cilantro.
    Sopa de Elote served in a bowl with cheese and cilantro for garnish.
    Sopa de Elote served in a bowl and sitting on a placemat.
    Sopa de Elote served in a bowl with a spoon.
    Sopa de Elote topped with cheese, cream, and fresh cilantro.
    Sopa de Elote topped with cheese, cream, and fresh cilantro.

    Sopa de Elote is a traditional Mexican corn soup ideal for the colder months.

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    A one-pot dish with layers of the delicious flavors of elote. It’s comforting goodness in a bowl!

    This delicious Mexican soup can be whipped up in simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights. 

    Let’s dive in and get cooking!

    Table of Contents

    • 1 🥘 Ingredients
    • 2 🥣 Instructions
    • 3 🌽 More Corn Recipes:
    • 4 🧀 Cotija Cheese Substitutes
    • 5 👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips:
    • 6 🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
    • 7 More Mexican Soup Recipes:
    • 8 😋 Hungry for More?
    • 9 Sopa de Elote
      • 9.1 Ingredients
      • 9.2 Instructions
      • 9.3 Notes
      • 9.4 Nutrition

    🥘 Ingredients

    The ingredients needed to make the corn recipe.
    • Jalapeño (stem removed)
    • Tomato (cut into chunks)
    • Garlic clove (peeled)
    • Vegetable broth
    • Olive oil 
    • White onion
    • Corn kernels
    • Oregano
    • Salt
    • Cilantro (topping) 
    • Lime wedges (optional)
    • Cojita cheese (optional)
    • Lime juice (optional)

    We’re making a vegetarian soup, but feel free to use chicken broth instead.

    Not into spice? Omit the jalapeno and top with diced red bell peppers.

    🥣 Instructions

    Blending tomato, onion and jalapeño in a food processor.
    • To a food processor, regular blender, or immersion blender, add jalapeno, tomato, garlic, and 1 cup broth. 
    • Blend until smooth. Set aside. 

    As an option, you can substitute poblano peppers if you desire.

    Cooking the corn with vegetable broth, onion, oregano and salt in a large stockpot.
    • Heat the oil in a stockpot or large saucepan.
    • Add the onion and cook for 1 minute. 
    • Add the corn kernels. Cook for 2 minutes. 
    • Pour in the tomato sauce, remaining vegetable broth, oregano, and salt. 
    • Stir and cook for 15 minutes. 

    Fresh corn or frozen corn. Whatever you have on hand is fine.

    🌽 More Corn Recipes:

    • Elote en Vaso
    • Elotes Mexicanos
    • Pan de Elote
    • Atole de Elote
    Sopa de Elote topped with cheese, cream, and fresh cilantro.
    • Taste for salt. Adjust, if needed.
    • Serve in a bowl with lime wedges.

    Top with cheese, Mexican crema (or sour cream), and fresh cilantro or any of your other favorite toppings.

    For a great way to enjoy this Mexican food, add some totopos (tortilla chips) to a large bowl.

    🧀 Cotija Cheese Substitutes

    If you can’t find salty cotija cheese in your local grocery store (it’s optional by the way), you can use alternatives like reduced-fat feta cheese or even Parmesan. 

    Sopa de Elote served in a bowl and sitting on a placemat.

    👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips:

    • Spice it Up: Add poblano or slices of fresh jalapeno for a kick. For a very mild spice, use black pepper.
    • Cheese Galore: Beyond cotija cheese, consider Monterey Jack or Cobly for that ooey gooey effect.
    • Vegan Options: Replace heavy cream and cotija cheese with coconut milk.
    • Storage: Keep this creamy soup in an airtight container if you plan to store leftovers.
    • Lime and Spice: Add some lime zest and a pinch of chili powder for extra zing.
    Sopa de Elote topped with cheese and cilantro.

    🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

    What type of corn should I use for Sopa de Elote?

    Fresh corn kernels are the best for capturing the sweetness and texture that make this soup so special. However, you can also use frozen or canned corn as a convenient option.

    Can I make this soup in advance and store it?

    Absolutely! This soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on medium heat before serving.

    Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

    Yes! For the slow cooker, let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. In an Instant Pot, cook it on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.

    Can I make this soup vegan?

    Definitely! You can use coconut milk as a substitute for heavy cream, and omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

    Bowl of Sopa de Elote topped with cheese and Mexican crema.

    More Mexican Soup Recipes:

    • Sopa de Pollo con Fideos
    • Caldo de Albondigas
    • Sopa de Conchas
    • Caldo de Pescado

    This Sopa de Elote recipe has all the authenticity and flavors you crave, effortlessly created in simple steps. It makes an easy dinner that will wow the whole family.

    😋 Hungry for More?

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Sopa de Elote topped with cheese, cream, and fresh cilantro.

    Sopa de Elote

    This Sopa de Elote recipe is a flavorful soup loaded with fresh corn kernels, zesty lime, and salty cotija cheese, it's Mexican comfort food at its finest.
    5 from 33 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Lunch or Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 7 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 27 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 126kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta
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    Ingredients

    • 1 jalapeno stem removed
    • 1 tomato cut into chunks
    • 1 garlic clove peeled
    • 3 cups vegetable broth
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ white onion diced
    • 1 ½ cups corn kernels
    • ½ teaspoon oregano
    • ½ tablespoon salt
    • Cilantro topping
    • Lime wedges (optional)
    • Cotija cheese (optional)

    Instructions

    • To a blender, add jalapeno, tomato, garlic, and 1 cup broth.
    • Blend until smooth.
    • Set aside.
    • Heat the oil in a stockpot.
    • Add the onion and cook for 1 minute.
    • Add the corn kernels. Stir to combine.
    • Cook for 2 minutes.
    • Pour in the tomato sauce, remaining vegetable broth, oregano, and salt.
    • Stir and cook for 15 minutes.
    • Taste for salt. Adjust, if needed.
    • Serve in a bowl with lime wedges. Top with cheese and cilantro.

    Notes

    Fresh Corn vs. Frozen Corn: Fresh corn kernels are the best for capturing the sweetness and texture that make this soup so special. However, you can also use frozen or canned corn as a convenient option.
    What can I use as a substitute for cotija cheese?
    If you can’t find cotija cheese in your local grocery store (it’s optional by the way), you can use alternatives like reduced-fat feta cheese or even Parmesan as a last resort. 
    Instant Pot / Slow Cooker Instructions
    • For the slow cooker, let it cook on low for 4-6 hours.
    • In an Instant Pot, cook it on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
    Vegan Version: Use coconut milk as a substitute for heavy cream, and omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1706mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 702IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

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    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the face behind In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been publishing Mexican recipes and creating delicious recipes since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 33 votes (33 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Anonymous

      January 27, 2024 at 12:23 pm

      Lov these recipes

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 19, 2026 at 6:22 pm

        Yay! Love hearing that. So glad!

        Reply

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