The Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup brings the irresistible flavors of elote to your kitchen in a comforting, creamy bowl. With fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilies, and sweet corn simmered low and slow in bold spices, this dish is both hearty and vibrant.
It’s the kind of soup that feels like a hug—easy to prepare, big on flavor, and perfect for serving a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether you top it with avocado slices, tortilla chips, or an extra sprinkle of cotija cheese, each spoonful delivers warmth and zest in every bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups frozen corn
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1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
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1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
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1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
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1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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2 tablespoons lime juice
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Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, extra cheese, avocado slices, sour cream
Directions:
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In a skillet over medium heat, sauté olive oil and diced onion for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
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Transfer sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
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Add corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and broth. Stir well.
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Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
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Once done, use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly for a creamier texture, or leave it chunky if preferred.
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Stir in cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro. Let it warm through for another 5–10 minutes.
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Serve hot with optional toppings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Comforting Bowl of Flavor: Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines bold flavor, creamy texture, and a touch of spice—all with minimal effort thanks to the magic of a slow cooker. Inspired by elote, the classic Mexican street corn served on the cob with mayo, lime, cotija cheese, and chili powder, this soup takes those vibrant flavors and turns them into a cozy, spoonable experience.
It’s the perfect meal for when you want something satisfying, slightly indulgent, but still wholesome and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving a hungry family on a chilly evening or meal prepping for the week, this soup is the kind of dish that fits every mood, every season, and every craving.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
There are many reasons why this recipe is a go-to favorite in many households:
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Flavor-packed: The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, sweet corn, smoky paprika, cumin, chili powder, and tangy lime juice makes each bite pop with well-rounded flavor.
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Creamy yet light: A touch of cream adds silkiness without making the soup feel too heavy. You can also make it dairy-free by swapping in coconut milk.
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Versatile: Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or like to switch up your toppings, this soup can be tailored to suit a variety of dietary preferences.
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Minimal effort: With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
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Crowd-pleaser: Whether served as an appetizer at a party or as a main dish, it’s a conversation starter that always earns compliments.
Inspired by Elote: The Flavors of Mexican Street Corn
Elote is a beloved street food in Mexico, typically made by grilling corn and slathering it in a blend of mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. This soup captures that same irresistible flavor combo. The sweetness of the corn is elevated by the smokiness of paprika and the heat of chili powder, while the creamy base balances out the spice. Lime juice adds brightness and acidity, just like a squeeze of lime on the traditional cob. And of course, cotija cheese sprinkled on top ties everything together.
Customizing Your Bowl
One of the best parts of this soup is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
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Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
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Add protein: Shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or even chorizo can be added for extra heartiness.
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Go dairy-free: Swap out the cream for full-fat coconut milk and omit the cotija cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
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Top it off: Crunchy tortilla strips, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges make fantastic toppings that add texture and freshness.
This adaptability also makes it a great choice for family meals—everyone can personalize their bowl just how they like it.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This soup not only tastes amazing fresh out of the slow cooker, but it also holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days. In fact, the flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more flavorful.
You can store the soup in airtight containers for up to 4–5 days in the refrigerator. It also freezes well—just leave out any fresh toppings or cream before freezing, and add those after reheating. This makes it a great choice for batch cooking or planning ahead.
Healthy and Wholesome Comfort Food
While comfort food often gets a bad rap for being overly indulgent, this soup proves that you can have both flavor and nutrition in one bowl. Corn is naturally rich in fiber and antioxidants, while the addition of fire-roasted tomatoes and spices adds anti-inflammatory benefits. If you’re watching your intake, you can opt for reduced-fat dairy or plant-based alternatives without sacrificing the richness.
Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, and it’s naturally gluten-free—just double-check any toppings or add-ins you use. You can even sneak in extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost the nutrition without changing the essence of the dish.
Great for Entertaining
If you’re hosting friends or planning a casual get-together, this soup can be a centerpiece or a fun starter. Set up a topping bar so guests can garnish their own bowls with avocado, jalapeños, cheese, tortilla strips, sour cream, or whatever they prefer.
Pair it with a fresh green salad or some warm, crusty bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is incredibly easy to pull off.
Kid-Friendly and Budget-Friendly
Thanks to its creamy texture and slightly sweet corn base, kids often love this soup—even those who are picky eaters. You can adjust the spice level to suit their taste by cutting back on chili powder and skipping jalapeños.
It’s also an affordable dish to make. Frozen corn, canned tomatoes, and pantry spices are inexpensive staples, and the slow cooker method helps tenderize ingredients without needing fancy tools or cuts of meat. Whether you’re on a budget or just love saving money without sacrificing taste, this soup fits the bill.
Slow Cooker Convenience
One of the top reasons this soup is such a hit is the convenience of using a slow cooker. Just toss in the ingredients, turn it on, and walk away. When you come back hours later, your kitchen smells amazing, and a hearty meal is ready to go. This is the ultimate solution for those hectic days when time and energy are limited, but you still want to serve something nourishing.
And if you’re not using a slow cooker, you can easily adapt the recipe to the stovetop or even an Instant Pot, making it flexible for any kitchen setup.
A Soup for All Seasons
Though it’s perfect for colder months when you’re craving warmth, this soup also works well year-round. The zesty lime, sweet corn, and fresh cilantro give it a brightness that makes it feel just as appropriate for spring or summer.
If you’re hosting a summer barbecue, consider serving this soup in small bowls as a flavorful starter. During the fall or winter, make a big batch and serve with a cozy side of cornbread or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. It blends bold, comforting flavors with fresh ingredients and an effortless cooking process that makes it ideal for busy lives. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a house full of guests, it’s a dish that delivers on every level.
Its customizable nature, healthy profile, and irresistible taste make it a soup worth returning to again and again. So the next time you’re looking for a warm, nourishing bowl of comfort with a Mexican twist, let your slow cooker do the work—and let your taste buds enjoy the ride.
If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the time. Once you do, don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple on your weekly meal rotation.