Delicious Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup

Welcome to a fiesta in a cup with this delightful recipe for Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup! There’s something truly magical about the combination of smoky grilled corn, tangy crema, and zesty lime that transports you to the bustling streets of Mexico. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a cozy family picnic, these creamy corn cups are sure to steal the show.

Picture this: juicy corn kernels coated in a luscious blend of butter, mayonnaise, and Mexican crema, topped with a sprinkle of Cotija cheese and a burst of fresh cilantro. The flavors dance on your taste buds, making each bite a celebration of vibrant Mexican street food traditions. And don’t forget the touch of chili powder for that extra kick of heat!

So, gather your friends and family, set out the toppings, and let everyone customize their own Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup just the way they like it. With each cup brimming with flavor and nostalgia, these little delights are bound to disappear faster than you can say “¡Delicioso!” Get ready to savor the essence of Mexican street food right in your own backyard. Ole!

Quick Benefits

• Perfect for Gatherings: Adds a celebratory touch to any event, reminiscent of bustling street vendors and summer days.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with ingredient swaps for dietary preferences or seasonal variations.
• Flavorful and Addictive: Creamy, tangy, and salty combination with a touch of heat that will have guests coming back for seconds.
• Convenient for Prep and Serving: Make-ahead friendly, easy to serve in individual cups, and customizable with various toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup Recipe

• Brings the Taste of Street Food Home: This recipe captures the essence of vibrant Mexican street food with its creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors, making any meal feel like a festive celebration.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these Mexican street corn cups are a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to food enthusiasts, disappearing from the tray in no time.
• Salty Cotija Cheese: The salty punch of Cotija cheese ties all the flavors together, adding a delicious contrast that elevates the dish and keeps guests coming back for more.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customizable to accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient availability, such as swapping Cotija for feta, using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or making it vegan-friendly with simple modifications.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Components can be prepared in advance, with the corn mixed with the creamy sauce just before serving, ensuring a fresh and flavorful dish every time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether piled high for a backyard barbecue or served as a side with various dishes like tacos or burgers, these creamy street corn cups are versatile and well-suited for any gathering.
• Colorful and Flavorful: Enhance the dish with seasonal variations like adding diced red bell pepper for color and crunch, offering a vibrant and delicious twist to the traditional recipe.

Ingredients for Delicious Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup

Base

• 3 cups corn kernels, fresh, grilled, or thawed from frozen

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Garnish

• 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Chili powder, for dusting
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Pro Tips for Delicious Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup

To make the Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups, consider grilling the corn for a smoky flavor that enhances the dish. If fresh corn is not available, using thawed frozen corn works well; just ensure to dry it well before cooking. Cotija cheese adds a unique salty kick, but you can substitute it with feta or Parmesan for a similar texture and taste profile.

For a tangy twist, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the recipe. To adjust the heat level, vary the amount of chili powder and jalapeño or omit the jalapeño for a milder version. Prepping components ahead of time is convenient, but mix the corn with the creamy sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture. Serve the street corn cups in individual portions for easy party sharing, and garnish with Cotija, chili powder, cilantro, and lime wedges for a festive touch.

How to Make Delicious Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup

Step 1: Melt Butter

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 2: Char the Corn

Sauté corn kernels in the skillet for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred.

Step 3: Prepare Creamy Mixture

Combine mayonnaise, Mexican crema or sour cream, optional garlic, optional jalapeño, lime juice, chili powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Corn with Sauce

Add the warm, charred corn to the creamy mixture in the bowl and toss until evenly coated.

Step 5: Portion and Serve

Separate the corn coated with the mixture into separate cups or bowls.

Step 6: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese, extra chili powder, chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the delicious Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups, any leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the freshest flavor, it is recommended to stir in the fresh cilantro and crumbled Cotija cheese just before serving. The dish can be reheated briefly or enjoyed cold as a tasty snack for a quick bite.

For those looking to prepare ahead of time, it’s best to mix the corn with the creamy sauce just before serving to retain the ideal texture. Additionally, you can customize the toppings and ingredients to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability. If Cotija cheese is not accessible, feta or Parmesan can be used as substitutes for a similar salty and crumbly texture. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or dairy-free options to cater to various dietary needs.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh corn is not available, feel free to use thawed frozen corn as a substitute. Just make sure to dry it well before sautéing to avoid excess moisture in the dish. The flavor will still be delicious and reminiscent of summer street corn.

If you can’t find Cotija cheese, feta or Parmesan cheese make great alternatives with their salty, crumbly textures that complement the dish well. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite flavor profile.

For a lighter twist, you can swap Mexican crema or sour cream with Greek yogurt. This substitution will add a tangy flavor while keeping the creamy texture intact. It’s a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative without compromising on taste.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra fun twist, serve the Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups in mini mason jars or clear plastic cups for a visually appealing presentation at your next gathering. Layer the corn mixture with a sprinkle of Cotija cheese, a dusting of chili powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice in each cup for a colorful and tasty appetizer that guests can enjoy on the go.

To take these street corn cups to the next level, consider adding a crunchy element like crumbled tortilla chips or toasted corn nuts on top for a satisfying contrast in texture. The combination of creamy, smoky, tangy, and crunchy elements will create a flavor explosion that will have your guests coming back for more. Serve these cups as a side dish at your next taco night or barbecue for a festive and delicious addition to your menu.

FAQs for Delicious Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn for this recipe?

Yes, thawed frozen corn can be used if fresh corn is unavailable. Just make sure to dry it well before sautéing for the best results.

What can I substitute for Cotija cheese if I can’t find it?

If Cotija cheese isn’t available, you can try using feta or Parmesan cheese as they provide a similar salty, crumbly texture and taste.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of Mexican crema or sour cream?

Absolutely, sour cream works well, or you can use Greek yogurt for a tangy and lighter twist while still retaining creaminess in the dish.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by varying the quantities of chili powder and jalapeño. If you prefer less spice, you can omit the jalapeño altogether.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a taste of the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food, these Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups are sure to hit the spot. The combination of smoky grilled corn, tangy crema, and salty Cotija cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the bustling streets of Mexico.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you’re making these for a crowd or just for yourself, these Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups are guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of these irresistible cups. Enjoy every flavorful bite of your homemade Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup!