Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of street food with this mouthwatering recipe for Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups. Imagine charred corn kernels enveloped in a luscious blend of butter, mayonnaise, Mexican crema, and a hint of zesty lime juice, all topped with crumbled Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. These cups are a delightful twist on traditional elote, offering a mess-free and utterly delicious way to enjoy the classic Mexican street corn experience.

The secret to elevating this dish lies in the charred sweetness of the corn, the creaminess of the Mexican crema, and the perfect balance of flavors from the chili powder and Cotija cheese. With each spoonful, you’ll savor the rich, tangy, and slightly spicy essence that makes Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, celebrating Cinco de Mayo, or simply craving a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, these cups are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Say goodbye to boring corn on the cob and hello to a fun, flavorful, and hassle-free way to enjoy this beloved street food favorite!

Quick Benefits

• Flavorful and Complex: Charring the corn in butter adds depth and caramelization, while the blend of Mexican crema, lime juice, and chili powder creates a tangy and spicy profile that’s authentic and exciting.
• Convenient and Crowd-Pleasing: Served in cups, these corn cups are easy to eat, perfect for gatherings, and eliminate the mess associated with corn on the cob, appealing to both picky eaters and food enthusiasts.
• Authentic Ingredients: Ingredients like Cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, and optional jalapeño and garlic elevate the dish, ensuring a true Mexican street corn experience that stands out with its unique flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish Recipe

• Authentic Street Food Flavors: Enjoy the taste of Mexican street corn with all its creamy, tangy, and spicy goodness in a less messy cup form.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these fun-to-eat corn cups with a creamy coating that transforms plain corn into a rich and interesting dish.
• Easy and Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or to whip up for a gathering without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for barbecues, cookouts, parties, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or as a side dish for taco nights, these corn cups cater to both kids and adults.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Charring the corn in butter, using Mexican crema, Cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, and adding optional jalapeño and garlic elevate the flavors from good to great.
• Appealing Presentation: Vibrant colors of the corn, creamy sauce, chili powder, cilantro, and Cotija make these cups visually appealing and perfect for social media-worthy photos.
• Convenient and Portable: With no corn cobs, butter drips, or toothpicks needed, these cups are perfect for outdoor gatherings, allowing people to enjoy them one-handed while socializing.
• Leftover-Friendly: While best eaten fresh or at room temperature, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them a practical and tasty option for meal prep.
• Accidentally Vegetarian and Gluten-Free: Suitable for various dietary needs, these corn cups work well for mixed gatherings, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious dish.
• Addictive Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet charred corn, tangy lime crema, salty Cotija, and mild chili powder creates an addictive blend that keeps you coming back for more, making it a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients for Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish

For the Corn

• 3 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen and thawed)
• 3 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Sauce

• ½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)

For Topping

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
• Extra chili powder for sprinkling
• Lime wedges for serving

How to Make Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Place 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and melt over medium heat until fully liquified without browning.

Step 2: Cook the Corn

Add corn kernels to the skillet with melted butter. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and golden in spots.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Mexican crema, minced garlic (if using), chopped jalapeño (if using), lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Corn and Sauce

Combine the warm, slightly charred corn with the creamy mixture in a bowl. Toss to coat the corn evenly with the sauce.

Step 5: Scoop Into Cups

Divide the corn mixture among individual serving cups for easy eating and an attractive presentation.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese on each cup, optionally add extra chili powder, and top with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for additional lime squeezing.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made the Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups, storing any leftovers is simple. The dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. However, keep in mind that the corn will absorb more of the sauce as it sits, slightly altering the creaminess of the dish. To reheat, gently warm the corn cups in the microwave for about 30 seconds to take the chill off. Enjoy them either warm or at room temperature, or serve them cold as a corn salad-style dish. It’s best not to freeze the corn cups, as the creamy sauce may separate and become watery upon thawing, affecting the texture of the dish.

If you want to prepare ahead, you can char the corn in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply make the creamy sauce fresh and combine it with the pre-charred corn. This make-ahead option allows for easy and quick assembly when you’re ready to enjoy the Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups, making them a convenient dish for gatherings or weeknight meals. By following these storage tips, you can savor the flavors of the dish even after it’s been prepared, ensuring that every bite remains delicious and satisfying.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Mexican crema, you can use sour cream as a substitute. To achieve a similar consistency to Mexican crema, thin the sour cream with a tablespoon of milk. While the flavor may be slightly tangier, it will still work well in the recipe.

If you cannot find Cotija cheese, you can try substituting it with crumbled feta or grated Parmesan as alternatives. However, keep in mind that these cheeses will impart slightly different flavors and textures compared to Cotija. Cotija cheese has a milder, nuttier flavor and a drier texture that contributes uniquely to the dish’s authentic Mexican street corn taste.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive party idea, set up a DIY Mexican Street Corn Cup bar where guests can customize their own cups with different toppings. Offer a variety of options like diced avocado, crispy bacon bits, chopped cilantro, pickled red onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for those who like it spicy. This way, everyone can create their perfect flavor combination and have a blast assembling their personalized corn cups.

To take these Mexican Street Corn Cups to the next level, consider turning them into a complete meal by adding protein. Serve them alongside grilled chicken or shrimp skewers seasoned with similar flavors like lime, chili, and cilantro. The creamy and tangy corn cups complement the smoky grilled protein perfectly, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dish that will impress your family or guests. This simple addition transforms the appetizer into a main course while keeping the vibrant and authentic Mexican street food experience alive.

FAQs for Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cup: Delicious and Flavorful Side Dish

Question?

Why is charring the corn in butter recommended instead of boiling it?

Answer:

Charring the corn in butter creates a caramelized sweetness and smoky depth that boiling cannot achieve. It adds complexity and enhances the flavor profile of the dish, making it more delicious and authentic.

Question?

Can I substitute Mexican crema with regular sour cream?

Answer:

Yes, you can substitute Mexican crema with regular sour cream if needed. However, if the sour cream seems too thick, you can thin it with a tablespoon of milk to achieve a similar consistency. Mexican crema has a silkier texture and milder tang, which is ideal for this dish.

Question?

How should the leftovers be stored and reheated?

Answer:

Leftover Mexican street corn cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds to take the chill off. Do not freeze the leftovers as the creamy sauce separates and the texture of the corn changes significantly when thawed.

Question?

Can I make the charred corn ahead of time?

Answer:

Yes, you can make the charred corn ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, make the creamy sauce fresh and combine everything. This allows for better planning and preparation when serving the dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups are a celebration of vibrant flavors and easy entertaining. They bring the essence of Mexican street food right to your table, offering a delightful twist on traditional elote that is both convenient and delicious. The charred corn, tangy lime crema, and salty Cotija cheese create a symphony of flavors that will have your guests coming back for more.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a Cinco de Mayo fiesta, or simply craving a taste of Mexico City street food, these corn cups are sure to be a hit. Their individual serving size and flavorful profile make them a versatile dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. So, next time you’re looking for a fun and flavorful way to enjoy corn, give these Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups a try and transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Mexico with every bite!