What makes the perfect summer side dish? It’s all about grilled corn, creamy mayonnaise and a blend of spices in these easy Mexican Street Corn Cups, a quick homemade recipe ideal for weeknight dinner. Save this idea

Mexican Street Corn Cups

Introduction

Mexican Street Corn Cups are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer or snack that combines the flavors of Mexico with the convenience of a cup. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their meal routine without spending hours in the kitchen. By using everyday ingredients like corn, mayonnaise, and cotija cheese, you can create a flavor bomb that will impress your friends and family. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a party appetizer.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of grilled corn, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy cotija cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, all the ingredients are easily accessible at your local grocery store.
Ease of preparation: This dish is a breeze to prepare, requiring only a few minutes of cooking time and some simple mixing. You can have it ready in no time, making it perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, Mexican Street Corn Cups are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant colors and delicious flavors. You’ll be the star of the party without having to spend hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in Mexican Street Corn Cups are grilled corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. You can also add some diced onions, cilantro, or jalapenos to give it an extra kick. If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta or parmesan cheese. For a spicy kick, you can add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers. The beauty of this dish is that you can customize it to your taste preferences, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until it’s lightly charred and tender. Once the corn is cooked, let it cool down for a few minutes before cutting it off the cob.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. Add the grilled corn to the bowl and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Spoon the corn mixture into small cups or ramekins. You can also use mini cast-iron skillets or small ceramic bowls. Top each cup with some diced onions, cilantro, or jalapenos, if desired.
Step 4: Serve the Mexican Street Corn Cups immediately, garnished with some extra cilantro or lime wedges, if desired. You can also cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.

Handy Tips

Make sure to grill the corn until it’s lightly charred and tender. This will give it a smoky flavor that’s essential to the dish.
Don’t overmix the corn mixture, as this can make it too creamy and overpowering. You want to maintain a nice balance of flavors and textures.
Experiment with different toppings and ingredients to find your perfect combination. Some other options include diced tomatoes, shredded chicken, or pickled jalapenos.

Heat Control

When grilling the corn, make sure to keep an eye on the heat and adjust it as needed. You want to achieve a nice char on the corn without burning it. If you’re using a gas grill, you can adjust the heat by turning the knobs. If you’re using a charcoal grill, you can adjust the heat by moving the corn to a cooler or hotter part of the grill.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in Mexican Street Corn Cups comes from the grilled corn and the diced onions or cilantro on top. To achieve a nice crunch, make sure to grill the corn until it’s lightly charred and tender. You can also add some crunchy toppings like toasted pepitas or chopped nuts to give it an extra texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a grill basket to grill the corn, as this will make it easier to turn and cook evenly.
Make the corn mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the corn to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Use a variety of colors and textures to make the dish more visually appealing. You can add some diced red onions, chopped cilantro, or sliced radishes to give it a pop of color.

Storage Tips

Store the Mexican Street Corn Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Reheat the cups in the microwave or oven until they’re warm and creamy.
Freeze the corn mixture for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Mexican Street Corn Cups are a great gift idea for friends and family, especially during the holidays. You can package them in small mason jars or ceramic cups and garnish with some fresh cilantro or lime wedges. You can also add a bag of tortilla chips or some crispy tortilla strips on the side for a fun snack. Simply wrap the jars or cups in some colorful paper or a gift bag and you’re ready to go.

Flavor Variations

Spicy: Add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the corn mixture for an extra kick.
Smoky: Add some smoked paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the corn mixture for a smoky flavor.
Herby: Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro to the corn mixture for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the corn mixture is too creamy, you can add some more grilled corn or diced onions to balance it out. If it’s too dry, you can add some more mayonnaise or sour cream.
Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta or parmesan cheese. If you can’t find chili powder, you can substitute it with ground cumin or smoked paprika.
Over/undercooking signs: If the corn is overcooked, it will be too soft and mushy. If it’s undercooked, it will be too hard and crunchy. Make sure to cook it until it’s lightly charred and tender.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the corn mixture for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Is it gluten-free? Yes, Mexican Street Corn Cups are gluten-free, making them a great option for people with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and ingredients accordingly.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Cups are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their vibrant colors and delicious flavors, they’re sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a party appetizer, this dish is a great option. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexico in a cup.

Mexican Corn Cups Sweet