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- 3 cups of corn kernels (freshly grilled or frozen) - 1/2 cup of creamy mayonnaise - 1/4 cup of tangy sour cream - 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder - 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice - 1/4 cup of crumbled queso fresco (plus more for garnish) - 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro (reserve some for garnish) - 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (for a colorful garnish) The corn is the star of this dish. You can use fresh corn or frozen corn. If you use fresh corn, grilling it gives a nice smoky flavor. The creamy mayonnaise and sour cream blend together to create a rich base. This mixture adds creaminess and a tangy taste. The chili powder and lime juice bring in bold flavor and brightness. Queso fresco adds a salty kick and nice texture, while cilantro gives freshness. Garlic powder enhances the taste, making every bite burst with flavor. You can switch out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter option. Instead of sour cream, try using a dairy-free version to make it vegan. If you want more heat, you can add cayenne pepper in place of chili powder. For those who can’t find queso fresco, feta cheese works well too. Lastly, if you dislike cilantro, parsley can be a great substitute for that fresh touch. Start by grilling the corn. If you use fresh corn, grill it on medium-high heat. Cook for about 10 minutes. Turn the corn often until it has a nice char. If you use frozen corn, heat a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the corn for 5 to 7 minutes until it warms up. Let the corn cool a bit before mixing. In a large bowl, add the corn kernels. Then, mix in the creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream. Next, sprinkle in the chili powder and pour the lime juice. Add garlic powder along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well until you have a creamy and flavorful base. Now it’s time to add some cheese! Gently fold in half of the crumbled queso fresco. Also, add half of the chopped cilantro. This gives the mixture a nice texture and taste. Set aside the rest of the cheese and herbs for later. Use a spoon or a scoop to fill small cups or bowls with the corn mixture. Make sure each cup gets an even amount. You want each serving to be just as tasty as the last. Take the reserved queso fresco and sprinkle it on top of each cup. Add a little more cilantro for color and taste. A dash of paprika will brighten up the cups and add a pop of flavor. You can serve these corn cups right away. They taste best fresh! If you prefer a cold treat, cover them and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes them refreshing and perfect for hot days. Enjoy your delightful Mexican Street Corn Cups! Grilling corn gives it a smoky flavor. If using fresh corn, grill it over medium-high heat. Turn the ears every few minutes. Cook for about 10 minutes until they are charred and fragrant. If using frozen corn, heat a skillet. Sauté it over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Look for a slight caramelization for taste. To get a creamy mixture, use both mayonnaise and sour cream. They blend well and add rich flavors. Mix them with corn right after grilling. This keeps the corn warm, helping the flavors blend. If the mix seems thick, add a little more lime juice. This will help keep it smooth. You can add more flavor to your corn cups. Try mixing in diced jalapeños for heat. You can also add a pinch of cumin for a warm spice. For sweetness, consider adding diced bell peppers. Lastly, sprinkle some extra cheese on top for a richer taste. {{image_4}} You can make Mexican street corn cups vegetarian by using plant-based mayo. Replace sour cream with vegan options, like cashew cream or coconut yogurt. This keeps the creamy texture but makes it dairy-free. For added protein, try adding black beans or chickpeas. They blend well with the corn and add a hearty bite. To add spice, sprinkle in more chili powder or diced jalapeños. For a sweet twist, mix in diced mango or pineapple. This adds a fruity flavor that pairs well with the corn. You can also drizzle honey or agave on top for a sweet touch. Balancing spicy and sweet creates an exciting taste experience. Serve these corn cups with tortilla chips for a fun snack. You can also pair them with grilled meats or fish for a complete meal. They make a great side dish for tacos or burritos. For a colorful platter, add fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers. This makes your table look vibrant and inviting. To keep your Mexican street corn cups fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps retain their creamy texture and flavor. If you have extra corn mix, place it in a separate container. This way, you can enjoy it later without sogginess. You can freeze the corn mixture for later use. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw the mix in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in a pan or microwave. Avoid freezing the garnishes like cilantro and queso fresco. These corn cups will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. After that, the taste and texture may change. If you freeze the corn mix, it can last up to 3 months. Remember to check for off smells or changes in color before eating. Mexican street corn is a popular dish called elote. It features grilled corn on the cob, slathered with creamy toppings. Traditionally, it has mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime. The flavors mix to create a rich and savory treat. Yes, you can use canned corn for this recipe. Just drain and rinse it well. Canned corn is convenient, but fresh grilled corn gives the best flavor. If using frozen corn, sauté it until warm and slightly caramelized. You can prepare the corn mixture a day ahead. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, scoop it into cups and garnish. This helps the flavors meld nicely. These cups go great with tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled meats. They make a perfect side dish for summer barbecues. You can also serve them as part of a festive appetizer spread. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. All the ingredients are naturally free of gluten. Always check labels for any processed items, just to be safe. Enjoy these corn cups without worry! This blog post covered all you need to know about making Mexican Street Corn Cups. We explored the essential ingredients, key steps, and helpful tips to enhance flavor. You learned how to store leftovers and adapt the recipe for different diets. Mexican Street Corn Cups offer great taste and fun presentation. I encourage you to try making these tasty treats at home! Enjoy sharing them with your friends and family.

Mexican Street Corn Cups

Discover the deliciousness of Mexican Street Corn Cups with this easy recipe! Made from fresh corn, creamy mayonnaise, and zesty lime, these tasty cups are perfect for any gathering. Each bite bursts with flavor from queso fresco and cilantro, making them a hit with friends and family. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re ideal as an appetizer or snack. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this vibrant treat!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups of corn kernels (freshly grilled or frozen)

1/2 cup of creamy mayonnaise

1/4 cup of tangy sour cream

1/2 teaspoon of chili powder

1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup of crumbled queso fresco (plus more for garnish)

1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro (reserve some for garnish)

1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon of paprika (for a colorful garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Corn: If you’re using fresh corn, grill the ears over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are slightly charred and fragrant. If opting for frozen corn, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the corn until it’s warmed through and lightly caramelized, around 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.

    Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful base.

      Add in Cheese and Herbs: Gently fold in half of the crumbled queso fresco and half of the chopped cilantro. This adds texture and flavor while reserving the remainder for a fresh garnish.

        Portion the Mixture: Use a spoon or scoop to fill small cups or individual serving bowls with the corn mixture, ensuring an even distribution for each serving.

          Garnish Beautifully: Top each cup with the reserved queso fresco, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a dash of paprika for an eye-catching presentation and extra flavor.

            Serve or Chill: Enjoy the cups immediately while fresh, or for a refreshing twist, cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                - Serving Suggestions: These delightful corn cups can be served as a festive appetizer or snack at gatherings. Pair them with tortilla chips or crisp veggies for a vibrant platter!