Mexican Street Corn Cups

Mexican Street Corn Cups—also known as Esquites—bring all the bold, creamy, tangy flavors of traditional Mexican street corn into a convenient, scoopable format that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, and everyday snacking. If you’ve ever wandered through a street market in Mexico, you may already know the irresistible aroma of toasted corn mingling with lime, chili, cheese, and butter. This dish captures that same comforting energy but presents it in a tidy cup that’s easy to serve and impossible to resist.

Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual get-together, prepping appetizers for a family celebration, or simply craving a warm and satisfying snack, these Mexican Street Corn Cups deliver every time. They’re quick to prepare, use accessible ingredients, and come together in under 30 minutes. Best of all, they offer a customizable flavor profile that ranges from mild to spicy, depending on your preferences.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make them perfectly—detailed instructions, ingredient explanations, expert variations, make-ahead tips, pairing ideas, and thoughtful guidance for storing leftovers. This is your complete guide to making Mexican Street Corn Cups that taste vibrant, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic flavor with simple ingredients: You get the creamy richness, smoky spice, and sharp citrus notes that make elote legendary—without complicated steps.
• Perfect for parties: Served in individual cups, this recipe is tidy, portable, and ideal for gatherings.
• Quick and easy: From stove to table in around 25 minutes.
• Customizable spice level: Keep it mild or dial it up with additional chili powder or cayenne.
• Great texture: Golden, toasted kernels balanced with creamy dressing, crumbly cheese, and fresh cilantro.
• Crowd-pleasing appetizer: Loved by adults and kids alike, with no utensils required.

Ingredients Breakdown

Below is the full list of ingredients exactly as you provided, organized for clarity.

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups frozen corn kernels
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons cream
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup cotija cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Serving Size

This recipe yields: 6 servings

These portions fit perfectly into small clear plastic cups, making them easy to assemble and serve.

Tools & Equipment Needed

To prepare Mexican Street Corn Cups with confidence, here’s the equipment you’ll need:

• Cast Iron Pan: Essential for getting a golden, slightly charred finish on the corn.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the cooked corn with all the creamy elote ingredients.
• Whisk or Spoon: For blending the ingredients smoothly.
• Clear Plastic Cups: Ideal for serving individually in an appealing, portable format.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To stir the corn while it cooks.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping cilantro and prepping lime.
• Citrus Juicer (optional): For extracting every drop of fresh lime juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

These steps reflect your recipe exactly but rewritten with additional clarity and depth to ensure success, even for beginner cooks.

1. Heat the Butter

Place a cast iron pan on medium-high heat and add the tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt completely and begin to bubble lightly. This hot, buttery base helps the corn caramelize beautifully.

2. Toast the Corn Kernels

Add the frozen corn kernels to the pan and spread them out into a single, even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes so they begin to brown. After the first browning, stir frequently for about 5–10 minutes.
The goal is deep golden and lightly charred kernels—this adds a smoky depth that defines great Mexican street corn.

3. Transfer to Bowl

Once the corn is browned, remove it from the heat and transfer it into a large mixing bowl. This prevents overcooking and allows you to mix in the creamy components effectively.

4. Add the Creamy Base

To the warm corn, add:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Cream
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Salt
• Chopped cilantro

Stir until the mixture is fully combined and evenly creamy. The warmth of the corn melts the cheese slightly and helps the flavors blend seamlessly.

5. Assemble the Cups

Scoop the mixture evenly into individual clear plastic cups. The portion size is flexible depending on the event—small cups for party appetizers or larger ones for a hearty snack.

6. Add Garnish

Once assembled, sprinkle additional cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro over the top of each cup. This enhances the color, flavor, and presentation.

7. Serve Warm

Serve the cups immediately while they’re warm for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Transform your Mexican Street Corn Cups to match dietary needs, seasonal availability, and personal preferences.

Vegetarian Option

Already vegetarian-friendly.

Vegan Option

Replace:

• Mayonnaise → vegan mayo
• Sour cream and cream → vegan sour cream or cashew cream
• Cotija cheese → plant-based cotija or crumbled tofu with lime and salt

Gluten-Free Option

Naturally gluten-free as written.

Dairy-Free Option

Use:

• Dairy-free sour cream
• Dairy-free cream alternative
• Omit the cotija or use a dairy-free cheese substitute

Adjusting Spice Levels

• Mild: Reduce chili powder
• Medium: Keep recipe as is
• Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce

Flavor Boosters

• Smoked paprika
• Tajin seasoning
• Roasted jalapeños (chopped and folded in)
• A splash of hot sauce

Seasonal Substitutions

• Fresh corn in summer
• Frozen corn in winter
  Both work beautifully as long as the kernels are toasted well.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture

Mexican Street Corn Cups strike a beautiful balance of:

• Creaminess from mayo, sour cream, and cream
• Bright acidity from fresh lime
• Salty, tangy notes from cotija cheese
• Smoky, warm spice from chili powder
• Fresh herbal lift from chopped cilantro
• Toasted caramelized sweetness from pan-fried corn

Side Dish Pairings

These cups go wonderfully with:

• Tacos (steak, chicken, pork, or vegetarian)
• Fajitas
• Grilled meats
• Burrito bowls
• Nachos
• Tortilla chips for dipping

You can even serve them as part of a Mexican-themed buffet or appetizer spread.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (as provided in your recipe):

• Calories: 572
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 54g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 38g
• Cholesterol: 59mg
• Sodium: 758mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

This makes the dish a richer appetizer or side—ideal for gatherings or indulgent meals.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep corn ahead: Toast the corn up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Rewarm before mixing into creamy base.
• Mix ingredients separately: Combine mayo, sour cream, cream, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, and salt in advance and refrigerate. Add to warm corn when ready to serve.
• Avoid assembling early: The cups look best when filled right before serving.
• Travel-friendly: Perfect for transporting to potlucks; bring the components separately and assemble on site.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
Yes, but drain it well and toast longer to remove excess moisture and achieve browning.

2. Can I serve the cups cold?
They are best served warm, but they can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.

3. What can I substitute for cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is the closest alternative, offering a similar salty crumble.

4. How can I make the dish spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, extra chili powder, minced jalapeños, or hot sauce.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Simply scale all ingredients equally and prepare in batches if your pan is smaller.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep ingredients	5 minutes
Toast corn	5–10 minutes
Mix ingredients	2–3 minutes
Assemble cups	5 minutes
Total	25 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in clear small cups to show off the golden corn and colorful garnishes.
• Add an extra wedge of lime on the rim.
• Top with extra cilantro and cheese for visual appeal.
• Add a sprinkle of Tajin for color and flavor.
• Insert mini tasting spoons for easy serving at parties.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Mexican Street Corn Cups

Add diced roasted jalapeños, cayenne, or smoked paprika to intensify the heat.

2. Bacon Street Corn Cups

Fold in crispy crumbled bacon for smoky richness.

3. Charred Poblano Street Corn Cups

Add roasted poblano peppers for an earthy, peppery twist.

4. Street Corn Salad

Stir in diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber for a lighter version.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cotija Cheese

Cotija is a firm, salty Mexican cheese that adds essential flavor to this dish.
How to select: Choose blocks or pre-crumbled varieties that smell clean and salty.
How to store: Refrigerate tightly wrapped for up to 3 weeks.
Flavor boosters: Pair with lime to maximize tang.

Corn

The star of the recipe—sweet, juicy, and caramelized.
Fresh vs Frozen: Both work well, but toasting is key.
Storage: Frozen corn stores for months and toasts beautifully from frozen.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Spread the corn into a single layer to maximize browning.
• Don’t stir too often—let the kernels toast undisturbed.
• Use fresh lime juice, never bottled, for the brightest flavor.
• Add cheese while corn is warm for the perfect melt.
• Garnish generously; it enhances appearance and flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigeration

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

Freezing

Not recommended; the creamy mixture may separate.

Make-Ahead

Toast corn and chop cilantro early, but mix the creamy ingredients just before serving for best texture.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	572
Protein	7g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	54g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g
Dietary Notes	Vegetarian, gluten-free

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Cups bring the vibrant flavors of classic elote into a fun, modern format that’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying at home. This dish is warm, creamy, tangy, and lightly spicy—everything you love about street corn but with the convenience of individual servings. With simple ingredients and fast preparation, it’s a recipe that fits seamlessly into busy schedules yet still feels festive and special.

Whether you’re planning a gathering or simply craving something comforting and bold, these cups are guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy making them, sharing them, and returning to this recipe anytime you want a crowd-pleasing appetizer that never disappoints.

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