Creamy, tangy, smoky, and loaded with Mexican-inspired flavor! These easy street corn cups are inspired by Esquites, with sweet corn tossed in a creamy lime dressing, chili, cheese, and fresh cilantro. They make an amazing side dish, snack, appetizer, or party food.
Ingredients — 6 Servings
Corn
4 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Creamy Sauce
⅓ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp lime zest
½ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Toppings
⅓ cup crumbled Cotija cheese or feta
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, finely diced, optional
Lime wedges, for serving
Extra chili powder or Tajín-style seasoning, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the corn
If using frozen corn, thaw it and pat it dry. Fresh corn can be cut directly from the cob.
- Char the corn
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter or olive oil.
Add the corn and spread it into an even layer. Cook for 6–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn becomes tender and develops golden-brown, slightly charred spots.
- Add the seasonings
Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Remove from the heat and allow the corn to cool slightly.
- Make the creamy sauce
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cilantro.
Taste and adjust the lime, chili, and salt to your preference.
- Combine
Add the warm corn to the creamy sauce. Toss gently until every kernel is coated.
For the best flavor, let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Assemble the cups
Spoon the creamy corn into small serving cups or bowls.
Top each serving with Cotija or feta cheese, fresh cilantro, diced jalapeño, and a light sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín-style seasoning.
- Serve
Serve warm or slightly chilled with fresh lime wedges. Squeeze lime over the top just before eating.
Flavor Variations
Extra spicy: Add diced jalapeño, cayenne, or a little hot sauce.
Higher protein: Use plain Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise.
Extra smoky: Add a little more smoked paprika and char the corn a bit longer.
Bacon street corn: Add finely crumbled cooked bacon.
Chicken version: Mix in diced grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
Cheesy version: Add shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar along with the Cotija.
Tips for the Best Street Corn Cups
Don’t overcrowd the skillet; the corn needs room to brown.
Pat frozen corn dry before cooking to encourage good caramelization.
Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor.
Cotija provides the most traditional flavor, but feta is an excellent substitute.
Add the cheese just before serving for the best texture.
Adjust the chili level according to your taste.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, based on 6 servings:
Calories: ~240
Protein: ~6 g
Carbohydrates: ~24 g
Fiber: ~3 g
Net Carbs: ~21 g
Fat: ~15 g
Sugar: ~8 g
Sodium: ~430 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the mayonnaise, dairy, cheese, and corn used.
Nut & Allergen Information
Tree nuts: None in the basic recipe.
Peanuts: None.
Dairy: Contains sour cream and Cotija/feta cheese.
Egg: Mayonnaise typically contains egg.
Gluten: The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check packaged seasonings and mayonnaise.
Soy: Usually none, but check mayonnaise and seasoning labels.
Nut-free: Yes, when prepared with nut-free ingredients and without nut-based toppings.
Cross-contact: If serving someone with a serious allergy, check all packaged ingredients and use clean utensils and preparation surfaces.
Storage
Store leftovers in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For the best texture, store toppings such as cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño separately and add them when serving.
Reheating
Warm gently in the microwave in short intervals or in a skillet over low heat. Add a small squeeze of fresh lime after reheating.
Can You Freeze It?
Freezing isn’t recommended because the creamy sauce can separate and become watery after thawing.
Q&A
Q: What is Mexican street corn in a cup?
It’s an easy version of Mexican street corn, commonly known as esquites, where corn kernels are cooked and mixed with a creamy, tangy sauce and topped with cheese, chili, lime, and cilantro.
Q: Can I use canned corn?
Yes. Drain and rinse it well, then pat it dry before adding it to the hot skillet.
Q: Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely. Frozen corn works very well. Thawing and drying it first will help it brown better.
Q: Can I make this without mayonnaise?
Yes. Replace the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes. Greek yogurt makes the recipe lighter and adds extra protein.
Q: What can I use instead of Cotija cheese?
Feta is the easiest substitute. Parmesan can also work, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy as written. The jalapeño and extra chili seasoning are optional, so you can make it mild or spicy.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the corn and sauce several hours ahead and refrigerate. Toss them together shortly before serving for the freshest texture.
Q: Can I serve it cold?
Yes. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Q: Is it keto-friendly?
Traditional corn is relatively high in carbohydrates, so this recipe isn’t considered strictly keto. For a lower-carb variation, use a smaller amount of corn mixed with cauliflower.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free sour cream or yogurt and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Q: What should I serve with street corn cups?
They’re excellent with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, tacos, fajitas, burgers, or grilled vegetables.
Q: Can I make individual cups for a party?
Yes! Spoon the finished corn into small disposable cups and add cheese, cilantro, lime, and chili seasoning individually. They’re perfect for parties, cookouts, and potlucks.
