Easy Cheesy Street Corn
Table of Contents
Easy Cheesy Street Corn: A Backyard BBQ Staple
Fancy something that's easy peasy lemon squeezy ? Ever craved that amazing Mexican street corn, but thought it was too much faff? Well, grab your apron because this easy street corn recipe is about to become your new best mate.
Honestly, it's so simple, even my nan could make it, and she once set fire to a kettle!
Mexican Street Corn Elote: A Little Bit of History
This street corn recipe takes inspiration from the legendary Mexican Elote. This delicious snack has been a street food staple in Mexico for ages.
It's usually grilled corn covered in creamy sauces, cheese, and chili. We're simplifying it a bit for a quick and easy cheesy street corn experience.
This is proper easy, like making a cuppa! Prep takes about 10 minutes, cooking 15, so you're looking at 25 minutes total.
This recipe makes 4 servings, enough to share with your mates, or hog it all yourself no judgement here.
The Perks of This Corn: Why You'll Love It
Corn is actually pretty good for you. This recipe packs fiber and some vitamins. Plus, it's the perfect excuse to fire up the BBQ! This recipe is special because it brings that amazing Mexican street corn elote flavour to your kitchen without the fuss.
Perfect bbq side dishes corn , I tell you.
Ready to get started? Let's gather the bits and bobs!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Easy Street Corn Recipe Awaits!
Right, let’s talk about what you'll need to make this easy street corn recipe a reality. This isn’t rocket science, and I promise you won’t need a fancy degree in gastronomy.
Trust me; if I can do it, anyone can!
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Corn: 4 ears of fresh corn (or 4 cups frozen, thawed). Honestly, fresh is best. Look for plump kernels and bright green husks! But if you’re like me and sometimes forget to plan ahead, frozen works just fine.
I've made it both ways.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ). Extra virgin, if you’re feeling fancy. Otherwise, the regular stuff is all good.
Mayonnaise: ½ cup ( 120 ml ). Full fat, for the best flavour and texture. Trust me on this one!
Sour Cream: ¼ cup ( 60 ml ). This adds a tangy kick. I've used Greek yogurt in a pinch; works a treat.
Cotija Cheese or Feta: ¼ cup ( 30 g ). Cotija is the traditional choice for Mexican street corn elote , but Feta is a great substitute and easier to find.
Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ), freshly squeezed. Bottled just doesn't have the same zest, you know?
Chili Powder: ½ teaspoon . Adds a bit of warmth. Adjust to your liking I like to add a pinch more!.
Garlic Powder: ¼ teaspoon . Don't overdo it, or it'll overpower the other flavours.
Fresh Cilantro (coriander): ¼ cup , chopped. If you're one of those people who think cilantro tastes like soap, just skip it!
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Fireworks!
Okay, so the secret to great easy cheesy street corn is all in the seasonings. Don’t be shy! Chili powder and garlic powder are essential.
For a bit more oomph, try a dash of smoked paprika. No chili powder? Mix paprika, cumin and a tiny bit of cayenne.
I sometimes toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. A quick corn side dish like this needs a proper flavour kick.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
You really don’t need much to whip up this street corn recipe .
- Grill or Cast Iron Skillet: Essential. You want those kernels charred! If you don’t have a grill, the skillet works brilliantly. Roasting corn it's great too!
- Mixing Bowl: Obvious.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing the corn with oil. I often just use my fingers, though!
- Tongs: To turn the corn. Burned fingers are never fun.
Honestly, this elote recipe easy is all about simplicity. I've made it camping with just a campfire and a fork.
It's that easy! It is one of those amazing summer corn recipes , or bbq side dishes corn , everyone loves!
Easy Cheesy Street Corn: A Backyard BBQ Staple
Honestly, is there anything better than corn on the cob in the summer? I think not! But let's be real, sometimes plain old corn gets a bit boring.
That's where this easy street corn recipe comes in. It's inspired by the flavours of Mexican street corn elote , but way easier to make.
We're talking minimal effort, maximum flavour you'll be making this every week! It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser. One time I made this at a BBQ and my mate Dave said it was "better than a Greggs sausage roll after a night out!" High praise in fact!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's get organised! That's what mise en place is all about. Remove the husks and silk from 4 ears of corn .
Or, if you're being lazy (like me sometimes!), use 4 cups of frozen corn . Thaw that bad boy out. Mix up your ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl.
You'll need mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled Cotija or Feta cheese, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and fresh cilantro. Get it all measured out, ready to go! Now you're ready to make the elote recipe easy !
step-by-step: From Corn to Culinary Masterpiece
Follow these easy steps. You will be on easy street corn soon:
- Brush the corn with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the corn over medium high heat, turning it, for 8- 10 minutes . Get that lovely char going! Or, pan-fry in a skillet until lightly browned.
- Smother the cooked corn in that cheesy sauce you made earlier.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Boom!
- Serve immediately. Job's a good'un!
Pro Tips for Street Corn Success
Want to take your street corn recipe to the next level? Char is king. Don't be shy; let the corn get a little blackened for that amazing smoky flavour.
But don't overcook it, otherwise it'll be mushy. Seriously, nobody wants mushy corn. Another tip? Taste the sauce and adjust the lime juice and chili powder to your liking.
This is your easy cheesy street corn , make it how you like it! This is one of my favorite bbq side dishes corn .
Seriously, this quick corn side dish is always a winner. You can even make it a grilled corn salad by cutting the kernels off and mixing it with the sauce! It works as a vegan street corn also!
Recipe Notes for Your Easy Street Corn Recipe
Right then, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to really nail this easy cheesy street corn . Honestly, this street corn recipe is so straightforward, but a few pointers can take it from "alright" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!".
Think of these as your cheat codes to Mexican street corn elote perfection.
Plating Like a Pro & Drink Pairings
Presentation is key, innit? Serve your easy street corn recipe on a rustic wooden board. A sprinkle of extra cheese and a wedge of lime make it look proper fancy.
For a simple touch that pops up the taste, sprinkle Tajin all over your elote! Now, what to drink? A cold beer maybe a Mexican lager works wonders.
Or, for something non-alcoholic, a sparkling limeade is just the ticket. This bbq side dishes corn goes with everything!. I even put it next to roast beef at xmas last year, total madlad!
Storing Your Leftover Treasure.
Right, let's say you've made too much of this elote recipe easy . No worries! Pop any leftover corn still on the cob or cut off into kernels for an amazing grilled corn salad into an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating is a doddle: either microwave it for a minute or two, or pan-fry it until warmed through.
Freezing isn't really recommended, as the sauce can get a bit watery when thawed. Nobody wants soggy corn, do they?
Remixing This Classic!
Want to mix things up a bit? No problem! For a vegan street corn , just swap out the mayo and sour cream for vegan versions.
Instead of cheese, use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavour. If you are looking for summer corn recipes , try adding seasonal ingredients like grilled peppers or fresh basil.
Get The Lowdown On The Nutritional Profile
Each serving of this easy street corn recipe clocks in at roughly 250 calories. You get about 5g of protein and 18g of fat.
There's also about 20g of carbs, and a respectable 3g of fibre. I'm not a dietician but at least it tastes good!.
Corn is naturally high in antioxidants, so you're getting a bit of a health boost too. Plus, it's a quick corn side dish that's way better than boring old boiled corn.
So, there you have it! Some extra tips to make this easy street corn recipe a total triumph. Don't be afraid to experiment and have a bit of fun.
Get in the kitchen and make the most of those corn on the cob recipes this summer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this easy street corn recipe really that easy to make? I'm no Gordon Ramsay!
Absolutely! This recipe is designed for even the most novice cooks. It uses minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, like grilling or pan-frying corn. Think of it like making toast, but with a flavour explosion even Del Boy Trotter could manage it (though he'd probably try selling it on the cheap)!
Can I use frozen corn for this easy street corn recipe? Fresh corn isn't always available.
Yes, you can definitely use frozen corn! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. You might not get the same slight char as with fresh corn on the grill, but it will still be delicious. Pan-frying or roasting the frozen corn with a bit of oil and seasoning works great!
What if I don't like spice? Can I make this easy street corn recipe milder?
Of course! The chili powder is there to give it a gentle kick, but you can easily reduce the amount or leave it out altogether. You can also substitute it with smoked paprika for a smoky flavour without the heat.
Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking it's your kitchen, you're the boss!
How long does leftover easy street corn recipe last?
Leftover street corn is best enjoyed the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The corn may lose a little of its char and the sauce might soften the kernels a bit, but it will still be tasty. You can try reheating it in a pan or microwave, but it's often just as good cold!
I can't find Cotija cheese, what's a good substitute for this easy street corn recipe?
No worries, Cotija can sometimes be tricky to find! Feta cheese is a fantastic substitute it offers a similar salty and crumbly texture. You could even use a hard, aged Parmesan cheese for a slightly different but equally delicious flavour.
Just remember that the salt level of your substitute cheese may affect the overall taste, so adjust accordingly.
Is this street corn recipe healthy?
While delicious, this easy street corn recipe is a bit indulgent due to the mayonnaise and cheese. You can lighten it up by using light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and reducing the amount of cheese. Also, grilling or roasting the corn instead of pan-frying can reduce the amount of added fat.
Consider it a treat in moderation everything in balance, as they say!
Easy Cheesy Street Corn
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |