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Mexican Street Corn Cups

Mexican Street Corn Cups transform the beloved street food elote into a convenient, no-mess format that captures all the bold flavors of traditional corn on the cob without the drippy chaos. This recipe sautés sweet corn kernels until lightly golden, then coats them in a tangy lime-infused cream sauce before topping with crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and fresh garnishes. The result is a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy side dish or snack that delivers the authentic taste of Mexican street vendors in an easy-to-serve cup format perfect for parties, gatherings, or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mess-Free Convenience – Unlike traditional elote served on the cob, these cups eliminate the need for multiple napkins and hand-washing, making them ideal for social gatherings where guests want to mingle while eating.
Ready in Under 30 Minutes – From start to finish, this recipe requires only 20–25 minutes of active time, with most of that spent simply sautéing corn and stirring together the creamy dressing.
Infinitely Customizable – The base recipe accommodates endless variations in spice level, toppings, and add-ins, allowing you to tailor each batch to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
Perfect for Entertaining – The individual cup format makes these ideal for buffet-style serving, game day spreads, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings where portability and easy serving matter most.
Authentic Street Food Flavor – By combining the traditional ingredients of mayonnaise, crema, cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder, this recipe delivers the genuine taste of Mexican street vendors right in your kitchen.
Dietary Flexibility – With simple substitutions, this dish easily becomes vegetarian or vegan while maintaining its creamy texture and bold flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Components:

6 cups corn kernels – Provides the sweet, juicy foundation of the dish; fresh corn offers the best texture and flavor, though frozen (thawed) or canned (drained) work well for convenience (approximately 6 ears of fresh corn)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Creates richness while helping the corn develop golden, slightly caramelized edges during sautéing
⅓ cup mayonnaise – Contributes creamy body and subtle tanginess that coats each kernel and helps other flavors adhere
⅓ cup Mexican crema or sour cream – Adds tangy richness with a thinner consistency than mayonnaise, creating a perfectly balanced sauce
½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled – Delivers salty, crumbly texture similar to feta that’s essential to authentic elote flavor (plus extra for topping)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice – Provides bright acidity that cuts through the richness and enhances the corn’s natural sweetness
1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds mild heat and earthy warmth characteristic of Mexican street food (plus extra for garnishing)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Contributes subtle smokiness that mimics the char of grilled street corn
½ teaspoon fine salt – Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness of the corn (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds gentle heat and depth to the overall seasoning

Optional Add-Ins & Garnishes:

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro – Provides herbaceous freshness and authentic Mexican flavor
Extra lime wedges – For squeezing over individual servings
Hot sauce or Tajín seasoning – Adds tangy heat for spice lovers
Diced jalapeño or pickled jalapeño – Contributes fresh or tangy heat
Grilled corn – For deeper charred, smoky flavor
Crispy bacon pieces – For savory crunch enhancement

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Corn Kernels

If using fresh corn, remove the husks and silks completely, then stand each ear upright in a large bowl and carefully slice downward with a sharp knife to remove the kernels, rotating as you go to capture all the corn. For frozen corn, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels; for canned corn, drain thoroughly in a colander and rinse briefly to remove excess sodium.

Sauté the Corn to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter, swirling to coat the pan evenly. Add all the corn kernels in a single layer if possible and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to promote even browning. For authentic charred flavor, increase heat to medium-high during the final 1–2 minutes, allowing some kernels to develop golden-brown spots, then season lightly with salt and pepper.

Create the Creamy Lime Dressing

While the corn cooks, combine the mayonnaise, Mexican crema (or sour cream), fresh lime juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together until completely smooth and well-blended, creating a creamy, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust the lime juice or chili powder based on your preference for tanginess and heat.

Combine Corn with Dressing

Transfer the warm, golden corn to a large mixing bowl and immediately pour the creamy dressing over the top. Stir gently but thoroughly with a spatula or large spoon until every kernel is evenly coated with the tangy sauce. Fold in half of the crumbled cotija cheese, reserving the remainder for topping, and mix until the cheese distributes throughout the mixture.

Assemble Individual Serving Cups

Spoon the creamy corn mixture into small cups, bowls, mason jars, or any individual serving vessels you prefer, filling each approximately three-quarters full to leave room for generous toppings. Use disposable cups for casual outdoor events or glass jars for more elegant presentations.

Add Final Toppings and Serve

Finish each cup by sprinkling with the reserved cotija cheese crumbles, a light dusting of additional chili powder for color and flavor, and any optional garnishes like chopped cilantro or hot sauce. Add a lime wedge to each cup or serve extra wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their portions. Serve immediately while still warm, or cover loosely with foil and hold at room temperature for up to 30 minutes.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Corn Texture Control – Avoid overcooking the kernels; they should remain slightly crisp and juicy rather than soft and mushy, which maintains textural interest and prevents the cups from becoming too wet.
Fresh Lime Juice Essential – Always use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled versions, as the bright, natural acidity is crucial to achieving authentic elote flavor and balancing the rich dairy components.
Spice Level Adjustment – Start conservatively with chili powder if serving to children or spice-sensitive guests, as you can always offer hot sauce or Tajín on the side for those who want extra heat.
Consistency Management – If the corn mixture seems too thick or dry after combining with the dressing, add an additional teaspoon of lime juice or crema to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
Assembly Timing – For optimal freshness and visual appeal, assemble the cups with toppings just before serving rather than hours in advance, which keeps the cotija cheese from dissolving and the garnishes vibrant.
Charred Flavor Enhancement – For the most authentic street vendor taste, grill whole corn cobs over high heat until charred before cutting off the kernels, or use a kitchen torch to char kernels briefly after cooking.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 6–8 individual cups – perfect for side dish portions at gatherings
Calories: Approximately 260 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings; varies with portion size and topping amounts)

Perfect Pairings

Grilled Meats and Fajitas – Serve alongside carne asada, grilled chicken, or sizzling beef and chicken fajitas to create a complete Tex-Mex feast with complementary smoky and tangy flavors.
Taco Night Accompaniment – Pair with fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or traditional street-style tacos filled with al pastor, birria, or carnitas for an authentic Mexican street food experience.
Game Day Spread – Include in your appetizer lineup with nachos, guacamole and chips, taquitos, and quesadillas for a crowd-pleasing array of shareable Mexican-inspired foods.
Barbecue Side Dish – Serve at summer cookouts alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, and ribs, where the creamy, tangy corn provides refreshing contrast to smoky, charred meats.

Ideal Occasions

Outdoor Summer Gatherings – The portable cup format makes these perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, and patio parties where guests are standing, mingling, and need easy-to-eat options.
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations – These cups capture the spirit of Mexican street food culture and fit seamlessly into festive gatherings honoring Mexican heritage and cuisine.
Potluck Contributions – The recipe scales easily to feed crowds, travels well, and appeals to diverse palates, making it an ideal dish to bring when attending community meals or office parties.
Game Day Viewing Parties – The individual serving format allows football fans and sports enthusiasts to enjoy flavorful food without missing any action or needing utensils beyond a spoon.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigeration Guidelines – Store leftover corn mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping fresh toppings like cilantro and extra cotija separate to maintain their quality and appearance.
Reheating Instructions – Warm the refrigerated corn mixture gently on the stovetop over low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, or microwave in 20–30 second intervals until just warmed through, then add fresh lime juice and toppings before serving.
Presentation Options – Use disposable plastic or paper cups for casual outdoor events and easy cleanup, or choose small mason jars or glass bowls for more elegant presentations at dinner parties or Instagram-worthy displays.
Freezing Not Recommended – Avoid freezing this dish, as the mayonnaise and crema will separate and break upon thawing, creating an unappetizing, watery texture that cannot be restored.

Creative Variations to Try

Spicy Fiery Version – Increase heat dramatically by adding diced fresh jalapeños, a tablespoon of hot sauce, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or a heavy dusting of Tajín seasoning for those who love intense spice.
Bacon Lover’s Edition – Fold in ½ cup of crispy, crumbled bacon pieces to add smoky, savory depth and satisfying crunch that complements the creamy corn beautifully.
Vegan Street Corn Cups – Replace butter with vegan margarine or olive oil, use dairy-free mayonnaise and coconut yogurt or cashew cream instead of crema, and substitute nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles for cotija.
Avocado-Enhanced Version – Top each cup with diced fresh avocado or a small dollop of guacamole to add creamy richness, healthy fats, and beautiful green color contrast.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Corn Mixture Too Watery – Ensure frozen corn is completely thawed and thoroughly drained, and avoid adding the dressing while corn is releasing excess moisture; pat kernels dry with paper towels if necessary before combining with sauce.
Flavors Taste Bland – Increase the salt, add more lime juice for brightness, or boost the chili powder and cotija cheese quantities, remembering that the corn’s sweetness can dilute the seasoning substantially.
Sauce Appears Separated or Curdled – This occurs when the corn is too hot when mixed with the dairy-based dressing; allow corn to cool for 2–3 minutes before combining, or whisk the dressing vigorously to re-emulsify.
Toppings Becoming Soggy – Assemble cups no more than 30 minutes before serving, and keep wet ingredients like lime juice and sauce separate from dry toppings like cotija until the last moment to maintain textural contrast.

Why This Recipe Works

Mexican Street Corn Cups succeed by transforming the traditional elote experience into a format that’s both practical and delicious while maintaining authentic flavor integrity. Sautéing the corn in butter rather than boiling develops deeper, more complex flavors through light caramelization and the Maillard reaction, which creates golden-brown spots that mimic the char of street-grilled corn. The combination of mayonnaise and crema provides the perfect creamy consistency—thicker than crema alone but more pourable than mayonnaise by itself—that coats each kernel evenly without becoming gloppy. Fresh lime juice cuts through the richness while brightening the corn’s natural sweetness, and the acidity helps prevent the dairy from feeling heavy. Cotija cheese contributes essential saltiness and crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce, while chili powder and smoked paprika add warmth and subtle heat without overwhelming the other flavors. The cup format offers portion control and convenience while preserving the communal, festive spirit of street food culture. At approximately 260 calories per serving, these cups provide satisfying flavor and moderate indulgence without excessive caloric density, making them suitable for most eating occasions.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Cups represent the perfect evolution of a beloved street food classic, maintaining every element of traditional elote’s appeal while solving the practical challenges that come with eating corn on the cob. This recipe demonstrates that authentic ethnic flavors don’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a thoughtful combination of quality components prepared with care. The individual serving format makes these cups exceptionally versatile for modern entertaining needs, whether you’re hosting a backyard fiesta, contributing to a potluck, or simply wanting a special side dish for taco night. Beyond their delicious taste and convenient format, these cups celebrate the vibrant street food culture of Mexico, bringing the joy and communal spirit of wandering food markets directly to your table. The recipe scales effortlessly to accommodate any crowd size, and the customization options ensure everyone finds their perfect balance of creamy, tangy, spicy, and savory. For lighter variations, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, reducing the butter, or serving smaller portions as an appetizer rather than a full side dish. Whether served at casual family dinners or festive celebrations, Mexican Street Corn Cups deliver consistent crowd-pleasing results that honor tradition while embracing modern convenience.