Mexican Corn Cups, or esquites, are a tasty treat made from sweet corn mixed with lime, cheese, and spices. They are served in little cups, perfect for snacking!
These little cups are a joy to eat, especially on a hot day. I love to sprinkle on the cheese and lime for that extra zing. You’ll want to share, but they’re so good you might not want to! 🌽
Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn brings great flavor. If it’s out of season, frozen corn is a solid alternative. You can even use canned corn, just make sure to drain and rinse it well to avoid excess salt.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, olive oil is a great substitute that will still give a nice richness to the dish.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: For a lighter version, swap these with Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess while keeping it healthier. Vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt are good alternatives if you need dairy-free options.
Cotija Cheese: This is very traditional, but feta makes a great substitute if you can’t find cotija. It’ll slightly change the flavor but still taste delicious.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can provide a similar freshness. You could even leave it out entirely for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get the Corn Perfectly Charred?
Charred corn adds a lovely smoky flavor that makes these cups special. If using fresh corn, grilling is ideal. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brush the corn with a bit of butter or olive oil.
- Grill each ear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely charred. Don’t rush this part; the char brings out the sweetness!
For frozen corn, just sauté in a skillet with butter on medium heat until it’s heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Use medium-high heat for a slight browning.
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Corn Cups?
Serving these in small cups or bowls helps with portioning. If you’re entertaining, it’s fun to set up a topping bar with extra cheese, lime wedges, and even hot sauce for guests to customize their corn cups!
How to Make Mexican Corn Cups (Esquites)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 20 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and cooking, and another 10 minutes for mixing everything together and serving it up. It’s a quick and tasty dish perfect for gatherings or as a side!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, start by grilling the corn on a barbecue or cooking it in a skillet over medium-high heat until it gets nice and charred. If you opt for frozen corn, simply sauté it in a skillet with butter until heated through, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Either way, you want your corn to be flavorful and warm!
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked corn with mayonnaise and sour cream. Then, add in the lime juice along with the chili powder and smoked paprika. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your taste for an extra kick!
3. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Now it’s time to make it colorful! Stir in the crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and finely chopped red onion into the corn mixture. Mix it all together well so that every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Serve the Corn Cups:
Spoon the delicious corn mixture into small cups or serving dishes. For a finishing touch, feel free to top each cup with extra cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a bit of fresh cilantro on top for garnish. It looks as good as it tastes!
5. Enjoy with Lime:
Lastly, serve each corn cup with a lime wedge on the side. Squeeze the lime juice over your corn cup just before enjoying it to brighten up the flavors. Dive in and enjoy your delicious and refreshing Mexican Corn Cups!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen Corn?
Absolutely! If using canned corn, simply drain and rinse it before adding it to the mixture. Since it’s already cooked, you can skip the sautéing step and mix it directly with the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’re looking to kick up the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. You could also use a spicier chili powder or add cayenne pepper to your liking!
Can I Prepare These Corn Cups in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the corn mix ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just spoon it into cups and add the garnishes just before serving to keep everything fresh!
How Do I Store Leftover Mexican Corn Cups?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, but avoid overheating as it may compromise the creaminess of the mayonnaise and sour cream!
