The Ultimate Mexican Street Corn Cups

If you love the bold flavors of Mexican street food, these Creamy Mexican Street Corn Cups, also known as Esquites, are an irresistible treat. This easy corn recipe combines sweet kernels with smoky char, creamy Mexican crema, tangy lime, salty Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a touch of chili.

Inspired by traditional elote, this spoon-friendly version delivers all the delicious flavors of Mexican street corn without the mess. It is perfect for summer barbecues, taco nights, game-day gatherings, potlucks, or an easy side dish for a family dinner.

The combination of caramelized corn, creamy dressing, salty cheese, and fresh lime creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Esquites Recipe

• Easy to prepare in one skillet
• Packed with smoky and creamy flavor
• Inspired by classic Mexican street food
• Perfect for parties and summer gatherings
• Convenient to serve in individual cups
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
• Delicious as an appetizer, snack, or side dish

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
• Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Charred Corn

• 4 cups corn kernels, preferably fresh from the cob
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

You can also use thawed frozen corn or well-drained canned corn when fresh corn is unavailable.

For the Creamy Dressing

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Mexican crema
• Sour cream can be used as a substitute for Mexican crema

For the Toppings

• ½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled and divided
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon chili powder or Tajín
• 2 fresh limes, cut into wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Corn

If you’re using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob.

If using frozen corn, thaw it completely and drain away excess moisture. Canned corn should also be drained thoroughly before cooking.

Removing excess moisture helps the kernels develop better color and char in the skillet.

2. Heat the Skillet

Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high to high heat.

Add the butter and allow it to melt completely.

3. Char the Corn

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