Mexican Street Corn (Lighter)

User Reviews

5

18 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    30 mins

  • Total Time

    40 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    175 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Mexican Street Corn (Lighter)

This Mexican Street Corn recipe offers a lighter version of the classic with sweet corn kernels brushed with melted butter and seasoned with garlic salt. After baking or grilling until tender, the corn is brushed with sour cream, then topped with crumbly cotija cheese, chipotle chili powder, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The combination creates a balance of creamy, smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors that complement the natural sweetness of the corn. The foil packet cooking ensures juicy kernels with minimal mess, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor cooking.

Description

Mexican Street Corn (Lighter) brings together fresh sweet corn kernels baked in foil packets with melted butter and garlic seasoning. The foil traps moisture, allowing the corn to steam and roast evenly, yielding tender and juicy kernels. Once cooked, a layer of sour cream adds creaminess and tang, while crumbled cotija cheese provides a salty, crumbly texture. The chipotle chili powder adds a subtle smoky heat, paired with fresh cilantro for herbal brightness. A final squeeze of lime introduces acidity that balances richness and spices.

The method involves wrapping individual ears in foil, making it easy to prepare and clean up. Baking or grilling can be chosen depending on preference and available equipment. This recipe’s lighter adaptation uses sour cream rather than mayonnaise and controls butter application, making it a fresh take on a well-loved street food snack.

Serve this vibrant side at barbecues, casual dinners, or as a flavorful snack. The balance of textures from creamy, crumbly cheese to crisp fresh cilantro complements the natural sweetness of roasted corn. The lime wedge served alongside allows diners to customize the tanginess to their taste.

Use cotija cheese or substitute with another crumbly cheese like feta, but avoid smooth cheeses to maintain the intended texture. Experiment with grilling the corn directly for a charred flavor or baking in foil for a softer finish. For a fun twist, toppings like crumbled hot Cheetos can be added but are optional.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 4 sweet corn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt or garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1/3 Cup cotija cheese crumbled
  • 2-3 tablespoons cilantro chopped, fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F. 
  2. Cut 4 pieces of aluminum foil large enough to hold a cob, then place one of the 4 Sweet Corn Kernels on each piece.
  3. Brush each one with 2 tablespoons Melted Butter, and sprinkle generously with 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt or Garlic Powder. Seal the edges of your foil to form packets. 
  4. Bake, or grill, for 30-35 minutes or until tender. Once the corn is done, carefully remove the foil and brush the corn with 4 tablespoons Sour Cream.
  5. Sprinkle with 1/3 Cup Crumbled Cotija Cheese, 1/2 teaspoon Chipotle Chili Powder, and 2-3 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro on all sides. Squeeze 1 Lime over them and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can cook the corn by roasting in the oven, boiling, or grilling on an outdoor grill for different textures and flavors.
  • Cotija cheese is preferred for its crumbly texture, but feta cheese can be used as a substitute.
  • Sprinkling crumbled hot Cheetos atop adds a spicy crunch, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 175kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 27mg (9%) Sodium 224mg (9%) Potassium 276mg (6%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 514IU (10%) Vitamin C 11mg (12%) Calcium 82mg (8%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 175 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 175kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 21g 7%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 27mg 9%
Sodium 224mg 9%
Potassium 276mg 6%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 514IU 10%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 82mg 8%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

18 reviews
Excellent

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