Spicy Mexican Corn Bites

🌮 Spicy Mexican Corn Bites

Description

Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are delicious, bite-sized appetizers inspired by traditional Mexican street corn (Elote). These savory and creamy morsels combine roasted corn, zesty lime, chili, and cheese — all packed into crispy little cups. Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a festive side dish, they’re full of bold flavor and fun to eat.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Corn Mixture:

• 2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned – drained)

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to spice preference)

• 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta/Parmesan)

• Juice of 1 lime

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Base:

• 20–24 mini phyllo shells, tortilla scoops, or mini tart shells

Optional Garnish:

• Extra cheese

• Fresh cilantro

• Lime wedges

• A sprinkle of Tajín or chili-lime seasoning

🍳 Instructions

1. Roast the Corn:

   • In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter.

   • Add corn and sauté 5–7 minutes until slightly charred.
     (For extra flavor, grill the corn before cutting it off the cob.)

2. Prepare the Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, mix roasted corn, chili powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime juice, and cilantro.

   • Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Bites:

   • Spoon the corn mixture evenly into mini phyllo shells or tortilla scoops.

   • Top with a little extra cheese or chili powder if desired.

4. Bake (Optional for Warm Bites):

   • Place filled shells on a baking tray and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, just until warmed through.

5. Garnish & Serve:

   • Add a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.

   • Serve warm or at room temperature.

🍽️ Servings

• Makes: 20–24 bites

• Serves: 6–8 people (as an appetizer)

🔢 Nutritional Information (Per 3 Bites)

(Values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.)

💡 Notes

• You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.

• If you prefer less spice, omit cayenne and reduce chili powder.

• Make it vegetarian-friendly by using vegan mayo and cheese substitutes.

• For crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before serving.

🔪 Tips for Success

• Char the corn well for authentic street-style flavor.

• Assemble just before serving to keep the shells crispy.

• Double the recipe — these go fast at parties!

• For a make-ahead option, prepare the corn mixture a day early and refrigerate. Assemble before serving.

🥗 Health Benefits

• Corn is rich in fiber and antioxidants like lutein, promoting eye health.

• Lime adds vitamin C and helps digestion.

• Cilantro provides detoxifying properties.

• Greek yogurt or sour cream contributes probiotics and calcium.

While these bites are indulgent, they can fit nicely into a balanced diet — especially when baked instead of fried.

❓ Q&A Section

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
👉 Yes! Prepare the corn mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge. Fill the shells just before serving.

Q2: Can I make it vegan?
👉 Absolutely. Use vegan mayo, vegan sour cream, and dairy-free cheese.

Q3: What can I use instead of cotija cheese?
👉 Feta, Parmesan, or queso fresco are great substitutes.

Q4: Can I serve these cold?
👉 Yes, they taste great both warm and chilled, making them ideal for picnics or buffets.

Q5: How spicy are they?
👉 Medium-spicy. You can easily adjust the chili powder and cayenne to your liking.