Spicy Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn Recipe for Summer Fun

Crispy jalapeño poppers meet classic Mexican street corn in this mouthwatering culinary fusion that’ll spark excitement at any gathering.

Creamy, spicy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this unexpected combo promises to surprise your taste buds.

Summer barbecues just got a serious upgrade with these irresistible bites.

Charred corn kernels mingle with zippy jalapeño heat, creating a perfect balance of smooth and bold.

Each spoonful brings a delightful crunch that dances between traditional street food and creative appetizer magic.

Southwest-inspired ingredients come together in a way that screams celebration and comfort.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that everyone will be asking about.

What’s Fun About Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

• Spice Up Summer Grilling: This recipe transforms classic street corn into a zesty, crowd-pleasing dish that brings Mexican-inspired flavors right to your backyard barbecue.
• Quickly Customize Your Corn: You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapenos, making it perfect for different spice preferences in your family or friend group.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinner: The recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, turning an ordinary side dish into an extraordinary culinary experience that feels like a gourmet treat.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: Using simple ingredients and straightforward grilling techniques, even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality corn dish that looks and tastes professionally prepared.

Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn Ingredients List

Main Ingredients:

Corn on the Cob: – Fresh corn provides the base for this Mexican-style street food, best when sweet and at peak summer season. Ideal when ears are plump and kernels are tight and bright.

• Cotija Cheese: A crumbly Mexican cheese that adds salty, tangy flavor, traditional in street corn dishes. Authentic version comes from Michoacán, Mexico.

• Jalapenos, Bacon, Cilantro: Spicy peppers bring heat, crispy bacon adds smoky crunch, fresh cilantro provides bright herbal notes. Choose firm jalapenos with vibrant green color and crisp bacon without excess fat.

• Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise, Cheddar Cheese: Combination creates rich, smooth spread with layered cheese flavors. Sharp cheddar offers more intense taste, while cream cheese provides creamy texture.

• Lime Juice, Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Citrus juice adds brightness, garlic brings depth, salt and pepper balance and enhance overall flavor profile. Fresh lime works best for maximum zesty impact.

• Olive Oil: Helps corn grill evenly and prevents sticking, adds subtle flavor to corn's exterior.

How To Make Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Get your grill blazing hot at medium-high heat. Lovingly coat each ear of corn with a generous brush of olive oil. Toss the corn onto the grill and let it sizzle and dance for 8-10 minutes. Rotate the ears occasionally to ensure an even, beautiful char that brings out those smoky flavors.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Dream Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Shredded cheddar
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Finely chopped jalapenos
• Minced garlic
• Fresh lime juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whip everything together until you’ve got a smooth, irresistible cream that screams flavor.

Step 3: Transform the Corn

• Crispy bacon bits
• Extra crumbled cotija
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Step 4: Serve with Zesty Flair

Place the dressed corn on a stunning platter. Arrange lime wedges alongside for an extra burst of citrusy excitement. These corn ears are ready to steal the show at any gathering!

Helpful Tips For Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

• Char Corn Perfectly: Rotate corn every few minutes on the grill to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning, creating those delicious smoky spots that enhance flavor.
• Balance Spice Levels: Remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat or keep them for extra kick, allowing you to customize the spiciness according to your preference.
• Cheese Mixture Magic: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, more spreadable consistency that coats corn evenly.
• Bacon Crispness Hack: Cook bacon until extra crispy and crumble finely to provide a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy cheese spread.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese and mayo with vegan alternatives like cashew cream and plant-based mayo to make the recipe accessible for different dietary needs.

Store Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn Safely

• Refrigerate leftover corn immediately in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep the corn covered to prevent drying out and maintain its fresh flavor.
• Wrap each ear separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on a low-heat skillet to preserve the corn's texture and prevent the cheese from separating.
• Avoid freezing, as the creamy spread and grilled corn will lose their appealing texture and become watery when thawed.
• For best taste, consume the Mexican street corn within 24 hours of preparation, when the flavors are most vibrant and the corn remains crisp and delicious.

What Goes Well With Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

• Craft Spicy-Sweet Beverage Pairing: Complement the jalapeño corn's heat with a frosty Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or a crisp, citrusy margarita that balances the rich, creamy cheese spread.
• Select Harmonizing Appetizer Match: Serve alongside grilled shrimp skewers or crispy chicken quesadillas to create a complete Mexican-inspired street food experience that enhances the corn's bold flavors.
• Design Cooling Contrast Plate: Add a refreshing cucumber and avocado salad with a light lime dressing to counteract the jalapeño's spiciness and provide a smooth, cooling complement to the intense corn dish.
• Pick Perfect Dessert Companion: Follow up with a light, zesty key lime pie or churros with cinnamon sugar to round out the meal and provide a sweet ending that echoes the corn's bright, tangy notes.

Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn Variation Ideas

• Veggie Fiesta Corn: Replace bacon with crispy roasted bell peppers and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version that keeps the spicy kick and creamy texture.
• Smoky Chipotle Corn: Swap jalapenos with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to create a deeper, smokier flavor profile that brings intense southwestern heat.
• Vegan Mexican Street Corn: Use dairy-free cream cheese, cashew mayo, and nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheeses. Top with plant-based bacon crumbles and fresh herbs for a completely plant-based experience.
• Gluten-Free Spicy Corn Delight: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and add a sprinkle of gluten-free breadcrumbs for extra crunch on top of the creamy base.

FAQ Section For Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

• What makes this Mexican street corn different from traditional elote?

This version adds a creamy jalapeno popper twist by incorporating cream cheese, cheddar, and crispy bacon, giving it a spicy and rich flavor profile that elevates the classic street corn recipe.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level can be controlled by adjusting the amount of jalapenos. If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers or use fewer jalapenos to reduce the heat.

• Can I make this recipe if I don't have a grill?

Absolutely! You can roast the corn in the oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes or use a cast-iron skillet to char the corn, achieving similar caramelized and smoky flavors.

• What can I substitute if I can't find cotija cheese?

If cotija isn’t available, you can easily swap it with feta cheese or queso fresco, which will provide a similar tangy and crumbly texture to the dish.

Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy “jalapeño popper Mexican street corn” brings fiery southwestern charm to classic street food. Crispy, creamy corn combines zesty jalapeños and rich cheese for an irresistible side dish you’ll crave at every summer gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Corn:

• 4 ears of corn, husked

Cheeses and Dairy:

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup cotija cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise

Flavor Enhancers and Garnishes:

• 2 jalapenos, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the grill to a medium-high temperature, ensuring even heat distribution across the cooking surface.
2. Carefully coat each corn ear with a light layer of olive oil, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
3. Position the corn on the grill, rotating periodically to achieve an even charred exterior with beautiful caramelized spots.
4. While corn is grilling, create a vibrant and creamy mixture by combining cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cotija cheese, finely diced jalapenos, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and a balanced blend of salt and pepper.
5. Whisk the cheese mixture until it reaches a smooth and consistent texture, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
6. Once the corn develops a golden-brown complexion and reaches optimal tenderness, remove from the grill.
7. Generously coat each warm corn ear with the zesty jalapeno cheese spread, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Sprinkle crispy bacon fragments across the corn, adding a savory crunch to the dish.
9. Dust the corn with additional crumbled cotija cheese for an extra layer of tangy flavor.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, providing a bright and herbaceous finishing touch.
11. Serve immediately alongside lime wedges, allowing guests to enhance the corn’s flavor with a citrusy squeeze.

Notes

• Char your corn carefully to develop deep, smoky flavors without burning the kernels.
• Adjust spice levels by removing jalapeño seeds for a milder version or keeping them for extra heat.
• Use turkey bacon or omit bacon entirely for a vegetarian-friendly option that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make grilling and assembling this dish quick and effortless during summer gatherings or cookouts.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 30mg