Zesty Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn Recipe for Foodies

Creamy, zesty, and bursting with flavor, this spicy jalapeño popper mexican street corn recipe delivers a mouthwatering twist on a classic street food favorite.

Kernels of sweet corn dance with bold jalapeño heat, creating an irresistible combination that sparks culinary excitement.

Smoky cheese and crisp bacon add layers of rich texture to every bite.

Fresh herbs and a tangy lime squeeze bring bright, vibrant notes that complement the dish’s robust profile.

Each forkful promises a delightful explosion of southwestern-inspired goodness.

Perfectly charred and seasoned, this corn brings the street food magic straight to your plate.

One taste will transport you to the bustling markets of Mexico, where bold flavors reign supreme.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 7

Bold Ingredients For Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

• Corn: Sweet summer staple that develops gorgeous char marks when grilled, creating smoky depth of flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps corn caramelize and prevents sticking to grill grates, ensuring beautiful golden-brown exterior.

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, velvety base for spread with luxurious tangy undertone.
• Mayonnaise: Adds silky texture and subtle richness to cheese blend.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, bold cheese flavor with melty characteristics.
• Cotija Cheese: Traditional Mexican cheese that delivers salty, crumbly texture.
• Jalapenos: Brings spicy kick and vibrant green heat to spread.
• Garlic: Adds pungent, aromatic depth to cheese mixture.
• Lime Juice: Brightens flavors with citrusy zest and balances richness.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and elevates other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and background complexity.

• Bacon: Crispy, smoky element that adds crunch and savory notes.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that introduces bright, herbal finish.
• Lime Wedges: Offers zesty, tangy accent to complement grilled corn.

Tools For Making Spicy Street Corn Easy

• Grill: Essential for charring corn and creating smoky flavor.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for blending cream cheese spread ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning corn on the grill and handling hot ears safely.
• Basting brush: Useful for evenly coating corn with olive oil before grilling.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping jalapenos, cilantro, and preparing garnishes.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Serving platter: Great for presenting the finished jalapeño popper Mexican street corn.

Steps To Cook Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

• Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to medium-high heat and prepare for corn magic. Drizzle each ear with olive oil, ensuring every kernel gets some love.

• Char Those Kernels

Toss corn onto the grill and rotate every few minutes. Let those beautiful golden-brown marks develop, creating a smoky, caramelized exterior that screams flavor.

• Whip Up The Creamy Dream

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, mayo, cheddar, and cotija into a luscious, tangy spread. Fold in zesty jalapenos, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Dress And Garnish

While corn is still steaming hot, generously coat each ear with the spicy-cheesy mixture. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, extra crumbled cotija, and fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of texture and flavor.

• Serve With Flair

Present your corn masterpiece immediately with lime wedges on the side, letting guests add an extra citrus kick if they desire. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll transport taste buds straight to street food heaven.

Tips For Kickin’ Jalapeno Street Corn Flavor

• Creamy Cheese Trick: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a super smooth, lump-free spread.
• Spice Level Control: Remove jalapeno seeds for a milder kick or keep them in for extra heat – customize the spiciness to your preference.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese spread and grill corn up to 2 hours in advance, assembling just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
• Vegetarian Twist: Skip the bacon and replace with crispy panko breadcrumbs or toasted pepitas for a crunchy vegetarian alternative that maintains texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking bacon and cheese brands for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Jalapeno Popper Corn With A Twist

• Flavor Fiesta Plating: Arrange corn on a rustic wooden board with scattered lime wedges and fresh cilantro sprigs for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Spicy Side Companion: Pair with cool Mexican crema or sour cream to balance the heat and provide a creamy contrast to the zesty corn.
• Party Crowd Pleaser: Slice corn kernels off the cob and serve in a large communal bowl for easy sharing at barbecues, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
• Textural Topping Twist: Sprinkle toasted pepitas or crushed tortilla chips over the corn for an extra crunch that elevates the overall eating experience.

Keep Jalapeno Popper Corn Tasty After Cooking

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover corn wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed container for up to 3 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cheese spread mixture 2-3 days before grilling. Store covered in refrigerator to let flavors meld and intensify, creating even more delicious results.
• Freezing Friendly: Freeze cooked corn without cheese topping for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat on grill or skillet, then add fresh cheese mixture before serving.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Store bacon, cheese spread, and grilled corn separately in individual containers. This prevents soggy texture and allows guests to assemble their corn just before eating, maintaining maximum crispness and flavor.

Spicy Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Jalapeño popper Mexican street corn blends spicy and creamy flavors in a delightful fusion. Mexican street corn lovers will adore this zesty, cheese-covered side dish that brings southwestern charm to any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 ears corn, husked
• ½ cup (4 fl oz/120 ml) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (2 oz/56 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (1 oz/28 g) cotija cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ⅓ cup (2.6 fl oz/80 ml) mayonnaise
• 2 jalapenos, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Grill Preparation: Heat grill to medium-high, creating an evenly distributed cooking surface for optimal corn roasting.
2. Corn Coating: Thoroughly brush corn ears with olive oil, ensuring complete and uniform coverage for enhanced grilling performance.
3. Grilling Process: Position corn on grill, rotating systematically to develop a perfectly charred exterior with appealing caramelized markings.
4. Cheese Mixture Creation: Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar, cotija, jalapenos, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until achieving a smooth, harmonious blend.
5. Corn Finishing: Remove corn from grill once achieving a golden-brown complexion and desired tenderness.
6. Flavor Layering: Generously apply jalapeno cheese spread across warm corn, creating a rich and creamy coating that envelops the entire surface.
7. Savory Embellishment: Sprinkle crispy bacon fragments over the cheese-coated corn, then dust with additional cotija cheese for enhanced texture and tangy depth.
8. Final Flourish: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately alongside lime wedges, inviting guests to customize their culinary experience with a citrusy accent.

Notes

• Grill Temperature Precision: Maintain medium-high heat to prevent burning while achieving perfect caramelization and smoky flavor.
• Cheese Mixture Consistency: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated spread that clings evenly to the corn.
• Corn Rotation Technique: Rotate ears frequently during grilling to ensure uniform charring and prevent uneven cooking or burning.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg