Mexican Street Corn Skillet: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite
This Mexican Street Corn Skillet is creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky flavors. A quick and easy twist on classic elote, perfect as a side dish or dip!
If you’re a fan of Mexican street corn (elote) but want an easier, skillet-friendly version, this Mexican Street Corn Skillet is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, cheesy, tangy, and packed with smoky spice, making it the perfect side dish for tacos, grilled meats, or even as a dip for tortilla chips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes—no grilling required!
Creamy & Flavorful: A blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cotija makes every bite rich and delicious.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s taco night, a summer BBQ, or a cozy family dinner, this dish is always a hit.
One-Pan Recipe: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor—what’s not to love?
Ingredient Breakdown
Corn:
4 Cups Frozen Corn, Thawed – Using frozen corn keeps this recipe simple and convenient, but you can use fresh or canned corn if preferred.
The Creamy Base:
2 tbsp Butter – Adds richness and helps achieve that slight caramelization on the corn.
4 oz Cream Cheese, Softened – Gives the dish a smooth, creamy texture.
¼ Cup Sour Cream – Adds a slight tang and helps balance the richness.
The Flavor Enhancers:
½ Cup Crumbled Cotija Cheese – A salty, crumbly cheese that’s essential for authentic street corn flavor.
½ tsp Chili Powder – Brings mild heat and warmth to the dish.
½ tsp Smoked Paprika – Adds a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the corn’s natural sweetness.
Salt & Pepper to Taste – Adjust according to your preference.
The Finishing Touches:
½ Lime, Juiced – A burst of acidity that ties all the flavors together.
3-4 Scallion Onions, Chopped – Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
½ Cup Cilantro, Chopped – Fresh, herby brightness that’s a must for street corn.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the Corn
Heat a cast iron skillet or regular pan over medium heat.
Melt butter, then add the thawed corn.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn starts to get some light golden color.
3. Combine Everything
Stir in the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth and creamy.
Add in scallion onions, cilantro, lime juice, and cotija cheese.
Stir well and let the cheese melt.
4. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with additional smoked paprika for a pop of color.
Serve immediately as a side dish or dip.
Pro Tips for the Best Mexican Street Corn Skillet
Use Fresh Corn When in Season – If you have fresh corn, char it in a pan for an even more authentic flavor.
Want More Heat? – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Make It a Dip – Serve with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Double the Recipe – This dish disappears fast, so make extra if you’re serving a crowd!
Add a Protein – Mix in grilled shrimp, chicken, or chorizo for a complete meal.
What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn Skillet
Tacos: Perfect alongside carne asada, grilled chicken, or fish tacos.
Grilled Meats: Complements BBQ chicken, steak, or shrimp.
Mexican Rice & Beans: A classic pairing for a full Mexican-inspired meal.
Tortilla Chips: Scoop it up as a creamy, cheesy dip!
This Mexican Street Corn Skillet is the ultimate side dish that’s both indulgent and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, taco night, or just want a quick, flavorful side, this dish is a must-try!
Mexican Street Corn Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Frozen Corn, Thawed
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
- ¼ Cup Sour Cream
- ½ Cup Crumbled Cotija Cheese
- ½ tsp Chili Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
- ½ Lime, Juiced
- 3-4 Scallion Onions, Chopped
- ½ Cup Cilantro, Chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or regular pan over medium heat.
- Melt butter, then add the thawed corn.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the corn starts to get some light golden color.
- Stir in the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add in scallion onions, cilantro, lime juice, and cotija cheese.
- Stir well and let the cheese melt.
- Sprinkle with additional smoked paprika for a pop of color.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or dip.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Mexican Street Corn Skillet
- Use Fresh Corn When in Season – If you have fresh corn, char it in a pan for an even more authentic flavor.
- Want More Heat? – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make It a Dip – Serve with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Double the Recipe – This dish disappears fast, so make extra if you’re serving a crowd!
- Add a Protein – Mix in grilled shrimp, chicken, or chorizo for a complete meal.
What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn Skillet
- Tacos: Perfect alongside carne asada, grilled chicken, or fish tacos.
- Grilled Meats: Complements BBQ chicken, steak, or shrimp.
- Mexican Rice & Beans: A classic pairing for a full Mexican-inspired meal.
- Tortilla Chips: Scoop it up as a creamy, cheesy dip!
Have you made this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe, save it for later, and follow for more delicious recipes. Enjoy!
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