Mexican Street Corn Jalapeño Poppers are a creamy, cheesy, spicy appetizer inspired by classic Mexican elote. Fresh corn is mixed with cream cheese, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime, chili powder, and cilantro, then stuffed into jalapeño halves and baked until bubbly, golden, and delicious. They are perfect for parties, game nights, cookouts, or as a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
10 fresh jalapeño peppers
1 1/2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, plus extra for topping
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 teaspoon Tajín or chili-lime seasoning, optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Leave some of the membrane if you prefer the poppers extra spicy.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
Add the charred corn and chopped cilantro. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Arrange the jalapeño halves on the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon the Mexican street corn filling generously into each jalapeño half.
Brush the exposed edges lightly with melted butter.
Sprinkle the tops with extra cotija cheese and a little Tajín or chili-lime seasoning if desired.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the jalapeños are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
For a more golden top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully so they do not burn.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Finish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and extra cotija cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 5 servings:
Calories: 275
Protein: 9 g
Total Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13 g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Net Carbohydrates: 10 g
Total Sugars: 6 g
Added Sugars: 0 g
Sodium: 560 mg
Potassium: 300 mg
Calcium: 180 mg
Iron: 1 mg
Nutritional Benefits
Jalapeños provide vitamin C and antioxidants, while corn contributes carbohydrates, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. The cheeses provide protein and calcium. Using fresh corn, herbs, and lime adds flavor without requiring much added sugar.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare and fill the jalapeños, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use frozen corn?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain the corn first, then cook it in a dry skillet until lightly charred.
Q: Can I grill these poppers?
A: Yes. Place them on a grill over medium heat and cook for approximately 15–20 minutes with the lid closed until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and melted.
Q: Can I make them in an air fryer?
A: Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes, checking near the end because cooking times vary between air fryers.
Q: How can I make them less spicy?
A: Remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños. You can also use milder peppers.
Q: How can I make them spicier?
A: Leave some seeds and membranes in the jalapeños or add diced serrano peppers, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the filling.
Q: Can I substitute cotija cheese?
A: Yes. Feta cheese is a convenient substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Q: Can I use regular shredded cheese?
A: Yes. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend can be used.
Q: Are these keto-friendly?
A: They can fit into a low-carb or keto diet when portioned appropriately. The estimated recipe contains about 10 g net carbohydrates per serving, mainly from the corn and vegetables.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: They can be frozen, although the texture of the cream cheese filling may change slightly after thawing. For the best texture, prepare them fresh or refrigerate the assembled poppers for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for the best texture.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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