Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are a bold, flavorful appetizer or snack that packs all the zesty taste of Mexican street corn into bite-sized portions. These crispy, cheesy bites are perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you want to impress your guests with a fun and delicious dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor: Combines the smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors of Mexican street corn.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Party Favorite: Perfect for entertaining or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
- Jalapeño peppers, finely diced
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Lime juice
- Tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs for coating
- Eggs, beaten (for coating)
- Optional garnish: cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, lime wedges
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine corn kernels, cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapeños, chili powder, garlic powder, and lime juice. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Place them on a tray and freeze for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare a breading station with beaten eggs in one bowl and crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs in another.
- Dip each corn bite into the egg, then roll in the coating until fully covered.
- Arrange the coated bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and lime wedges before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 20 bites
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add diced habanero peppers or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with chipotle mayo, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.
- Cheese Options: Use pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different twist.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook the bites in an air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for a crispier texture.
- Vegetarian: These are naturally vegetarian, but make sure the cheese you use is rennet-free if needed.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bites and freeze them. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use canned corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain and pat the kernels dry before using.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips for the coating.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, deep-fry the bites in hot oil until golden and crispy for a more indulgent option.
What can I serve alongside these bites?
They pair well with a fresh salad, guacamole, or a zesty salsa dip.
Can I omit the jalapeños for a milder version?
Of course! Substitute with mild green chilies or simply leave them out.
How do I keep the bites from falling apart?
Chilling the mixture in the freezer before breading helps them hold their shape.
Can I use frozen corn directly?
Thaw and drain frozen corn before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
What’s the best way to crush tortilla chips for the coating?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin, or pulse in a food processor for finer crumbs.
Can I add protein to the mixture?
Sure! Diced cooked chicken or crumbled bacon would be delicious additions.
Conclusion
Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are a flavor-packed snack that’s sure to become a favorite at your table. With their crispy exterior and cheesy, spicy filling, they offer the perfect balance of texture and taste. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, these bites are a surefire hit for any occasion. Try them today and bring a taste of Mexican street food to your kitchen!
PrintSpicy Mexican Corn Bites
Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are a zesty and flavorful appetizer inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican street corn. These crispy, cheesy bites are filled with sweet corn, tangy lime, and a spicy kick, perfect for parties, game days, or snacking!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- For the Corn Bites:
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed (or fresh corn)
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For Garnish:
- Lime wedges
- Extra cilantro
- Chili powder or TajÃn
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, cotija cheese, cheddar cheese, cilantro, jalapeños, egg, flour, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined and a thick mixture forms.
- Shape the Bites:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form it into small balls or patties. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Test the oil with a small drop of batter—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Corn Bites:
- Fry the corn bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Arrange the corn bites on a serving platter. Garnish with extra cilantro, a sprinkle of chili powder or TajÃn, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake the bites at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Serve with dipping sauces like sour cream, guacamole, or spicy mayo for added flavor.
- Add diced red bell peppers or green onions for extra color and crunch.