If you’re craving a dish that brings together the tangy zest of Mexican street corn with the comforting goodness of Brussels sprouts, you’ve hit the jackpot! This Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe is a fantastic way to elevate simple ingredients into a stunning side or even a main dish. The creaminess of Cotija cheese melds beautifully with the roasted veggies, accented by bright cilantro and a perfect seasoning balance. Whether you’re new to Brussels sprouts or a longtime fan, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to unlocking the true magic of this recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish shine.
- 1 pound Brussels Sprouts (Quarter if large): Fresh and firm sprouts provide a hearty base with a slight natural bitterness that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps achieve that gorgeous roasted finish; vegetable oil can step in if you prefer.
- Seasoning to taste (Salt, Pepper): Simple seasonings are crucial—they enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 16 ounces Frozen Mexican Street Corn: Convenient, flavorful mix of charred corn, peppers, and spices that brings authentic Mexican flair.
- 1 cup Cotija Cheese: This crumbly, salty cheese melts slightly to create luscious creaminess; feta is a fine substitute if needed.
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (Optional garnish): Fresh cilantro adds an herby brightness that lifts every bite with a pop of green.
How to Make Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Start by trimming any tough ends and quartering the Brussels sprouts if they’re large. This ensures even cooking and a tender bite without losing the slight crispiness that makes this dish so enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté Brussels Sprouts
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Cook them gently, allowing the edges to caramelize while keeping the centers tender, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally so they brown evenly without burning.
Step 3: Add Mexican Street Corn
Mix in the frozen Mexican street corn directly, stirring to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes until the corn is heated through and melded with the sprouts, imparting that signature smoky, spicy flavor you’ll love.
Step 4: Stir in Cotija Cheese
Lower the heat and sprinkle the Cotija cheese over the mixture. Stir just enough to begin melting the cheese and coat the vegetables in that creamy, salty goodness. This step is what makes this dish truly irresistible.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top if you like a fresh herbal touch. Your Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe is now ready to impress!
How to Serve Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Cotija or feta cheese adds an appealing salty crumble, while a handful of fresh cilantro provides a burst of color and freshness. For a little heat, consider a dusting of smoked paprika or a few sliced jalapeños on top.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. If you want a vegetarian feast, serve it alongside warm tortillas and a light avocado salad. The textures and flavors will balance and complement each other beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve this delight in small cast iron skillets or rustic bowls, garnished with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze. You might also turn it into a festive taco filling or layer it over a bed of quinoa or rice for added heartiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen but the sprouts might soften slightly, so consume within this time frame for the best texture.
Freezing
This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing since the texture of the Brussels sprouts and corn can become mushy after thawing. For the freshest flavor and texture, it’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of olive oil or water to rehydrate the mixture if it feels dry. Microwave reheating is also fine but watch carefully to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen Mexican street corn?
Absolutely! Fresh corn will bring a slightly sweeter and sweeter note, but you might miss the smoky spices found in the frozen mix. Simply char the fresh corn before adding for the best effect.
Is Cotija cheese essential for this recipe?
Cotija cheese provides a signature salty tang and crumbly texture, but feta can be a great substitute if you can’t find Cotija. Avoid cheeses that melt too much as you want that creamy yet slightly crumbly experience.
Can I make this dish vegan?
You can make an easy vegan version by skipping the cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast could also add a savory, cheesy flavor without dairy.
What if I don’t like Brussels sprouts?
If Brussels sprouts aren’t your favorite, try substituting with chopped roasted cauliflower or broccoli to keep the vegetable component while still enjoying the creamy, spicy street corn flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the Mexican street corn used. Most frozen varieties have mild to moderate spice, making it suitable for a wide audience. You can always add fresh chili or hot sauce if you want more kick!
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe with you feels like sharing a little culinary sunshine. It’s an easy, flavorful, and colorful dish that truly stands out at any meal. Dive in, make it your own, and enjoy the wonderful creamy, tangy, and smoky notes that are sure to impress friends and family alike!
Print
Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight is a vibrant and flavorful side dish combining tender roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet Mexican street corn, creamy cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for adding a Tex-Mex twist to your vegetable repertoire, this quick and easy recipe brings bold flavors and a satisfying creamy texture to your table in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound Brussels Sprouts (Quarter if large)
- 16 ounces Frozen Mexican Street Corn (Available at Trader Joe’s)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (Optional garnish)
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Substitute with any vegetable oil if needed)
- To taste Seasoning (Salt, Pepper) (Adjust according to preference)
Cheese
- 1 cup Cotija Cheese (Feta can be used as a substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Start by washing and trimming the Brussels sprouts. Cut them into quarters if they are large to ensure even cooking. This will help them become tender and develop a nice roasted texture.
- Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the quartered Brussels sprouts to the skillet, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and tender.
- Add Corn: Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked through, add the frozen Mexican street corn directly into the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the corn is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Incorporate Cheese: Lower the heat and sprinkle the cotija cheese over the mixture. Stir gently to combine the cheese with the vegetables, allowing it to become creamy without fully melting, offering a rich and tangy taste to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of freshness and color. Serve warm as a delicious and creamy side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute cotija cheese with feta cheese for a similar tangy flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper based on your taste preferences.
- For extra spice, sprinkle chili powder or cayenne pepper while cooking the Brussels sprouts.
