If you are craving a vibrant, bold, and flavorful veggie dish, this Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet. It takes humble Brussels sprouts and transforms them into a fiesta on your plate by combining the sweet, smoky goodness of Mexican street corn with a luscious creamy element, topped off with salty cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. The result is a dish that is both comforting and exciting, perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. Trust me, this recipe turns an everyday vegetable into a star you’ll want to cook again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in building the irresistible flavors and textures. From the crispy Brussels sprouts to the creamy cheese and fresh herbs, every bite is a delight.
- 1 pound Brussels Sprouts: Quarter them if they are large to ensure even cooking and a perfect crisp-tender texture.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: This adds a lovely richness and helps the sprouts caramelize beautifully; you can substitute with any vegetable oil if preferred.
- Seasoning (Salt, Pepper) to taste: Simple but essential to bring out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- 16 ounces Frozen Mexican Street Corn: You’ll find this at Trader Joe’s or specialty stores; it offers that authentic sweet and smoky flavor without extra effort.
- 1 cup Cotija Cheese: Adds a salty, crumbly tang that perfectly complements the creamy elements; feta can be swapped in as a substitute.
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (Optional garnish): Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Start by washing and trimming the Brussels sprouts, then cut them into quarters if they are on the larger side. This helps them cook through evenly and develop a nice caramelized edge when sautéed.
Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Cook them until they are golden brown and tender, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. This step is where the sprouts develop that satisfying caramelized flavor, making every bite deliciously complex.
Step 3: Cook the Mexican Street Corn
In the same skillet, add the frozen Mexican street corn. Stir and cook with the Brussels sprouts until the corn is warmed through and starts to get a slight char, about 5 minutes. This adds a wonderful smoky note that perfectly contrasts with the creamy cheese.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Touch
Sprinkle the cotija cheese over the hot mixture while it’s still in the pan. Stir gently so it starts to melt just a little and coat the veggies with its salty, crumbly goodness. This is the magic moment that turns the dish into the Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe you’ve been dreaming about.
How to Serve Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with fresh cilantro sprinkled on top. Not only does it add a pop of vibrant green color, but its fresh, citrusy flavor balances the richness of the cheese and oil wonderfully. For an extra kick, a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of chili powder works beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
This creamy and flavorful dish pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or even crispy fish. If you want to keep it vegetarian, serve it alongside a hearty quinoa salad or a simple black bean and avocado salsa to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve this dish family-style in a rustic cast-iron skillet or arrange it on a colorful platter with lime wedges and extra cotija on the side. It also makes a vibrant taco filling or a topping for loaded baked potatoes—endless options to get creative and impress your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making this a great option for a quick lunch or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes fairly well, especially if you want to keep the creamy texture intact. Freeze in a sealed container for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or olive oil can help restore the creaminess and softness you love.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen Mexican street corn?
Absolutely! Fresh corn will give you a slightly sweeter taste and more texture contrast, but be sure to roast or sauté it well to mimic that smoky flavor from the frozen version.
Is this recipe spicy?
By default, no, but you can easily add heat with crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or diced jalapeño to suit your spice preferences.
Can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Yes! Swap out the cotija cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or skip the cheese entirely, adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor plus a bit of extra seasoning.
What sides go well with this dish?
Grilled or roasted meats, fresh salads, or grain-based dishes like rice or quinoa complement this recipe wonderfully, enhancing the overall meal experience.
How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from becoming bitter?
Cooking them until they are golden rather than overcooked helps minimize bitterness. Also, seasoning well and pairing with sweet and creamy ingredients, like in this recipe, balances any bitter notes.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s a brilliant combination of textures and flavors that feel festive yet comforting. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner or jazz up your weekly vegetable routine, this dish has it all. Give it a go, and share the joy of every delicious bite with those you love!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irresistibly Creamy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Delight combines tender roasted Brussels sprouts with the sweet, spicy flavors of Mexican street corn, all coated in a luscious, creamy cotija cheese sauce. A perfect side dish that brings a unique twist to your vegetable repertoire with a blend of textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound Brussels Sprouts, quartered if large
- 16 ounces Frozen Mexican Street Corn (available at Trader Joe’s)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
Others
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or any vegetable oil as substitute)
- To taste Seasoning: Salt and Pepper (adjust according to preference)
- 1 cup Cotija Cheese (or Feta cheese as a substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse and trim the Brussels sprouts, then quarter them if they are large to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Cook Brussels Sprouts: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and nicely browned.
- Add Mexican Street Corn: Lower the heat to medium and stir in the frozen Mexican street corn. Cook together for 3-5 minutes until the corn is warmed through and starts to blend with the Brussels sprouts.
- Incorporate Cotija Cheese: Sprinkle cotija cheese over the mixture, allowing it to melt slightly and create a creamy coating on the vegetables. Stir gently to combine the flavors evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, transfer to serving dishes, and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm for a flavorful side dish or light main course.
Notes
- If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta cheese provides a similar tangy creaminess.
- Adjust the seasoning of salt and pepper according to personal taste; the cotija cheese is naturally salty.
- For an extra kick, sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper along with the seasonings.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main course.
