There’s something magical about the combination of flavors and textures found in Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts. Imagine biting into perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, their outer leaves crisped to golden perfection, while a creamy, zesty sauce dances on your taste buds like a mariachi band at a fiesta.
This dish brings back memories of summer barbecues and street food markets, where the aroma of grilled corn fills the air and laughter echoes all around. It’s an experience that transforms any meal into a vibrant celebration, perfect for gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings
- Bursting with bold flavors, this dish is visually stunning with its colorful toppings
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a side or a main vegetarian delight
- You can customize it based on what you have on hand, making it a true crowd-pleaser
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their eyes lit up like kids in a candy store when they took their first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Brussels Sprouts: Select fresh and firm Brussels sprouts; they should be bright green without any yellowing.
Fresh Corn: Use sweet corn on the cob for that authentic street corn flavor; frozen corn works too if fresh isn’t available.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayo adds creaminess; try using flavored mayo for an extra kick.
Chili Powder: Go for smoked chili powder for a robust flavor that really enhances the dish.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness beautifully.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds a salty contrast; feel free to substitute feta if needed.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides an aromatic finish; if you’re not a fan, parsley works too!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help caramelize those Brussels sprouts to perfection.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends off each Brussels sprout and cut them in half. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
Roast Until Golden: Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in one even layer. Roast them for about 20-25 minutes until they’re crispy outside and tender inside.
Cook the Corn: While the sprouts roast, grill or sauté your corn until it’s slightly charred—about 5-7 minutes should do! This step adds that delightful smoky flavor reminiscent of street fairs.
Create the Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and half of the Cotija cheese until smooth. Adjust seasoning according to taste—this is where you can let your creativity shine!
Combine Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine roasted Brussels sprouts with charred corn and drizzle your creamy sauce over them. Toss gently to coat everything well.
Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and remaining Cotija cheese sprinkled on top while basking in compliments from family or friends who will surely ask for seconds!
You Must Know
- Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts are a delightful twist on traditional street corn, offering a smoky flavor and crunchy texture
- The vibrant colors and aromas bring joy to your dinner table, making them an irresistible side dish or appetizer
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the Brussels sprouts until they’re golden brown. While they roast, prepare the creamy topping for maximum flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients like cotija cheese for feta or add chili powder for extra spice. Customize it based on your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure Brussels sprouts are evenly cut for uniform cooking
- Use fresh cilantro instead of dried for a burst of flavor
- Experiment with lime juice for extra zest that brightens flavors beautifully
Sometimes, I whip these up for friends, and their delighted faces remind me why I love cooking—sharing joy through food is simply magical!
FAQ
What is the best way to prepare Brussels sprouts?
Trim and halve them before roasting for even cooking and crispy edges.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sprouts and topping separately and combine them before serving.
How do I know when Brussels sprouts are done cooking?
Look for a golden-brown color and a tender texture, usually about 20-25 minutes in the oven.
Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts
Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts are a vibrant, flavorful dish that transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a fiesta of taste. Roasted to golden perfection and tossed in a creamy, zesty sauce with sweet corn, this dish is perfect for entertaining or a cozy dinner at home. With colorful toppings like Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, every bite is a celebration of bold flavors and textures that will impress family and friends alike.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 ears fresh corn, kernels removed (or 2 cups frozen corn)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp smoked chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden.
- While roasting, grill or sauté corn until slightly charred (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and half the Cotija cheese.
- Combine roasted Brussels sprouts with charred corn and drizzle with the sauce. Toss gently.
- Serve immediately topped with remaining Cotija cheese and extra lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
