Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup (Esquites) Delight!

Name: Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen & thawed); 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; ½ cup Mexican crema (or sour cream); ½ cup Cotija cheese (crumbled, or feta as a substitute); 1 garlic clove, minced (optional); 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat); 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for topping); Salt, to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Jessica Baker

Update : December 31, 2025

Creamy Mexican street corn in a cup topped with cheese and spices

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup, or Esquites, is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for any gathering or just as a special treat on a regular day. This dish is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and offers a delightful twist to the classic street corn served on the cob.

How to Make Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup

Ingredients:

4 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen & thawed)
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
½ cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
½ cup Cotija cheese (crumbled, or feta as a substitute)
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for topping)
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add corn kernels and sauté until lightly charred, about 5–7 minutes. (You can grill the corn first for a smoky flavor before cutting it off the cob).
In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, crema, garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
Add the warm corn to the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Scoop the corn mixture into serving cups.
Sprinkle with Cotija cheese, extra chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
Garnish with a lime wedge on the side.
Enjoy warm with a squeeze of lime juice before eating!

How to Serve Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup

Serve your Creamy Mexican Street Corn in individual cups for a fun and festive presentation. It’s great as a party snack, appetizer, or a side dish at your next barbecue. Feel free to add extra lime wedges and chili powder on the table for guests who want more zing.

How to Store Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish is best enjoyed fresh but can last for about 2–3 days. If the corn mixture thickens too much, add a little extra cream or mayonnaise to loosen it up before serving again.

Tips to Make Creamy Mexican Street Corn in a Cup

For added flavor, use fresh grilled corn on the cob if available.
Don’t skip the lime juice; it adds a zing that perfectly balances the creamy elements.
Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño according to your taste.
Experiment with different toppings like avocado or diced tomatoes for an extra fresh taste.

Variation

You can add ingredients like diced red onion, chopped bell peppers, or avocado to create your own version of Esquites. You can also use different types of cheese based on your preference.

FAQs

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can use canned corn. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before using.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it contains no gluten ingredients.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the corn mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just wait to serve it until it’s warmed up again for the best flavor!