Description
Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are a quick and flavorful snack combining sweet corn with bold Mexican spices, creamy cheese, and a touch of heat. These bite-sized, crispy morsels are perfect for parties, game day, or a tasty solo treat, capturing the essence of Mexican street food with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn Mixture
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Heat
- 1/2 cup cheese (cotija, shredded cheddar, or mozzarella)
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped, or 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Binding and Coating
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or cornmeal
- Oil, for cooking (if pan frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn Mixture: Combine corn kernels, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until all the corn is coated evenly with the creamy, zesty mixture.
- Add Cheese and Heat: Mix in your chosen cheese and finely chopped jalapeño or hot sauce to incorporate a melty texture and spicy kick.
- Form into Bites: Gradually add breadcrumbs or cornmeal while stirring to bind the mixture. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized rounds or balls, pressing firmly so they hold together well during cooking.
- Cook Until Crispy: Heat a skillet with a little oil over medium heat. Cook the corn bites for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then serve warm. Pair with dipping sauces like crema, guacamole, or salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh corn when possible for the best natural sweetness and texture.
- Don’t skip the lime juice, as it brightens and balances the rich flavors.
- Add breadcrumbs gradually to avoid dryness, just enough to hold the bites together.
- Cook in a non-stick or cast iron skillet for a golden, crispy exterior and even heat distribution.
- For gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed corn tortillas.
- Baking is a healthier alternative and can yield equally crispy bites if flipped halfway.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of jalapeño, hot sauce, or chili powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: spicy corn bites, Mexican snack, appetizer, vegetarian, gluten free, corn recipes, party food, game day snacks
