Mexican Street Corn Brussels

Bright, crispy Brussels sprouts paired with creamy, bold street corn flavors make this Mexican Street Corn Brussels a delightful dish. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, this unique recipe combines the crunch of roasted sprouts with the savory taste of street corn. It’s vegetarian-friendly and sure to impress anyone at the table with its vibrant flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The mix of spices and creamy dressing perfectly complements the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts and corn.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip this dish up in just 30 minutes.
• Versatile Side Dish: Great for barbecues, holiday dinners, or as a healthy addition to any meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish appeals to both veggie lovers and those who might not favor Brussels sprouts.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and minerals, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer or oven
• Baking sheet
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: Provides a quick way to achieve that crispy texture without using much oil.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for evenly roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven for maximum flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients easily, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth dressing by blending all components thoroughly.

Ingredients

Bright, crispy Brussels sprouts paired with creamy, bold street corn flavors.

For the Brussels Sprouts

• 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Corn Mixture

• 1 (15 oz) can corn, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

For Garnish

• 2–3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese, grated

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Brussels

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Combine the brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
– For air frying: Place them in an air fryer basket and air fry at 380°F for 6 minutes. Toss and air fry for an additional 4-7 minutes until crispy.
– For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, tossing halfway through until crispy.

Step 2: Warm the Corn

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the canned corn for a few minutes until heated through.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Dressing with Corn

Add the dressing mixture to the saucepan with the warmed corn. Stir well and let cook for an additional 2 minutes while mixing frequently.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

In a serving bowl, toss the crispy brussels sprouts with the corn mixture until they are lightly coated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Top your dish with cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve immediately for best flavor!

With this simple guide to making Mexican Street Corn Brussels, you’re ready to impress your family or guests with a delicious side dish that’s full of flavor!

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Brussels

Serving Mexican Street Corn Brussels is all about enhancing the flavors and textures of this delightful dish. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it.

As a Standalone Side Dish

• Perfect for pairing with grilled meats or tacos, this dish adds a fresh and zesty element to your meal.

In a Salad Bowl

• Combine Mexican Street Corn Brussels with mixed greens, avocado, and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant salad that’s packed with flavor.

Topped on Tacos

• Use these Brussels as a flavorful topping for soft or crispy tacos, adding an unexpected twist that complements traditional fillings.

With Lime Wedges

• Serve with extra lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors and adds freshness.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Brussels

To achieve the best results with your Mexican Street Corn Brussels, follow these tips.

• Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Opt for bright green, firm Brussels sprouts for the best texture and flavor.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking, ensure that the Brussels sprouts are in a single layer. This helps them crisp up nicely.

• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the chili powder and paprika levels according to your spice preference for a personalized kick.

• Experiment with Cheeses: While cotija cheese is traditional, try using feta or queso fresco for different flavor profiles.

• Serve Immediately: To enjoy maximum crunchiness, serve this dish right after preparation; it’s best fresh!

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Brussels

Mexican Street Corn Brussels can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their deliciousness. Consider these options:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers bring smoky flavors that pair beautifully with the creamy Brussels.

2. Corn Tortillas: Soft corn tortillas are perfect for wrapping around these Brussels or serving alongside them.

3. Black Bean Salad: This protein-packed salad adds heartiness and pairs well with the flavors of corn and spices.

4. Avocado Rice: Creamy avocado rice offers a rich contrast to the crispy texture of the Brussels sprouts.

5. Spicy Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with spices provide a satisfying crunch that complements the main dish.

6. Tomato Salsa: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity, balancing out the creaminess of the dish nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Street Corn Brussels, it’s easy to make a few mistakes that can impact the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Overcrowding the cooking pan: This can lead to uneven cooking and soggy Brussels sprouts. Always ensure they are in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
• Skipping the seasoning: A lack of salt and spices will dull the flavors. Make sure to season the Brussels sprouts and corn mixture generously for a vibrant taste.
• Using low-quality mayonnaise: Not all mayo is created equal. Choose a creamy, full-flavored mayonnaise for the best result in your dressing.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice truly elevate this dish. Using dried herbs or bottled lime juice can dull its brightness.
• Forgetting to toss during cooking: If you don’t toss the Brussels sprouts while cooking, they may not brown evenly. Be sure to give them a good shake halfway through.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let cool completely before sealing the container to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Brussels

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 2 months.
• Label with date for better tracking.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Brussels

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mexican Street Corn Brussels?

Mexican Street Corn Brussels is a flavorful side dish that combines crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with creamy street corn dressing inspired by traditional elote.

How do I make Mexican Street Corn Brussels spicy?

To add more heat, consider increasing the chili powder or adding diced jalapeños into the corn mixture. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

While fresh is best for texture, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. Just thaw and pat dry before cooking, as excess moisture can prevent crispiness.

What other cheeses can I use besides cotija?

Feta cheese or queso fresco are great alternatives if cotija is not available. They will provide similar creaminess and flavor profiles.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust spices according to your taste preferences. You can also substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream if desired.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Brussels is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and customizable! This recipe brings together bright flavors that complement any meal as a side dish. Try experimenting with additional toppings or spices to make it uniquely yours!