If you love the bold flavors of Mexican street corn, this Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts recipe is a delicious twist you need to try. Crispy roasted or air-fried Brussels sprouts are tossed with creamy, tangy street corn and topped with fresh cilantro, lime, and salty cotija cheese. This Mexican street corn Brussels sprouts dish is perfect as a flavorful side dish for weeknight dinners, barbecues, or holiday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the crispy texture of roasted Brussels sprouts with the creamy, zesty flavor of Mexican street corn. The combination of lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese creates a bold and satisfying flavor profile.
Another reason to love this Mexican street corn Brussels sprouts recipe is its versatility. It can be made in the oven or air fryer, making it quick and convenient. It’s also a great way to turn simple vegetables into a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper
1 (15 oz) can corn, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2–3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
¼ cup cotija cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Prepare the Brussels sprouts
In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Brussels sprouts
Air Fryer Method:
Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 6 minutes. Toss them and cook another 4–7 minutes until crispy.
Oven Method:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 18–20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until crispy and golden.
3. Prepare the street corn mixture
Add the corn to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed.
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, and paprika until smooth.
4. Combine the corn
Add the creamy mixture to the warm corn in the saucepan and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is well combined.
5. Assemble the dish
Add the corn mixture to a large bowl with the crispy Brussels sprouts. Toss gently until the sprouts are lightly coated.
6. Add toppings
Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges if desired.
Tips & Tricks
Roasting the Brussels sprouts until crispy gives the best texture.
Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
If cotija cheese isn’t available, feta cheese works as a good substitute.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Fryer or Oven
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
You can easily make this Mexican street corn Brussels sprouts recipe dairy-free by replacing sour cream with dairy-free yogurt and omitting the cheese.
For extra crunch, top with toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips.
Nutrition (Approximate)
Calories: 210
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 4g
FAQ
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, but for best texture serve immediately after cooking so the Brussels sprouts stay crispy.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh Brussels sprouts work best, but frozen can be used if fully thawed and dried.
What does Mexican street corn taste like?
It’s creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and usually topped with lime, chili powder, and cheese.
Can I grill the Brussels sprouts instead?
Yes, grilling them adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the street corn mixture.
What main dishes pair well with this recipe?
Grilled chicken, tacos, steak, or roasted fish work great with this side dish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore some crispiness before serving.
Similar Recipes
Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts
Conclusion
This Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts recipe is a bold and flavorful side dish that transforms simple vegetables into something special. With crispy Brussels sprouts, creamy street corn, and bright lime and cilantro, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress at any meal.