Creamy Mexican Corn Cup (Printer-Friendly)

Zesty corn with Cotija cheese, lime, and spices in a creamy, handheld serving.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Corn Mixture

01 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or thawed frozen)

→ Cream Sauce

03 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
04 - 1/2 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
05 - 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - Pinch of salt, to taste

→ Optional Flavorings

08 - 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
09 - 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)

→ Toppings

10 - 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese
11 - Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
12 - Extra chili powder, for garnish
13 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted without browning.
02 - Add 2 cups of corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred.
03 - In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Mexican crema, minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño if using, lime juice, chili powder, and salt; mix until smooth.
04 - Add the warm, sautéed corn to the creamy sauce and toss thoroughly to coat the kernels evenly.
05 - Spoon the corn mixture into individual serving cups. Top each with crumbled Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Adjust spice levels by altering jalapeño and chili powder quantities. For smoky flavor, grill corn before sautéing. Use fresh lime juice to enhance brightness.