Mexican Street Corn Nachos

Hey there, my flavor-chasing amigo! Get ready to pile up something so crazy good it’ll have you licking your fingers clean—Mexican Street Corn Nachos. Picture this: crispy tortilla chips loaded with smoky, charred corn, creamy cotija cheese, a zesty lime kick, and a drizzle of spicy crema that’ll make your taste buds dance like it’s Cinco de Mayo. The kitchen’s about to fill with that irresistible grilled corn aroma, mixed with a whiff of chili and fresh cilantro that screams fiesta. Trust me, you’re going to love this—it’s a total game-changer that’s as fun to throw together as it is to devour. Whether you’re feeding a rowdy crew or just treating yourself to a solo party, these nachos are pure gold, and I’m so stoked for you to dig in!

Why You’ll Love Mexican Street Corn Nachos

This recipe isn’t just food—it’s a vibe. Whether you’re whipping it up for a game night, a casual hang with friends, or a late-night snack attack, these nachos fit the scene like a glove. Here’s why they’re about to steal your heart:
Versatile: Perfect for a quick weeknight bite or a standout at any gathering—imagine the cheers when you bring these out.
Budget-Friendly: Uses stuff you’ve probably got lying around—corn, chips, and cheese turned into a street food masterpiece.
Quick and Easy: Simple steps that even a kitchen newbie can crush—you’ll be munching in no time.
Customizable: Dial up the heat or keep it mild—tweak it to your taste and watch it shine.
Crowd-Pleasing: Crunchy, creamy, spicy, and fresh—it’s a slam dunk for kids, adults, and everyone in between.

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Ingredients in Mexican Street Corn Nachos

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Here’s the magic of these nachos—it’s all about everyday goodies turning into a flavor explosion. Let’s break it down:

Tortilla Chips

Crispy and sturdy, they’re the foundation that holds all this goodness together.

Corn

Fresh or frozen, charred to smoky perfection—it’s the star that brings that street corn soul.

Cotija Cheese

Crumbly and salty, it’s the cheesy sprinkle that takes these nachos to the next level.

Sour Cream

Cool and creamy, it’s the base for that tangy, spicy drizzle that ties it all up.

Chili Powder

A smoky kick that adds that Mexican street vibe—don’t skip it!

Lime

Zesty and bright, it’s the fresh squeeze that wakes up every bite.

Cilantro

Chopped and vibrant, it’s the herby finish that makes it pop.

Jalapeño

Sliced and spicy, it’s the optional heat that brings the party.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this nacho masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Crank your oven to 400°F (200°C)—it’s nacho time! Get a skillet or grill pan hot over medium-high for the corn.

Combine Ingredients

Toss the corn with a little oil, salt, and chili powder—grill or skillet-char it ‘til smoky and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Mix sour cream with lime juice, a pinch of chili powder, and salt for your crema.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Grab a big baking sheet—line it with parchment or foil if you’re dodging cleanup duty.

Assemble the Dish

Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer—pile on the charred corn, crumble cotija all over, and scatter jalapeño slices if you’re feeling spicy.

Cook to Perfection

Bake for 5-7 minutes ‘til the cheese softens and everything’s warm—keep an eye out, you want it hot, not burnt!

Finishing Touches

Drizzle that lime crema over the top, squeeze on some fresh lime juice, and sprinkle with cilantro—let it sit a sec to settle.

Serve and Enjoy

Dish it up hot—serve straight from the sheet or scoop onto plates and let the fiesta begin!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 480mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Nachos

These nachos pair like a dream with a few fun extras—here’s how to make ‘em shine:
Fresh Salads: A quick tomato-cucumber salad with lime—keeps it light and fresh.
Crusty Bread: Skip the bread—warm tortillas on the side for scooping stragglers.
Creamy Accompaniments: Extra crema or a dollop of guac—because creamy is king.
Vegetable Sides: Grilled zucchini or bell peppers—adds color and crunch.
As a Standalone: They’re bold enough solo—garnish with extra cotija and a lime wedge for flair. Pile ‘em high on a platter—those vibrant colors deserve to strut their stuff!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tricks to make these nachos even better:
Prep Ahead: Char the corn and mix the crema a day early—store in the fridge for a quick assembly.
Spice It Up: Toss in some cayenne or smoked paprika for a smoky heat wave.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap cotija for feta or use dairy-free sour cream—still a fiesta.
Storage Tips: Best fresh, but leftovers keep in the fridge for a day—reheat in the oven to crisp up.
Double the Batch: Double it up on two sheets—perfect for a crowd or nacho overload.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute fresh corn with canned?
A1: You bet! Drain it well and char it up—still smoky and delish.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Sort of! Prep the corn and crema ahead—assemble and bake fresh for max crunch.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Airtight in the fridge for a day—reheat in the oven to revive the chips.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Not great—chips get soggy and corn loses its zip. Make it fresh instead.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat?
A5: Oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes—keeps the crunch alive.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Oh yeah! Two sheets, same timing—double the fiesta fun.

Q7: Is this suitable for a specific diet?
A7: Tweak it! Dairy-free crema or gluten-free chips make it work.

Q8: What sides go well with this?
A8: Tacos, a cold cerveza, or a mango salsa—fiesta vibes all around.

Q9: How can I make this healthier?
A9: Use baked chips, cut the crema, or pile on extra veggies like diced tomatoes.

Q10: What’s the best cookware?
A10: A big baking sheet—metal with parchment—for even heating and easy cleanup.

Conclusion

There you have it, my friend—Mexican Street Corn Nachos that are about to claim a permanent spot in your snack lineup. They’re quick, they’re loaded, and they’ve got that smoky, creamy magic that’ll have everyone fighting over the last chip. Whether you’re feeding a posse or just kicking back with a cold one, these nachos bring the flavor and the fun with zero stress. So grab your skillet, fire up that oven, and let’s make something so tasty it’ll have ‘em shouting “olé!”—you’ve got this nailed!

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Mexican Street Corn Nachos


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

These Mexican Street Corn Nachos combine crispy tortilla chips with creamy, spicy elote-inspired toppings—think charred corn, cotija cheese, and a zesty lime crema. Perfect for game day or a fun twist on Taco Tuesday!

Ingredients

Scale
  • Nachos:
    • 1 bag (10-12 oz) tortilla chips
    • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 23 cobs, or frozen, thawed)
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
  • Crema:
    • 1/2 cup sour cream
    • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
    • 1/2 tsp chili powder
    • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Toppings:
    • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
    • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
    • 1 tsp Tajín seasoning (or chili powder)
    • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Char the Corn: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Assemble Nachos: Spread tortilla chips in an even layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese over the chips, followed by the charred corn, then the remaining cheese.
  4. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Make the Crema: While nachos bake, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Top and Serve: Remove nachos from the oven. Drizzle with crema, then sprinkle with cotija cheese, cilantro, jalapeño slices (if using), and Tajín seasoning. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • For extra protein, add 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or black beans between the cheese layers.
  • Use canned corn (drained) if fresh isn’t available; char it for best flavor.
  • Store leftovers (without crema) in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to crisp up chips.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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