Looking for a snack that’s bold, flavorful, and just a little spicy? Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are exactly what you need. Picture perfectly crispy little bites of sweet corn with a kick of heat, all wrapped up in a warm, cheesy, savory bite that makes your taste buds dance. These little gems are so irresistible, you might just eat them all before anyone else even gets a chance to try them!
They’re great as an appetizer for your next party, or even as a fun snack for movie night. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to party treat. You won’t believe how easy they are to make and how much flavor they pack into each little bite!
Why You’ll Love Spicy Mexican Corn Bites
These spicy little snacks aren’t just full of flavor—they’re also:
Full of Flavor
The combination of sweet corn, zesty spices, and creamy cheese creates the perfect balance of savory and spicy. Every bite is packed with flavor, and that kick from the chili powder and cayenne will keep you coming back for more.
Easy to Make
With just a few simple ingredients, these spicy corn bites come together in no time. You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to make these. They’re the perfect snack for when you want something tasty without a lot of effort.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a fiesta, tailgating, or just hanging out with friends, these spicy corn bites are perfect for any gathering. They’re sure to impress and get devoured fast!
Customizable
If you like things extra spicy, feel free to amp up the heat with more cayenne pepper or add some diced jalapeños for an extra punch. Want a milder version? You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Perfectly Snackable
These little bites are easy to pop in your mouth and are so satisfying, they make the perfect snack for any time of day. Plus, they’re handheld, making them ideal for snacking while watching the game or hanging out.
Ingredients in Spicy Mexican Corn Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious corn bites:
Sweet Corn
The star of the show! Sweet corn adds a pop of sweetness and flavor to these bites, making them the perfect base for the spicy, cheesy goodness.
Jalapeño
For a little heat and flavor, jalapeños bring that perfect spicy kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese adds a creamy texture that ties everything together, making each bite smooth and velvety.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is the melty, savory goodness that makes these bites extra cheesy and satisfying. It also helps bind everything together.
Chili Powder and Cayenne Pepper
These spices give the corn bites their bold Mexican flavor and the spicy kick you crave. If you’re a spice lover, feel free to add more!
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder gives a savory depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Green Onion
Green onions bring a fresh, mild onion flavor and a little crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these spicy, cheesy corn bites:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the bites from sticking.
Prepare the Corn Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet corn, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeño, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and green onion. Stir everything together until well combined. The cream cheese will help bind everything, while the spices give the mixture that bold, flavorful kick.
Form the Bites
Use your hands or a spoon to form small, bite-sized balls or patties with the corn mixture. About 1 to 2 tablespoons per bite works perfectly. You can make them as big or small as you like!
Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place the formed corn bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to avoid burning.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving. These little bites are best enjoyed warm, so dig in while they’re still cheesy and crispy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Spicy Mexican Corn Bites
These spicy corn bites are great on their own, but here are some ideas to take them to the next level:
With Sour Cream
Serve the corn bites with a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema on the side for a creamy contrast to the heat.
Guacamole
Pair these bites with a side of fresh guacamole for an extra layer of flavor. The cool, creamy guac balances out the spiciness of the corn bites perfectly.
As a Party Snack
These little bites are perfect for parties or game day! Serve them with other Mexican-inspired appetizers like chips and salsa, queso dip, or mini tacos.
With Salsa
For even more flavor, dip these corn bites in a zesty salsa. Whether you prefer a mild tomato salsa or a spicier version with roasted peppers, it’s the perfect complement to these tasty bites.
As an Appetizer
These spicy corn bites make a great appetizer to serve before your main meal. They’re perfect for dipping and sharing with friends and family.
Additional Tips
Use Frozen Corn
If fresh corn isn’t in season, feel free to use frozen corn instead. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before using it in the recipe.
Make Them Spicier
If you like more heat, you can add extra cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even some diced fresh jalapeños. Adjust the seasoning to your preference!
Make Ahead
You can prep these corn bites ahead of time by assembling the mixture and forming the bites. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven.
Store Leftovers
Store any leftover corn bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these without cheese?
A1: Yes, if you want to make these dairy-free, you can leave out the cheese and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The bites will still be flavorful, just a bit lighter.
Q2: Can I freeze these corn bites?
A2: Yes! You can freeze the uncooked corn bites. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q3: How can I make these less spicy?
A3: If you prefer less spice, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can also leave out the jalapeños or use just a small amount for a milder flavor.
Q4: Can I make these corn bites in advance?
A4: Yes, you can prepare the corn mixture and form the bites ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q5: What should I serve with these corn bites?
A5: These corn bites pair wonderfully with a variety of dips, such as guacamole, sour cream, or salsa. They also go great with Mexican-style dishes like tacos, quesadillas, or nachos.
These Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and spicy. With their bold flavors and easy preparation, they’ll quickly become your new favorite snack or party appetizer. Get ready for your taste buds to fall in love!
PrintSpicy Mexican Corn Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20–25 corn bites (depending on size) 1x
Description
Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are a flavorful and bite-sized appetizer that combines sweet corn with a zesty blend of spices, perfect for adding a little heat to your next gathering. These crispy, savory bites are topped with tangy cotija cheese and a kick of chili powder, offering a delightful fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish at your next fiesta!
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels (or fresh corn, cooked)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup grated cotija cheese (or Parmesan cheese as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for garnish)
- Additional chili powder and cotija cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the dry ingredients are well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, and cilantro to the dry mixture and stir until smooth. Fold in the corn kernels and grated cotija cheese, making sure the corn is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the Corn Bites: Once the oil is hot, spoon tablespoon-sized portions of the corn batter into the skillet. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon to form small fritters. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Garnish: Once fried, remove the corn bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and sprinkle with additional chili powder and cotija cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. These corn bites are best enjoyed with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- You can bake these instead of frying them by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and baking at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- These can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a crispy texture.
- You can substitute cotija cheese with feta or even queso fresco if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 corn bite
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg