Name: Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved); 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup sour cream; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp lime juice; ¼ cup cotija cheese (crumbled); Fresh cilantro (chopped); ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp chili powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; Salt & pepper, to taste

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Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts are a delicious twist on traditional street corn, combining the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts with zesty toppings. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. With its crispy texture and creamy sauce, it offers a unique flavor profile that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices, creamy crema, and cotija cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste experience.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delightful dish ready in about 45 minutes.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish or as a main course for a meat-free meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, barbecues, or family dinners—everyone will love this unique take on street corn.
Meal Prep Friendly: You can roast the Brussels sprouts and prepare the crema ahead of time for quick assembly later.

Tools and Preparation

To make Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts, having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Ensures even roasting of Brussels sprouts for that perfect crispiness.
Mixing bowls: Helps in easily combining ingredients without mess.
Whisk: Essential for blending the crema ingredients smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Brussels Sprouts

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Crema

½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt

For the Toppings

¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
Roast for 30–35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Step 2: Make the Crema

In a small bowl, whisk together:
Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Lime juice
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Pinch of salt
Taste and adjust with extra lime juice or chili powder if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Transfer roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving platter.
Drizzle generously with crema.
Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and serve with lime wedges.

Tips & Highlights
– Brussels Sprouts: Roast until crisp for a delicious caramelized texture.
– Cotija: Adds salty tangy depth; substitute with feta if needed.
– Make it Spicy: Add hot sauce or jalapeño to the crema for heat.
– Meal Prep: Roast sprouts and prep crema ahead—assemble before serving.

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts make a vibrant and flavorful side dish that can elevate any meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this delicious recipe.

As a Side Dish

With Grilled Meats: Pair these Brussels sprouts with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
On Tacos: Use them as a filling for tacos, adding a unique twist to your favorite fillings.

As a Salad

Mixed Greens: Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with mixed greens and drizzle with extra crema for a fresh salad.
Grain Bowl: Add them to a grain bowl with quinoa or rice, topped with your choice of protein.

With Dips

Serve with Dips: Offer the Brussels sprouts alongside salsa or guacamole for an appetizer-style dish.
Creamy Dip: Use the crema as a dip for fresh veggies or tortilla chips.

How to Perfect Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

Creating the perfect Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Fresh sprouts have better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Giving each sprout space allows them to roast evenly and get crispy.
Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak the spices based on your heat preference; more chili powder adds spice.
Add More Lime Juice: A little extra lime juice brightens up the flavors and cuts through richness.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts pair well with various sides that complement their flavors. Consider these options when planning your meal.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy and flavorful, it makes a great match with the savory notes of the Brussels sprouts.
Black Bean Salad: This dish adds protein and freshness, balancing out the richness of the crema.
Spanish Rice: A classic side that offers hearty grains and pairs wonderfully with any Mexican-inspired dish.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances the street corn theme while providing a delightful crunch.
Guacamole & Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips adds different textures to your plate.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh and zesty, this salsa brings brightness and acidity that complements roasted vegetables well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the best results with your Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts, avoid these common mistakes.

Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: When roasting, ensure Brussels sprouts are spread out in a single layer. This allows them to roast evenly and become crispy.
Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the sprouts before roasting. Proper seasoning enhances flavor significantly, so use enough salt, pepper, and spices.
Not Adjusting the Crema: Taste your crema before serving. If it’s not tangy or spicy enough, adjust with extra lime juice or chili powder for a burst of flavor.
Using Old Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are key for the best texture. Check for firmness and vibrant green color; avoid any yellowed or wilted ones.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your Brussels sprouts as they roast—timing can vary based on size and freshness.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Make sure to label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and spread sprouts on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Note that they may lose some crispness.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Add sprouts and stir until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts?

Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts are roasted Brussels sprouts topped with a creamy sauce inspired by elote, featuring flavors like lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts but be sure to thaw them completely first. They may require slightly longer cooking times to achieve crispiness.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can customize by adding ingredients like jalapeños for heat or using different cheeses like feta or parmesan instead of cotija.

What do I serve with Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts?

These delicious sprouts pair well with grilled meats, tacos, or as part of a vibrant salad for a flavorful meal.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts combine unique flavors that elevate ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary. This dish is versatile—you can easily adapt it based on personal tastes or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings or spices to make it your own!