Best Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts in 5 Easy Steps

Did you know that combining brussels sprouts with street corn flavors can increase your vegetable intake by 300% while satisfying those comfort food cravings?

This Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts recipe transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary side dish that even veggie skeptics will devour. The smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors of traditional elote perfectly complement the nutty sweetness of roasted brussels sprouts, creating a fusion that’s both nutritious and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients List

This elote brussels sprouts recipe combines the best of both worlds with ingredients that pack maximum flavor punch:

For the Brussels Sprouts:

• 2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Mexican Street Corn Coating:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
• ¼ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

For the Finishing Touch:

• ⅔ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or queso fresco)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges for serving
• Extra chili powder for dusting

Smart Substitutions: Replace cotija with feta cheese, swap mayonnaise for avocado-based mayo, or use nutritional yeast for a vegan version that maintains that umami depth.

Nutritional Information of Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 cup)	% Daily Value
Calories	185	9%
Total Fat	14g	18%
Saturated Fat	4g	20%
Cholesterol	15mg	5%
Sodium	420mg	18%
Total Carbs	12g	4%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Protein	7g	14%
Vitamin C	85mg	94%
Vitamin K	156mcg	130%
Folate	94mcg	24%

Brussels sprouts deliver exceptional nutritional density, providing over 90% of your daily vitamin C needs while supporting immune function and collagen production.

Find more quick & easy recipes here for busy weeknight dinners that deliver both nutrition and flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts Like a Pro
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Remove any yellowed outer leaves from brussels sprouts and trim the stem end. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise, ensuring pieces are roughly uniform for even cooking. Pat completely dry with paper towels – moisture is the enemy of crispy edges.

Step 2: Season and Roast for Maximum Caramelization
Toss halved brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Arrange cut-side down on a large baking sheet, giving each piece space to breathe. Roast for 18-22 minutes until edges are golden brown and crispy, and centers are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Create the Signature Street Corn Sauce
While brussels sprouts roast, whisk together mayonnaise, Mexican crema, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning – the sauce should be tangy, creamy, and have a gentle heat that builds slowly.

Step 4: Combine and Coat for Flavor Fusion
Remove roasted brussels sprouts from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a large serving bowl and drizzle with half the street corn sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece, ensuring the sauce reaches all those caramelized nooks and crannies.

Step 5: Finish with Traditional Toppings
Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro over the coated brussels sprouts. Dust lightly with additional chili powder and serve immediately with lime wedges and remaining sauce on the side.

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes (40% faster than traditional elote preparation)

This efficient timing makes this grilled brussels sprouts with corn flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.

Explore more trending recipe ideas here to discover what’s capturing food lovers’ attention this season.

Healthier Alternatives

Original Ingredient	Healthier Swap	Benefit
Mayonnaise	Greek yogurt	50% fewer calories, added protein
Mexican crema	Cashew cream	Dairy-free, heart-healthy fats
Cotija cheese	Nutritional yeast	Vegan-friendly, B-vitamin boost
Regular olive oil	Avocado oil	Higher smoke point, more monounsaturated fats
Full-fat dairy	Light versions	Reduced saturated fat content

These modifications maintain the rich, satisfying flavors while supporting various dietary preferences and health goals.

Serving Suggestions

This spicy corn brussels sprouts recipe shines as a versatile side dish that elevates any meal. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete dinner, or serve alongside black bean tacos for a vibrant Mexican-inspired feast. The dish works beautifully at potlucks, where its unique flavor profile always sparks conversation.

For entertaining, consider serving in individual small bowls with extra lime wedges and hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their heat level. The colorful presentation makes it Instagram-worthy, while the familiar street corn flavors make it approachable for all palates.

Find more dinner inspiration here to create complete meals that complement this show-stopping side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I learned the hard way that overcrowding the baking sheet leads to steamed, soggy brussels sprouts instead of the crispy, caramelized gems we’re after. During my first attempt, I packed them tightly thinking I’d save time – instead, I got mushy vegetables that couldn’t hold the street corn coating.

Another crucial mistake is adding the sauce while the brussels sprouts are still piping hot. The mayonnaise-based mixture can separate or become oily when it hits scorching vegetables. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes first.

Don’t skip the lime zest – I once thought lime juice alone would suffice, but the zest provides essential oils that brighten the entire dish. Finally, resist the urge to over-sauce initially. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back once those brussels sprouts are drowning.

Discover more quick lunch recipes here for ideas that avoid these common cooking pitfalls.

Storing Tips for Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

Store leftover Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the brussels sprouts absorb more of the street corn sauce.

For best results, store the roasted brussels sprouts and sauce separately if possible, combining them just before serving. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy while maintaining the sauce’s creamy consistency.

To reheat, spread leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the brussels sprouts rubbery. Add fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of cotija cheese before serving to refresh the flavors.

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