Description
Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are a flavorful and cheesy appetizer featuring fresh or frozen corn combined with a blend of cotija and pepper jack cheeses, seasoned with chili powder and smoked paprika. Baked to golden perfection in a mini muffin pan, these bites offer a delightful spicy kick and creamy texture, perfect for parties or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray or oil to ensure the corn bites don’t stick.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, crumbled cotija cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, chopped cilantro, finely chopped green onions, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients well until evenly mixed.
- Add Binding Ingredients: Crack the egg into the bowl, then add the all-purpose flour and cornmeal. Stir thoroughly to create a thick batter that holds together well for baking.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into each cup of the prepared mini muffin pan, filling them all the way to the top. Press down gently on each to compact the mixture evenly.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the bites are set firmly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the corn bites to cool slightly before carefully removing them. Serve warm, optionally with lime wedges or a drizzle of hot sauce for added zest.
Notes
- For extra heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
- These corn bites can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or air fryer before serving.
- If cotija cheese is not available, feta cheese is a great substitute.
