Description
Mexican Street Corn Tostadas are a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic elote, featuring grilled or roasted corn mixed with creamy mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and a blend of smoky and spicy seasonings. Served on crispy tostada shells and topped with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, these tostadas offer a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors perfect for a quick appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn Mixture
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn, grilled and cut off the cob, or canned corn)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Tostada Assembly
- 6 small tostada shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Street Corn: If using fresh corn, grill or roast the corn ears until lightly charred and tender. Cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen or canned corn, thaw or drain thoroughly.
- Mix the Corn Mixture: In a bowl, combine the corn kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream or Mexican crema, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until the corn is fully coated and the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Tostadas: Spoon a generous amount of the prepared street corn mixture onto each tostada shell, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese over the topped tostadas and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves for added flavor and color.
- Serve: Serve the Mexican Street Corn Tostadas immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing fresh lime juice over the top just before eating to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- To char the corn, you can use a grill, grill pan, or broiler for best flavor.
- If cotija cheese is unavailable, feta can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount for desired heat level or omit if you prefer no heat.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute vegan mayonnaise and omit cotija cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Tostada shells can be homemade by frying or baking corn tortillas until crisp, or purchased pre-made for convenience.
