Mini Elote Cups (Mexican Street Corn Appetizers)

All the bold, creamy, cheesy flavors of Mexican street corn served in bite-sized appetizer cups! These little elote cups are perfect for parties, holidays, or family gatherings.


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🛒 Ingredients

4 cups frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels, about 5–6 ears)

2 tbsp butter

⅓ cup mayonnaise

⅓ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)

½ cup cotija cheese (crumbled, plus more for garnish)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp chili powder (plus extra for topping)

½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

Juice of 1 lime (plus lime wedges for serving)

2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped

20–24 mini appetizer cups or shot glasses



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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the corn:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add corn and sauté until heated through and slightly charred, about 5–7 minutes.


2. Mix the base:
Transfer corn to a mixing bowl. Stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, chili powder, paprika, lime juice, and most of the cotija cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.


3. Assemble cups:
Spoon the creamy elote mixture into mini appetizer cups or shot glasses.


4. Garnish:
Sprinkle with extra cotija cheese, a dash of chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.




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🌟 Tips & Variations

Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Healthier swap: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

Grilled version: Grill fresh corn on the cob, cut kernels off, then proceed with recipe.

Party tip: Make the corn mixture ahead of time, then assemble into cups just before serving.



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✨ These Mini Elote Cups are creamy, zesty, and packed with flavor. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappear fast at any party!