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 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; For the Crema:; ½ cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Pinch of salt; For the Toppings:; ¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges for serving

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Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts are a creative twist on the traditional Mexican street corn. Roasted Brussels sprouts are enhanced with a tangy crema, smoky chili powder, salty cotija cheese, and fresh lime, making for a bold and irresistible side dish. This recipe transforms simple Brussels sprouts into a flavor-packed sensation that will impress your family and guests.

Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts bring together all the best elements of Mexican street corn, but with the added depth and crunch of roasted Brussels sprouts. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:

Bold Flavor Profile: The balance of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors makes each bite exciting.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasting the Brussels sprouts gives them a satisfying crispiness, while the inside remains tender.
Creamy and Tangy Crema: The lime-infused crema adds a smooth and zesty richness that complements the crispy sprouts perfectly.
Rich and Salty Cotija Cheese: The crumbly, salty cotija cheese ties the entire dish together with its savory depth.
Customization Options: You can adjust the spice level or add extra toppings like avocado or fresh cilantro to suit your preferences.
Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking method, this recipe is quick and effortless.
Healthy Yet Indulgent: Roasted Brussels sprouts are full of nutrients, and the creamy toppings make them feel indulgent.
Perfect for a Crowd: Whether for a dinner party or a BBQ, this dish is sure to impress a crowd.
Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a great vegetarian option and can be easily made gluten-free.
Fresh and Flavorful: The vibrant combination of lime, chili powder, and fresh cilantro brings an explosion of fresh flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brussels Sprouts:

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

For the Crema:

½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt

For the Toppings:

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

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Spread the Brussels sprouts evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for about 35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Crema: While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Assemble the Dish: Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the crema over the sprouts, then sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
Serve: Serve the Brussels sprouts with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Each serving contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on portion size.

Variations

Add Avocado: For a creamy twist, add slices of ripe avocado on top of the Brussels sprouts before serving.
Spicy Version: If you love heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce to the crema for an extra spicy kick.
Bacon: For a non-vegetarian option, crumbled bacon adds a smoky crunch that pairs well with the creamy crema.
Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mayo.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the Brussels sprouts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Fresh Brussels sprouts will yield the best results, but if frozen Brussels sprouts are all you have, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the Brussels sprouts and crema ahead of time, but it’s best to roast the Brussels sprouts just before serving to maintain their crispiness.

3. Can I substitute the cotija cheese?

Yes! Feta cheese is a good alternative if you can’t find cotija. It’s salty and crumbly, similar to cotija.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat, add more chili powder or incorporate cayenne pepper into the crema. You could also drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the finished dish.

5. Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or just increase the sour cream for a creamy alternative.

6. What’s the best way to cut Brussels sprouts?

To properly trim Brussels sprouts, remove the outer leaves and trim the stem end. Then, cut them in half through the middle for even roasting.

7. How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are fully roasted?

The Brussels sprouts should be golden brown and crispy on the edges when fully roasted. If they are still too soft, roast them for a few more minutes.

8. Can I add other toppings to this dish?

Yes! Chopped red onion, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of Mexican crema would make excellent additions.

9. Can this dish be served cold?

While this dish is best served warm to maintain the crispy texture, you can serve it cold if preferred for a refreshing twist.

10. What other dishes would pair well with this recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with tacos, grilled meats like steak or chicken, or as part of a fresh summer BBQ spread.

Conclusion

Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts bring the vibrant flavors of street corn into a healthier, veggie-packed form. With its combination of crispy Brussels sprouts, creamy crema, cotija cheese, and fresh lime, this dish will quickly become a crowd favorite. Perfect for any occasion—whether a casual dinner or a special celebration—this recipe is both satisfying and versatile. Enjoy!