Description
Mexican Street Corn Nachos offer a delicious twist on classic nachos, combining crispy tortilla chips with charred corn, melted cheese, and a zesty mayo-lime sauce. Topped with cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, green onions, and optional jalapeño slices, this flavorful appetizer or main course is perfect for parties or casual meals with a vibrant Mexican-inspired flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Nachos Base
- 8 cups tortilla chips
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
Charred Corn
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Mayo-Lime Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Char the Corn: In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the corn kernels for 4 to 5 minutes until they become slightly charred and develop a smoky flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, and freshly squeezed lime juice until thoroughly combined to create a creamy, tangy sauce.
- Assemble the Nachos: Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese liberally over the chips to ensure even melting.
- Bake the Nachos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven. Evenly distribute the charred corn over the melted cheese. Drizzle the mayo-lime sauce on top, then sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and jalapeño slices if using.
- Serve: Serve the nachos immediately with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the top for added zest and brightness.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add cooked, seasoned chicken or black beans on top before baking.
- Drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle with Tajín seasoning for an extra spicy kick.
- Use fresh corn when in season for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives and use a plant-based cheese.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the nachos while the cheese is still melted and the chips are crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
