Description
Delight in these Spicy Mexican Corn Bites, a flavorful and cheesy appetizer combining sweet corn, pepper jack, and cotija cheeses with zesty spices. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp, these bite-sized snacks make an ideal party treat or game day favorite, boasting a hint of lime and cilantro for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Binding and Coating
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Preparation
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, pepper jack cheese, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, fresh lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add Binding Agents: Incorporate the egg, panko breadcrumbs, and all-purpose flour into the mixture. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is cohesive and holds together.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Scoop approximately 1 heaping tablespoon of the mixture into each mini muffin cup. Gently press down the mixture to compact it, ensuring the bites maintain shape during baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the tops turn golden and edges become crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes in the tin before removing. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of hot sauce or crema for added flavor.
Notes
- Frozen corn can be used if thawed and thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture.
- For a vegetarian-friendly version, confirm that the cotija cheese is free from animal rennet.
- These corn bites can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven or air fryer for convenience.
