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Loaded Elote Street Corn Nachos Recipe Easy Creamy Cotija Topping

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Flavorful Loaded Elote Street Corn Nachos with creamy cotija topping combine smoky charred corn, tangy lime, and spicy chili powder for a fresh and indulgent snack perfect for parties or casual nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • White or yellow corn tortilla chips (thick-cut preferred for crunch)
  • 3 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 1 cup (115 g) cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Jalapeño slices or diced fresh jalapeño (optional)
  • Finely diced red onion
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place husked corn directly on grill, turning occasionally until kernels are evenly charred and slightly blackened, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined but still slightly chunky.
  3. Using a sharp knife, slice charred kernels off each ear of corn into a bowl.
  4. Add smoked paprika or chili powder and a pinch of salt to the corn kernels. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or serving platter. Evenly distribute the spiced corn kernels over the chips. Spoon creamy cotija sauce generously over the top.
  6. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, finely diced red onion, and jalapeño slices evenly over the nachos. Add extra cotija cheese if desired.
  7. Optional: Warm assembled nachos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors without sogginess.
  8. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Char corn evenly without burning for best smoky flavor. Taste cotija sauce before adding salt as cotija is naturally salty. Serve nachos immediately to prevent sogginess or keep sauce separate until serving. Frozen fire-roasted corn can be used as a shortcut. Adjust jalapeño heat to preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded elote nachos, street corn nachos, creamy cotija topping, Mexican snack, grilled corn nachos, easy party recipe, vegetarian nachos