Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled the crispy, golden Brussels sprouts from the oven, the tantalizing aroma of chili and lime filled my kitchen. I couldn’t wait to share this twist on a classic dish: Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts. Combining the delightful crunch of roasted Brussels sprouts with creamy mayonnaise and salty cotija cheese transforms these veggies into a show-stopping side dish that’s perfect for barbecues or festive gatherings. Not only is this recipe gluten-free and vegetarian, but it also allows for endless customization, so you can easily adjust it to match your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re aiming for a quick and healthy accompaniment to your grilled meats or a unique vegetarian main, I promise this vibrant dish will elevate your meal. Are you ready to bring a little street food flair to your table? Why are Brussels Sprouts so Appealing? Crispy Perfection: The roasting process gives these Brussels sprouts a satisfying crunch, making them utterly irresistible. Flavor Explosion: The creamy mayonnaise, zesty lime, and cotija cheese meld together to create a burst of flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Endless Customization: Feel free to add your personal touch, whether it’s incorporating sweet corn or swapping out ingredients for vegan options. Health-Conscious Delight: This dish is not only gluten-free and vegetarian but offers a nutritious twist that elevates your meal without sacrificing taste. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings, this vibrant side can impress both health-savvy friends and traditional eaters alike. Don’t miss pairing it with favorites like Balsamic Steak Corn for a complete culinary experience! Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Ingredients For the Brussels Sprouts • Brussels Sprouts – Fresh ones yield the best texture; if you must use frozen, ensure they’re thawed and drained for optimal results. For the Creamy Mixture • Mayonnaise – This adds a rich creaminess; swap for cashew cream to keep it vegan. • Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice brings vibrant acidity that elevates the flavors; bottled juice won’t have the same brightness. For the Toppings • Cotija Cheese – Crumbled cotija adds a salty crunch; nutritional yeast makes a great vegan alternative. • Chili Powder – A perfect seasoning to add warmth and depth; adjust to satisfy your heat preference. • Salt – Essential for balancing the dish’s flavors and ensuring every bite pops with deliciousness. Optional Additions • Sweet Corn – Incorporating corn can add natural sweetness and texture for a fun twist on Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts. • Diced Red Onion – For an extra crunch and a burst of color, add some diced red onion. • Avocado – Including avocado boosts creaminess and offers a nutritious punch; it’s ideal for vegan variations. • Smoked Paprika – Try adding this spice for a different flavor profile that complements the toppings beautifully. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting, ensuring your Brussels sprouts get perfectly crispy. Allow the oven to reach this temperature while you prepare the vegetables, so everything is ready for roasting. Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half. In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved sprouts with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Make sure each sprout is well-coated to enhance the flavor, as these Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts will need that seasoning to shine. Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts out on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Check halfway through and give them a toss, aiming for a golden brown exterior and a crispy texture that indicates they are ready. Step 4: Mix the Creamy Toppings While the sprouts are roasting, prepare the creamy topping by combining mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, and any additional toppings in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth, allowing the flavors to meld. The tangy creaminess will complement the Brussels sprouts beautifully. Step 5: Combine and Drizzle Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted and deliciously crisp, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle the creamy mixture over the hot sprouts. The warmth of the sprouts will help the sauce adhere, providing a rich and zesty flavor to your Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts. Step 6: Add the Final Touches Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese generously over the top, followed by additional chili powder according to your heat preference. This extra layer adds both taste and texture, transforming the roasted Brussels sprouts into an irresistible dish that embraces the essence of Mexican street corn. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Serve your Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts warm, allowing their flavors to shine at their best. This vibrant side dish pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a delicious vegetarian option. Dive in and enjoy the delightful fusion of textures and tastes! What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts? Enhance your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that elevate this flavorful side dish. Grilled Chicken: Juicy, smoky grilled chicken creates a robust balance, complementing the vibrant flavors of the Brussels sprouts. Fish Tacos: Light and flaky fish tacos offer a fresh and zesty pairing, perfect for a summer meal filled with colorful dishes. Cilantro Lime Rice: This aromatic rice brings a delightful herbaceous note, providing a refreshing counterpart that rounds out your plate beautifully. Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado salad introduces a smooth texture and a burst of freshness that works harmoniously with the crispy sprouts. Spicy Cornbread: The slightly sweet, spicy flavor of cornbread adds a comforting touch, enhancing the whole meal’s heartiness and charm. Margaritas: A tangy margarita adds a festive flair to your gathering, marrying beautifully with the zesty notes of the Brussels sprouts. Churros: For a sweet touch, pair with warm, cinnamon-coated churros, offering a satisfying conclusion to your meal. Black Bean Soup: Rich, hearty black bean soup introduces a savory depth and creamy texture, making it a perfect companion on any table. How to Store and Freeze Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Brussels sprouts before combining with toppings. They can be kept for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. Storage Tip: Keep the creamy mixture separate until ready to serve for the best taste and texture of your Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts. Make Ahead Options These Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy incredible flavors without the stress of last-minute cooking. You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can prepare the creamy mayonnaise mixture (with lime juice and desired toppings) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, roast the prepped sprouts directly from the fridge, and drizzle the creamy mixture over them right after they come out of the oven. This way, you’ll have a delicious, vibrant dish ready with minimal effort on busy weeknights! Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Variations Feel free to get creative with this dish, making it uniquely yours while enjoying the delightful flavors! Sweet Corn: Add fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and delightful crunch. The combination truly embodies the essence of Mexican street corn. Diced Red Onion: Incorporate some diced red onion for an extra pop of color and a crunch that complements the creamy Brussels sprouts beautifully. This will not only enhance flavor but also present a vibrant dish. Avocado: For added creaminess and nutritional benefits, toss in some diced avocado. It complements the existing ingredients perfectly and enriches the overall flavor experience. Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile that pairs fantastically with the creamy topping. This slight smokiness adds depth to your Brussels sprouts, giving them a cozy, comforting vibe. Vegan Twist: Swap out regular mayonnaise for cashew cream and cotija for nutritional yeast. Enjoy this delectable dish without the dairy while still keeping the creaminess and flavors intact. Spicy Kick: Increase the chili powder or add some finely chopped jalapeños for an extra spicy kick. Adjust the heat according to your taste preference, and give your Brussels sprouts an exciting twist! Cilantro Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and vibrant color. It elevates the flavors, adding a lively touch that balances the richness of the dish. Crispy Bacon: For those who enjoy some meatiness, tossing in crispy bacon crumbles can add a delightful texture and savory depth. It’s a wonderful contrast to the creamy sprouts that everyone will love. Explore these variations to create a dish that speaks to your palate. And while you’re at it, consider serving these delicious Brussels sprouts alongside favorites like Mexican Macaroni Salad or Shrimp Bowl Avocado for a complete dining experience! Helpful Tricks for Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Spacing Matters: Ensure Brussels sprouts are evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Crowding them can lead to steaming instead of roasting, preventing that delightful crispiness. Freshness Counts: Always opt for fresh lime juice over bottled juice. The brightness of fresh lime enhances the flavors in your Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts. Roasting Time: Cooking times can vary with different ovens. Keep an eye on the sprouts; they should be charred and golden brown for perfect texture. Optional Additions: Don’t shy away from customizing! Adding ingredients like sweet corn or diced red onions can elevate your dish while adding your personal touch. Serving Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts immediately after drizzling with the creamy sauce. Enjoy them fresh for an unforgettable experience! Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best Brussels sprouts? Absolutely! Select Brussels sprouts that are firm and compact with a vibrant green color. Avoid those with dark spots all over or that feel limp; these are signs of aging. If using frozen, make sure they are completely thawed and drained before cooking. How should I store leftovers of Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts? Very! Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, consider reheating in the oven to restore that crispy texture everyone loves. Can I freeze Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts? Of course! To freeze, make sure the Brussels sprouts are roasted and cooled completely. Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be kept for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), following the reheating instructions above for crunchy goodness. What should I do if my Brussels sprouts are soggy after roasting? Oh no! If the Brussels sprouts turned out soggy, it might be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet. Make sure they’re spread out in a single layer for even roasting. To fix soggy sprouts, you can pop them back in the oven at a higher temperature (425°F or 220°C) for a few more minutes to crisp them up! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Definitely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities and for vegetarians. If you have any allergies, you can substitute the mayonnaise with cashew cream for a vegan option, and use nutritional yeast instead of cotija cheese to keep it dairy-free. How can I customize my Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts? The more the merrier! You can add sweet corn for a touch of sweetness, diced red onion for extra crunch and color, or avocado for a creamier texture. Feel free to experiment with spices, such as smoked paprika, to change up the flavor profile and truly make it your own! Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts for a Flavorful Twist This vibrant and unique recipe for Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts combines crispy Brussels sprouts with creamy toppings for a flavorful twist. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: MexicanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Brussels Sprouts1 lb Brussels Sprouts Fresh ones yield the best texture; if frozen, ensure they’re thawed and drained.For the Creamy Mixture1/2 cup Mayonnaise Swap for cashew cream to keep it vegan.2 Tbsp Lime Juice Freshly squeezed lime juice brings vibrant acidity.For the Toppings1/2 cup Cotija Cheese Crumbled cotija adds a salty crunch; nutritional yeast makes a great vegan alternative.1 Tbsp Chili Powder Adjust to satisfy your heat preference.1 tsp Salt Essential for balancing flavors.Optional Additions1 cup Sweet Corn Adds natural sweetness and texture.1/2 cup Diced Red Onion For extra crunch and color.1 tsp Smoked Paprika Adds a different flavor profile. Equipment Ovenmixing bowlbaking sheet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half. Toss with olive oil, salt, and chili powder.Spread Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, tossing halfway through.Prepare the creamy topping by combining mayonnaise and lime juice in a bowl; whisk until smooth.Drizzle the creamy mixture over the hot Brussels sprouts after removing from the oven.Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese and additional chili powder on top.Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors! Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze Brussels sprouts before adding toppings. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
