Beat the weekend rush: can you make mexican street corn in advance for easy entertaining?

Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular street food in Mexico and beyond. It’s made with grilled corn on the cob that’s slathered with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. The result is a flavorful and addictive snack that’s perfect for any occasion.

But what if you don’t have time to make Mexican street corn fresh? Can you make it in advance?

The Answer: Yes!

The good news is that you can make Mexican street corn in advance. In fact, it’s even better if you do! The flavors have time to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and flavorful dish.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn in Advance

To make Mexican street corn in advance, simply follow these steps:

1. Grill the corn on the cob until it’s slightly charred and cooked through.
2. Let the corn cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob.
3. In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
4. Stir until well combined.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
6. When ready to serve, reheat the Mexican street corn in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Tips for Making Mexican Street Corn in Advance

Here are a few tips for making Mexican street corn in advance:

• Use fresh corn on the cob for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the corn, or it will become tough.
• Let the corn cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob. This will make it easier to cut the kernels and prevent them from falling apart.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob. This will help to prevent the kernels from becoming mashed.
• Don’t skimp on the mayonnaise and sour cream. These ingredients are what give Mexican street corn its creamy texture and flavor.
• Use freshly grated cotija cheese for the best flavor.
• Add chili powder to taste. If you like spicy food, add more chili powder.
• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
• Refrigerate the Mexican street corn for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
• Reheat the Mexican street corn in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

How Long Does Mexican Street Corn Last in Advance?

Mexican street corn will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to eat it within 2 days for the best flavor.

Can You Freeze Mexican Street Corn?

Yes, you can freeze Mexican street corn. To freeze Mexican street corn, simply place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the Mexican street corn in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting.

Reheating Mexican Street Corn

To reheat Mexican street corn, simply place it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also reheat Mexican street corn in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Serving Mexican Street Corn

Mexican street corn can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. It’s also a great addition to tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.

Toppings for Mexican Street Corn

Here are a few toppings that you can add to Mexican street corn:

• Cilantro
• Chopped tomatoes
• Chopped onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Lime wedges
• Hot sauce

Variations on Mexican Street Corn

There are many different variations on Mexican street corn. Here are a few popular variations:

• Elote Asado: This is the traditional Mexican street corn recipe. It’s made with grilled corn on the cob that’s slathered with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.
• Elote Loco: This is a more modern variation on Mexican street corn. It’s made with grilled corn on the cob that’s slathered with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
• Elote con Queso: This is a variation on Mexican street corn that’s made with grilled corn on the cob that’s slathered with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and melted cheese.

Takeaways: Can You Make Mexican Street Corn in Advance?

Yes, you can make Mexican street corn in advance. In fact, it’s even better if you do! The flavors have time to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and flavorful dish. So next time you’re craving Mexican street corn, don’t be afraid to make it ahead of time. You’ll be glad you did!

What You Need to Know

Can I use frozen corn to make Mexican street corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn to make Mexican street corn. However, it’s important to thaw the corn completely before using it.

Can I make Mexican street corn without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can make Mexican street corn without mayonnaise. However, the mayonnaise is what gives Mexican street corn its creamy texture and flavor. If you don’t want to use mayonnaise, you can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Can I make Mexican street corn without sour cream?

Yes, you can make Mexican street corn without sour cream. However, the sour cream is what gives Mexican street corn its creamy texture and flavor. If you don’t want to use sour cream, you can substitute Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.

Can I make Mexican street corn without cotija cheese?

Yes, you can make Mexican street corn without cotija cheese. However, the cotija cheese is what gives Mexican street corn its salty and flavorful taste. If you don’t want to use cotija cheese, you can substitute Parmesan cheese or feta cheese.

Can I make Mexican street corn without chili powder?

Yes, you can make Mexican street corn without chili powder. However, the chili powder is what gives Mexican street corn its spicy flavor. If you don’t want to use chili powder, you can substitute paprika or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Mexican street corn without lime juice?

Yes, you can make Mexican street corn without lime juice. However, the lime juice is what gives Mexican street corn its bright and acidic flavor. If you don’t want to use lime juice, you can substitute lemon juice or white vinegar.