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Spicy Mexican Corn Bites

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These Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are a flavorful appetizer inspired by traditional Elote. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and loaded with corn, jalapeños, and cheese. Perfect for entertaining, quick to make, and easily customizable to suit your spice level or dietary needs.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bites (serves approx. 6) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Corn Bites:

  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)

  • ½ cup Cotija cheese or feta, crumbled

  • ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup green onion, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1 large egg

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)

  • ¼ cup flour

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon cumin

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Coating:

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For Serving & Dipping:

  • Mexican crema or sour cream

  • Hot sauce or chipotle mayo

  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix corn, cheeses, jalapeño, green onion, and lime juice.

  2. Add egg, breadcrumbs, flour, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  3. Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes.

  4. Shape into 1-tablespoon-sized balls.

  5. Beat egg in a bowl; in another, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan.

  6. Dip each ball in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.

  7. For oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C), bake bites for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

  8. For air fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C), cook 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

  9. Serve with dips and garnish with cilantro and lime.

Notes

  • Use feta instead of Cotija if needed.

  • For extra heat, keep jalapeño seeds or add chili flakes.

  • Skip Parmesan in coating for a lighter version.

  • Author: Mohamed
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes