Jalapeño Popper Mexican Street Corn

Jalapeño Popper Mexican Street Corn combines the creamy, spicy flavors of traditional jalapeño poppers with the sweet, charred taste of Mexican street corn (elote). This fusion creates a delectable appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or as a flavorful side dish.​Allrecipes+2BAKE WITH ZOHA+2eatlikeerin.com+2Allrecipes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The combination of spicy jalapeños, sweet corn, and creamy cheeses delivers a taste sensation that’s both unique and irresistible.​
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer grilling, baking, or using an air fryer, this recipe adapts easily to your preferred cooking style.​
• Crowd-Pleaser: These poppers are sure to be a hit at parties, barbecues, or family dinners, offering a creative twist on familiar favorites.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh jalapeños​Log in or sign up to view+1A Gouda Life+1
• Cream cheese​Log in or sign up to view+5BAKE WITH ZOHA+5A Gouda Life+5
• Sour cream​BAKE WITH ZOHA+3Bonappeteach+3A Gouda Life+3
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend​Log in or sign up to view+2BAKE WITH ZOHA+2Bonappeteach+2
• Cooked bacon​Taste of Home+2Log in or sign up to view+2eatlikeerin.com+2
• Fresh or frozen corn​Log in or sign up to view+1Bonappeteach+1
• Red onion​Bonappeteach+1Log in or sign up to view+1
• Garlic​
• Tajín seasoning​A Gouda Life+2Bonappeteach+2BAKE WITH ZOHA+2
• Cotija cheese​A Gouda Life+3BAKE WITH ZOHA+3eatlikeerin.com+3
• Fresh cilantro​BAKE WITH ZOHA+2A Gouda Life+2eatlikeerin.com+2
• Lime wedges​BAKE WITH ZOHA

Directions

1. Prepare the Jalapeños: Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.​A Gouda Life
2. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble once cooled.​Bonappeteach
3. Char the Corn: In the same skillet with a bit of the bacon drippings, add the corn kernels. Cook over medium-high heat until they are slightly charred, about 5 minutes.​
4. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded Mexican cheese, minced red onion, minced garlic, Tajín seasoning, charred corn, and crumbled bacon (reserving some for topping). Mix until well combined.​Bonappeteach
5. Stuff the Jalapeños: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each jalapeño half with the cheese and corn mixture, slightly mounding the filling.​Bonappeteach
6. Cook the Poppers:
   • Grilling Method: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the stuffed jalapeños directly on the grill grates, filling side up. Close the lid and grill for about 10-12 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly.​
   • Baking Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the peppers are softened and the filling is golden and bubbly.​
   • Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed jalapeños in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly.​
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the jalapeño poppers from the heat source. Sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and an extra dash of Tajín seasoning. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side.​A Gouda Life

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 24 poppers, serving about 6-8 people as an appetizer.​Bonappeteach
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes​
• Cooking Time: 10-20 minutes, depending on the cooking method chosen.​

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add black beans or diced bell peppers to the filling for added texture and flavor.​
• Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder version, use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños. To increase the heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.​
• Cheese Alternatives: Substitute the Mexican cheese blend with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for different flavor profiles.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover jalapeño poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.​
• Reheating: To reheat, place the poppers on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.​

FAQs

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

To reduce the spiciness, ensure all seeds and membranes are removed from the jalapeños, or substitute with mini sweet peppers for a milder flavor.​eatlikeerin.com

Can I prepare these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the jalapeño poppers up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Cook them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.​

Is it necessary to char the corn?

Charring the corn adds a smoky depth to the flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the poppers. While optional, it’s highly recommended for an authentic Mexican street corn experience.​

What can I use instead of Tajín seasoning?

If Tajín is unavailable, a mix of chili powder and a squeeze of fresh lime juice can provide a similar tangy and spicy flavor.​

Can I freeze the jalapeño poppers?

It’s not recommended to freeze these poppers, as the texture of the cream cheese filling and jalapeños may change upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable consistency.

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