Name: Mexican Street Corn Tostadas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 8 corn tortillas; 1 tbsp avocado oil; Kosher salt, to taste; 3 cups fresh corn (from about 6 large ears, or canned); 1/4 cup finely diced red onion; 2 tbsp diced cilantro; 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise; Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp; adjust to taste); 1/2 tsp Tajin seasoning (or more, to taste); 1/4 cup cotija cheese; 1 (14 oz) can refried black beans

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If you’re craving something vibrant, flavorful, and just a little bit addictive, Mexican Street Corn Tostadas are about to become your new obsession. These tostadas are topped with the deliciousness of elote—the classic Mexican street corn that’s grilled to perfection and slathered in a creamy, zesty sauce. With a crunchy base from the tostada and that irresistible smoky, cheesy topping, every bite is a burst of flavor that’ll make you feel like you’re right on a sunlit Mexican beach. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love Mexican Street Corn Tostadas

Bold & Flavorful: The combination of smoky corn, tangy crema, and savory cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and a little bit spicy!

Fun & Interactive: These tostadas are easy to eat and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether it’s game night or a casual dinner, these are always a hit.

Versatile: While they’re a great snack or appetizer, you can easily turn them into a light meal. You can even customize the toppings to suit your preferences—add some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness.

Quick & Easy: With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this tasty dish ready in no time. It’s a straightforward recipe that’s packed with big, bold flavors.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a taco night, or just craving something fun and flavorful, these tostadas are a great choice. They’re guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this Mexican street corn-inspired dish:

Corn on the Cob: The star of the dish. Grilled corn brings that signature smoky flavor that makes street corn so irresistible. If grilling isn’t an option, you can also use frozen corn (just sauté it to get some color).

Tostadas: These crunchy, flat tortillas are the perfect base for this dish. You can buy them pre-made or make your own by frying tortillas until crispy.

Mexican Crema: This creamy, slightly tangy sauce is a key ingredient in elote and adds richness to the dish.

Cotija Cheese: A crumbly, salty cheese that gives the tostadas the authentic elote flavor. If you can’t find cotija, crumbled feta is a great substitute.

Lime: The zesty squeeze of lime adds the perfect tangy freshness to the dish and complements the sweetness of the corn.

Chili Powder: A little sprinkle of chili powder brings a smoky kick and that signature street corn spiciness. You can also use Tajín for a more citrusy twist.

Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of fresh flavor and color to the tostadas.

Garlic Powder: A subtle garlic flavor that rounds out the crema and adds depth.

Butter: Used to sauté the corn for that rich, golden flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making these delicious Mexican Street Corn Tostadas:

Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are lightly charred. If you don’t have a grill, you can also roast the corn in the oven or sauté it in a pan.

Prepare the Corn: Once the corn is grilled, carefully remove the kernels from the cob using a sharp knife. Place the kernels in a bowl.

Mix the Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the Mexican crema, garlic powder, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. Stir until well mixed.

Sauté the Corn: Heat a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and sauté for 3-5 minutes to get them a little golden and slightly crispy. Once done, remove from heat and stir in the crema mixture.

Assemble the Tostadas: Lay the tostadas flat on a serving plate. Spoon the corn mixture evenly onto each tostada.

Top with Cotija & Cilantro: Generously sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top of each tostada and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Finish with Lime & Chili Powder: Give each tostada a final squeeze of lime and a dash of chili powder for extra flavor.

Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side and enjoy the delicious crunch of these Mexican Street Corn Tostadas!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Tostadas

These tostadas are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides or enjoyed on their own. Here are a few ideas to take your meal to the next level:

Guacamole & Chips: A fresh guacamole with crispy tortilla chips pairs perfectly with the creamy, spicy tostadas.

Mexican Rice: Serve these tostadas with a side of cilantro-lime rice for a fuller meal. The tangy rice complements the rich tostadas beautifully.

Grilled Veggies: Roasted or grilled vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus, make a fantastic side dish that balances out the richness of the tostadas.

Salsa: A vibrant, fresh salsa—whether it’s a classic tomato salsa or a tangy mango salsa—will add a refreshing contrast to the creamy tostadas.

Cold Drink: Pair these tostadas with a chilled margarita, ice-cold cerveza, or a refreshing agua fresca for the ultimate Mexican-inspired meal.

Additional Tips

Grilling the Corn: If you’re short on time or don’t have a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or sauté it in a skillet until lightly charred.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the corn mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just assemble the tostadas when you’re ready to serve!

Custom Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings. Add some chopped red onion, jalapeños, or even a few crumbles of bacon for a twist.

Vegetarian Option: These tostadas are naturally vegetarian! If you want to make them vegan, swap out the crema for a vegan crema or avocado sauce and use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the corn mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it in a pan before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! Frozen corn works just fine. Just sauté it in a pan to get some golden color and slightly charred edges before adding it to the crema mixture.

Q2: Can I make the tostadas ahead of time?
A2: The tostadas themselves can be made in advance, but the corn mixture is best served fresh. You can grill the corn and prepare the crema ahead of time, then assemble the tostadas just before serving.

Q3: How can I make these spicier?
A3: If you like a bit of heat, add chopped fresh jalapeños to the corn mixture or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the top of the tostadas.

Q4: Can I use a different cheese if I can’t find cotija?
A4: Yes! You can use crumbled feta or even parmesan as a substitute for cotija. It will change the flavor a bit but will still taste delicious.

Q5: Can I make this a meal by adding protein?
A5: Absolutely! You can top these tostadas with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans for a heartier meal.

Q6: Can I skip grilling the corn?
A6: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can roast the corn in the oven or sauté it in a pan. Just make sure to get some color on the kernels for that smoky, charred flavor.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store the leftover corn mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat it in a pan before serving or enjoy it cold.

Q8: Can I use flour tortillas instead of tostadas?
A8: Yes! You can make your own tostadas by frying or baking flour tortillas until crispy, or use store-bought tostada shells for convenience.

Q9: What can I serve these tostadas with?
A9: These tostadas are great on their own, but you can pair them with a side of Mexican rice, fresh salsa, or guacamole for a full meal.

Q10: Can I make these tostadas gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free tostada shells or make your own crispy tortillas from corn tortillas.

Conclusion

These Mexican Street Corn Tostadas are the perfect mix of bold flavors, crunchy textures, and vibrant colors. With smoky corn, tangy crema, and a little touch of spice, this dish is guaranteed to impress at your next party or family dinner. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main, these tostadas are sure to become a favorite at your table!