How to Make the Perfect Street Corn Nachos
Mexican-American · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
Crispy tortilla chips loaded with smoky elote-inspired toppings and melted cheese. A bold and festive snack perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Why this recipe works
This Street Corn Nachos recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 10 oz tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups roasted corn kernels
- 0.5 cup cotija cheese crumbled
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 whole lime juiced
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 whole jalapenos sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spread tortilla chips in a single even layer.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Corn
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the chips. Scatter the roasted corn kernels on top of the cheese.
Step 3: Bake Until Melted
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the chips are golden.
Step 4: Mix the Crema
While the nachos bake, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and half the chili powder in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Remove nachos from the oven and drizzle the lime crema over everything. Sprinkle cotija cheese, remaining chili powder, cilantro, and jalapeno slices on top. Serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cotija cheese → feta cheese crumbled
- sour cream → plain Greek yogurt
- fresh jalapenos → pickled jalapeno slices
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Piling chips too thick so the bottom layer stays cold and the cheese does not melt evenly
- Adding the crema before baking which causes it to curdle and lose its fresh flavor
- Using canned corn without roasting it first which results in a watery and bland topping
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 14g protein, 48g carbs, 31g fat, 5g fiber.
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