Cinco de Mayo Street Corn (Print version)

Flavorful quesadillas with roasted corn, cheese, and smoky chipotle crema perfect for Cinco de Mayo.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen and thawed
02 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
03 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
05 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

→ Dairy

06 - 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
07 - 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, plus extra for garnish
08 - 1 cup sour cream, divided

→ Spices & Pantry

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
14 - 8 medium flour tortillas
15 - 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
17 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred, about 4-5 minutes.
02 - Add diced red onion and chopped jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in cilantro and crumbled Cotija cheese.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside.
04 - Lay out 4 tortillas and evenly distribute half of the Monterey Jack cheese over each. Top with the corn mixture, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Place the remaining tortillas on top, pressing gently to secure.
05 - Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
06 - Slice quesadillas into wedges. Drizzle with chipotle crema and garnish with extra Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining
  • Packed with authentic Mexican street corn flavors: charred corn, Cotija, cilantro, and lime
  • Vegetarian-friendly but easily customizable with protein additions
  • The smoky chipotle crema adds a restaurant-quality finish
  • Crispy on the outside, gooey and flavorful on the inside
02 -
  • Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle for the best heat distribution and crispiest exterior
  • Let the quesadillas rest for 1–2 minutes after cooking before slicing—this helps the cheese set slightly and prevents spillage
  • Make the chipotle crema ahead of time and refrigerate; the flavors will develop and intensify
  • For meal prep, prepare the corn filling in advance and store refrigerated for up to 3 days
  • Don't skip the finishing garnish of extra Cotija and cilantro—it adds visual appeal and a fresh flavor boost
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