Elote Nachos Corn Chips (Printable)

Crispy chips, creamy corn, and cheese create a crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex appetizer.

# What You Need:

→ Corn Mixture

01 - 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed if frozen
02 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
03 - 2 tablespoons sour cream
04 - 2 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled (or feta cheese as substitute)
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - Juice of 1 lime
10 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Nachos

13 - 8 ounces tortilla chips
14 - 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese

→ Toppings

15 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
16 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
17 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Lime wedges, for serving
19 - Extra cotija cheese, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook corn kernels, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
03 - In a mixing bowl, blend the charred corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coating.
04 - Arrange tortilla chips evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Scatter shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese across chips.
05 - Distribute the prepared corn mixture evenly over the cheese and chips.
06 - Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
07 - Remove baking sheet from oven. Garnish with diced red onion, jalapeño slices if using, extra cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Uses everyday pantry and fridge staples you likely already have
  • Quick prep cooks in under 40 minutes start to finish
  • Flexible for vegetarian or vegan needs
  • Every bite bursts with bright corn flavor and a mellow, smoky kick
02 -
  • High in fiber thanks to corn and beans if added
  • Crowd-perfect appetizer for parties game day or potlucks
  • Versatile base easily tweak toppings and heat level
03 -
  • Choose sturdy tortilla chips so none of that soaked bottom mess happens
  • Grate your own cheese for superior melting and fewer additives
  • Taste your corn mixture before baking and add extra lime or chili powder as needed
  • Never skip warming the chips and cheese before the corn you want everything gooey and hot
  • Let guests squeeze their own limes for bright zing everyone can control

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