Chili’s Roasted Street Corn is a flavorful side dish that combines charred corn on the cob with tangy, creamy toppings. Inspired by Mexican street food, this corn is grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky flavor that’s balanced by a zesty combination of cheese, lime, and spices. Perfect as a side for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or even as a snack, this street corn will bring a burst of flavor to any meal.

What is Chili’s Roasted Street Corn?

Chili’s Roasted Street Corn is grilled corn on the cob coated with a creamy topping of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder, then sprinkled with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. The corn is grilled until slightly charred, which adds a smoky depth to the dish, while the creamy sauce and tangy cheese create a delicious contrast. This dish is a take on the classic Mexican street corn, or “elote,” with a slight twist.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Smoky and Charred Flavor: Grilling the corn adds a delicious smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
Creamy and Tangy: The combination of mayo, sour cream, and lime juice creates a creamy, tangy topping that complements the corn perfectly.
Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple to make with just a few ingredients and minimal preparation.

Perfect for Grilling Season: Ideal for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a fun side dish at any meal.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chili’s Roasted Street Corn

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

4 ears of fresh corn, husked
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream

1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)

Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Grill or Grill Pan: For grilling the corn to get those perfect char marks.

Bowl: For mixing the creamy topping.
Tongs: For turning the corn on the grill.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are used to measure the ingredients accurately.

Pastry Brush or Spoon: To spread the creamy mixture onto the corn.

Instructions to Make Chili’s Roasted Street Corn

Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the corn from sticking.
Grill the Corn: Place the husked ears of corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until the corn is evenly charred and tender. The kernels should have a nice smoky color but still be juicy.

Prepare the Topping: While the corn is grilling, in a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Coat the Corn: Once the corn is grilled to your liking, remove it from the grill and immediately brush or spoon the creamy topping over each ear of corn, ensuring an even coating.
Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled cotija cheese generously over the coated corn, followed by chopped cilantro. Squeeze extra lime juice over the top if desired for extra tanginess.

Serve: Serve the roasted street corn with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Enjoy while hot!

What Goes Well With Chili’s Roasted Street Corn

This delicious street corn pairs well with a variety of main dishes and sides:

Grilled Meats: Perfect with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.

Tacos: Serve alongside tacos or fajitas for a fun, Mexican-inspired meal.
Barbecue: This corn makes a great side dish for barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or brisket.
Burgers: A flavorful side for juicy burgers or sliders.

Salads: Pair with a fresh green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the corn.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Chili’s Roasted Street Corn

Follow these tips to ensure your roasted street corn turns out perfectly:

Grill the Corn Over Medium-High Heat: This helps achieve the perfect balance of char without overcooking the corn.

Use Fresh Corn: Fresh, sweet corn is best for this recipe. It gives the dish a natural sweetness that complements the smoky and creamy toppings.
Season to Taste: Adjust the chili powder, salt, and pepper to your taste preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the corn right after grilling and coating it with the toppings.

Variations of Chili’s Roasted Street Corn

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste:

Spicy Street Corn: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce for extra heat.
Cheesy Corn: Add more cheese, like grated Parmesan or cheddar, for a super cheesy version.

Garlic-Lime Corn: Stir minced garlic into the mayo and sour cream mixture for a garlicky twist.
Herbed Street Corn: Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the topping for a refreshing flavor boost.
Bacon Corn: Sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon (chicken) over the corn for a savory addition.

Storing Chili’s Roasted Street Corn: Best Practices

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerate Properly: Store any leftover roasted street corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat Before Serving: To reheat, place the corn in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Reheating Chili’s Roasted Street Corn: Best Practices

To enjoy your leftovers, reheat them carefully:

Oven Method: Reheat the corn in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
Skillet Method: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I make roasted street corn without a grill?

Yes, you can make roasted street corn without a grill by using a grill pan or broiling the corn in the oven. For the oven method, preheat your broiler and place the corn on a baking sheet, turning occasionally until charred and tender. A stovetop grill pan also works well to achieve similar char marks.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese?

If you don’t have cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese, which has a similar salty flavor and crumbly texture. Parmesan cheese is another good alternative, offering a salty, nutty taste.

Can I make roasted street corn ahead of time?

You can grill the corn ahead of time, but it’s best to apply the creamy topping just before serving to maintain the freshness of the flavors. Store the grilled corn in the refrigerator and reheat it on the grill or in the oven before adding the toppings.

Is there a dairy-free option for roasted street corn?

For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan mayo and coconut-based sour cream. Skip the cotija cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the dish fully plant-based.

Final Words

Chili’s Roasted Street Corn is a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal. The smoky, grilled corn paired with the creamy, tangy topping and salty cotija cheese makes every bite a delicious combination of textures and flavors.

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