Introduction**
Cheesy Corn Tortilla Cups are a mouthwatering fusion of Mexican and American flavors. With a crispy tortilla base and a creamy, cheesy corn filling, these little cups are a perfect appetizer or snack. Whether served at game nights, potlucks, or family dinners, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. The golden edges, gooey melted cheese, and bursts of sweet corn make every bite irresistible.
History**
This dish draws inspiration from traditional Mexican street corn (Elote) — a popular snack made with roasted corn, cheese, mayo, lime, and chili. Over time, creative home cooks combined these flavors with tortilla cups to make them more convenient to serve and eat. The result: a modern, bite-sized twist that keeps the essence of Elote but adds a cheesy baked touch.
Ingredients**
For 12 tortilla cups:
- 12 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice for extra flavor
Instructions / Method**
Step 1: Prepare the tortilla cups
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly brush each tortilla with olive oil.
- Press tortillas into a muffin tin, shaping them into cups.
- Bake for 7–10 minutes, until edges turn golden and crispy. Remove and let cool.
Step 2: Make the creamy filling
- In a large bowl, combine corn, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until well mixed and creamy.
- Add half of the shredded cheese and mix again.
Step 3: Fill and bake
- Spoon the corn mixture into each baked tortilla cup.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh herbs and a little lime juice if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy the melty, crispy perfection!
Benefits**
- Rich in protein & calcium from cheese.
- Corn provides fiber and antioxidants for good digestion.
- Portion-controlled and great for gatherings.
- Gluten-free option if you use corn tortillas.
- Quick & easy, ready in under 30 minutes!
Formation (How it comes together)**
When baked, the tortillas crisp up into perfect edible bowls, while the creamy corn and cheese mixture melts into a luscious filling. The contrast between crunchy shell and smooth, cheesy filling is what makes these bites so addictive.
For the Lovers**
Cheesy Corn Tortilla Cups are a dish for those who love:
- The comfort of melted cheese
- The sweetness of corn
- The crispness of toasted tortillas
- The fun of bite-sized snacks
Perfect for food lovers, cheese lovers, and party lovers alike!
Nutrition (per cup, approx.)**
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Calcium: 90 mg
Conclusion**
Cheesy Corn Tortilla Cups are a celebration of flavor, texture, and creativity. From their humble street-food roots to their modern twist, these cheesy bites never fail to please. They’re simple to make, fun to eat, and loved by all ages — a perfect balance of comfort and crunch.
For the Lovers (again!)**
For those who love sharing good food and warm moments, these tortilla cups are pure happiness in edible form. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, or a touch of hot sauce — and watch everyone fall in love at first bite