Name: Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb. brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt to taste; 1 bag of Trader Joe’s Mexican style roasted corn; Lime wedges for serving; 1 tbsp chopped cilantro, optional

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one vegetable side dish that’s always the first to disappear at a party, it’s Street Corn Brussels Sprouts. Imagine everything you love about sweet, zesty Mexican street corn, tossed with crispy-edged, tender Brussels sprouts, and crowned with creamy cotija cheese and a fresh squeeze of lime. This dish explodes with flavor, color, and texture, making it just as perfect for lively weeknight dinners as for festive gatherings with friends. Plus, thanks to a few clever shortcuts (hello, Trader Joe’s Mexican style roasted corn!), you’ll have this unforgettable plate on the table in less time than it takes to order delivery.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Street Corn Brussels Sprouts really comes from its short list of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special: from savory crunch and charred notes to bright acidity and creamy richness.

Trader Joe’s Mexican style roasted corn: This frozen favorite comes packed with roasted corn, Cotija cheese, and a touch of creamy dressing for instant street corn flavor and convenience.
Brussels sprouts (1 lb., trimmed and halved): Their natural nuttiness and ability to crisp up beautifully make them perfect for soaking up all those street corn flavors.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Coating the sprouts with olive oil is key for caramelizing their edges and getting them irresistibly crunchy.
Salt (to taste): Even a pinch brings out the earthiness in the Brussels and the sweetness in the corn.
Lime wedges: You’ll want a generous squeeze over everything—the acidity brightens all the flavors and ties them together.
Chopped cilantro (1 tbsp, optional): This fresh herb isn’t just pretty—it adds a green pop and fragrance that feels extra festive.

How to Make Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Crisp Up the Brussels Sprouts

Toss your trimmed, halved Brussels sprouts with good olive oil and a sprinkle of salt until every leaf glistens. Transfer them into your air fryer basket and cook at 380 degrees for 6 minutes, then give them a shake or gentle toss. Continue air frying for another 4 to 7 minutes until they’re gorgeously charred and crunchy on the outside but tender in the middle. The key here is to not overcrowd the basket, letting each sprout get maximal crispiness without steaming.

Step 2: Sauté the Street Corn

While the sprouts get their golden edges, grab your bag of Trader Joe’s Mexican style roasted corn. Heat a skillet over medium-high and cook the corn according to the package directions. As it warms up, the sweet kernels and creamy bits mingle, filling your kitchen with roasted, smoky aromas. This shortcut guarantees authentic street corn flavor in just a few minutes.

Step 3: Bring the Flavors Together

Now comes the fun part! In your largest mixing bowl, combine the sizzling-hot corn and freshly air-fried Brussels sprouts. Open up that Cotija cheese packet tucked in with the corn and crumble it all over the mix. Toss everything gently so every bite is a harmony of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and smoky. Taste and add another pinch of salt if needed.

Step 4: Top and Serve

Scoop your Street Corn Brussels Sprouts onto a big serving platter. Scatter fresh chopped cilantro across the top, if you like, and tuck lime wedges around the edge. The dramatic, vibrant finish will make everyone’s eyes light up—just don’t forget to squeeze a generous amount of lime juice over the whole dish before digging in!

How to Serve Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

The winning finishing touches for Street Corn Brussels Sprouts are fresh and bold. Sprinkle extra Cotija cheese over the top if you have some on hand, and don’t be shy with the cilantro for color and aroma. Squeeze plenty of lime wedges just before serving so the zesty brightness hits every bite.

Side Dishes

This vibrant dish can easily steal the spotlight, but it also loves good company. Pair with protein-rich options like grilled shrimp, chipotle chicken, or black bean tacos. A simple side of avocado slices or a tangy cabbage slaw rounds out the meal and lets the flavors of your Street Corn Brussels Sprouts shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Street Corn Brussels Sprouts aren’t just for the side of your plate! Serve them on warm corn tortillas as a sensational vegetarian taco filling, or pile them high on nachos with a drizzle of crema. For a party snack, skewer sprouts with roasted corn onto toothpicks for easy, festive bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let everything cool to room temperature before transferring your Street Corn Brussels Sprouts into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, making lunch the next day something to truly look forward to.

Freezing

While Brussels sprouts and corn can both be frozen individually, this dish is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may cause the sprouts to lose their crisp texture, but if you must freeze, do so in a single layer and transfer to a sturdy container. They’ll keep for about a month; just don’t expect the same addictive crunch when reheated.

Reheating

To revive leftover Street Corn Brussels Sprouts, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them into a 400 degree oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until hot and slightly crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to soften the sprouts too much. Add a fresh squeeze of lime before serving to refresh all those flavors.

FAQs

Can I use homemade roasted corn instead of the Trader Joe’s version?

Absolutely! If you have fresh or frozen corn, roast it in a skillet with a dab of butter or oil, then toss with a little mayo, chili powder, and Cotija cheese to mimic the flavor profile. The beauty of Street Corn Brussels Sprouts is that you can tailor it to what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No air fryer? No problem. Simply roast the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet at 425 degrees, tossing halfway, until the edges are deeply golden and crisp (about 20 to 25 minutes). You’ll still get fantastic texture and flavor for your Street Corn Brussels Sprouts.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, with a couple simple swaps! Use a plant-based feta or vegan Cotija and double-check that your roasted corn is dairy-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, and you’ll be amazed how much flavor shines through.

How spicy is this dish?

Street Corn Brussels Sprouts are more zesty than spicy, but if you crave heat, sprinkle chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce on top. Conversely, you can skip the spicy elements if serving to little ones—or put salsas on the side for everyone to customize.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

You sure can! Follow all the steps up to mixing in the cheese and garnishes, then store the components separately in the fridge. Just before serving, reheat the sprouts and corn, toss them together, then finish with cheese, cilantro, and lime for the freshest flavor.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Street Corn Brussels Sprouts, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for plain roasted sprouts. With their irresistible combination of charred sweetness, creamy cheese, and bright lime, they’ll rocket to the top of your side dish rotation. Give this recipe a go—the ease and bold flavors are just too good to pass up!

Street Corn Brussels Sprouts Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Street Corn Brussels Sprouts recipe combines the flavors of Mexican street corn with crispy Brussels sprouts for a delicious and unique side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brussels Sprouts:

1 lb. brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste

For the Corn:

1 bag of Trader Joe’s Mexican style roasted corn

Additional:

Lime wedges for serving
1 tbsp chopped cilantro, optional

Instructions

Prepare Brussels Sprouts: In a bowl, combine Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt. Add to air fryer basket and air fry at 380º for 6 minutes. Toss, then air fry another 4-7 minutes or until crispy.
Cook Corn: Cook corn in a skillet according to package instructions.
Combine: When done cooking, combine the corn with crispy Brussels sprouts. Mix in the cotija cheese packet that comes with the corn. Top with cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy!