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Flavorful Chipotle Lime Grilled Corn with Creamy Cotija Cheese

chipotle lime grilled corn - featured image

A quick and easy grilled corn recipe featuring smoky chipotle, bright lime, and creamy Cotija cheese, perfect for summer BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (can substitute Greek yogurt for lighter option)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C). If using charcoal, wait until the coals are covered with white ash.
  2. Remove husks and silk from each ear of corn, then pat dry with a paper towel.
  3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chipotle powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
  4. Brush each ear of corn evenly with the olive oil and spice mixture using a basting brush.
  5. Place corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until kernels are tender and charred in spots.
  6. While corn grills, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and lime zest in a bowl.
  7. Remove corn from grill and brush generously with the lime mayo mixture while still warm.
  8. Sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese over the corn so it clings to the mayo coating.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Pat corn dry before seasoning to help spices stick. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or broiler but watch carefully to avoid burning. For dairy-free, substitute Cotija cheese with seasoned firm tofu or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn, chipotle lime corn, Cotija cheese, summer BBQ, easy side dish, smoky corn, Mexican street corn