If you think Brussels sprouts are boring, this recipe is about to completely change your mind. Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with creamy, zesty Mexican street corn flavors create a bold side dish that tastes indulgent yet feels wholesome. The edges caramelize beautifully in the oven, while a creamy lime sauce, chili spice, and salty Cotija bring everything together in the most irresistible way.
This dish is inspired by Mexican street corn, also known as elote, but instead of corn on the cob, we use golden roasted Brussels sprouts. The result is smoky, tangy, creamy, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight side, holiday vegetable, or game day appetizer, this recipe delivers big flavor in just 30 minutes.
Let’s dive in and make Brussels sprouts exciting again.
Table of Contents
A Bold Twist on a Classic Vegetable
Brussels sprouts often get a bad reputation because they’re overcooked or under-seasoned. But when roasted properly at high heat, they transform into crispy, nutty bites with caramelized edges and tender centers.
By combining them with the flavors of Mexican street corn, lime, chili powder, garlic, and creamy sauce, you get:
• Crispy texture with soft interior
• Smoky and slightly spicy seasoning
• Creamy tang from lime and yogurt
• Salty crumble from Cotija cheese
• Fresh finish from cilantro
It’s comfort food energy with fresh, vibrant flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything here is simple and easy to find. Exact quantities are listed so you can get perfect results every time.
For the Crispy Brussels Sprouts
• 1 ½ pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Creamy Street Corn Sauce
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
For Topping
• ⅓ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
• Extra lime wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose outer leaves. Slice them in half lengthwise so they roast evenly and get maximum crispy surface area.
Step 2: Season for Maximum Flavor
Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well to coat.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder over them. Toss again until every piece is evenly seasoned.
Step 3: Roast Until Crispy
Spread the Brussels sprouts cut side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. This helps them crisp rather than steam.
Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The edges should be deeply golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Street Corn Sauce
While the Brussels sprouts roast, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, and salt in a small bowl.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The sauce should be tangy, creamy, and slightly smoky.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Transfer the hot roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving platter.
Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top.
Sprinkle generously with Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
Add chili flakes if you like extra heat.
Serve with fresh lime wedges on the side.
Tips for Extra Crispiness
• Always roast at high heat
• Place sprouts cut-side down
• Leave space between them
• Avoid overcrowding the pan
• Do not stir too often
If you follow these steps, you’ll get that irresistible crispy texture every time.
Flavor Variations
You can easily customize this dish based on your preferences.
Add Sweet Corn
Stir in ½ cup roasted corn kernels for a more traditional street corn flavor.
Make It Spicier
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce.
Add Protein
Top with grilled chicken strips for a complete meal.
Make It Lighter
Replace mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Serving Ideas
This dish pairs beautifully with:
• Grilled chicken
• Steak
• Tacos
• Rice bowls
• Burgers
• Roasted salmon
It also works well as a party appetizer served in a shallow bowl with toothpicks.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 400°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Serves 4
Calories: 245
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 390mg
These numbers are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Mexican street corn Brussels sprouts in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook at 390°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can roast the Brussels sprouts in advance and reheat them in the oven. Add sauce and toppings just before serving.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh is best for crispiness. Frozen sprouts tend to release more moisture and may not caramelize as well.
What can I substitute for Cotija cheese?
Feta cheese is the closest alternative. Parmesan also works in a pinch.
How do I keep Brussels sprouts from tasting bitter?
Roasting at high heat caramelizes natural sugars and reduces bitterness. Proper seasoning also balances flavor.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts prove that vegetables never have to feel like an afterthought. When roasted properly and paired with bold, vibrant flavors, they become the highlight of the entire meal. The crispy caramelized edges combined with creamy lime sauce, smoky chili spice, and salty Cotija create layers of flavor that feel indulgent yet fresh at the same time.
What makes this recipe especially special is how approachable it is. You don’t need complicated ingredients or advanced cooking skills. In just 30 minutes, you can transform simple Brussels sprouts into something that feels restaurant-worthy but still cozy and homemade. It’s the kind of dish that surprises people, especially those who claim they “don’t like Brussels sprouts.”
It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it next to grilled meats, add it to taco night, or enjoy it as a bold vegetarian side at holiday gatherings. The balance of crisp texture and creamy topping makes it memorable and crave-worthy.
Once you taste that combination of smoky spice, tangy lime, and crispy roasted goodness, this recipe will quickly become part of your regular rotation. It’s comforting, colorful, and packed with personality, exactly what a great side dish should be.