Esquites Cremosos con Totopos (Creamy Mexican Corn Cups)
Charred sweetcorn kernels in a warm, creamy jalapeño cilantro dressing with queso fresco and totopos for scooping.
Made with Tostadas and totopos (tortilla chips) and Creamy jalapeno cilantro sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time20 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.07 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat until very hot. Add the sweetcorn in a single layer and leave 2 minutes without stirring, then stir and cook for 4 to 5 minutes more until browned in patches.
7 min - 2
Take off the heat and tip into a bowl. Let it cool for 2 minutes so the sauce does not split.
- 3
Stir in your creamy jalapeno cilantro sauce (see the base recipe) and the lime juice.
- 4
Spoon into cups or bowls and top with queso fresco, chilli powder and coriander.
- 5
Serve warm with your ready made totopos (see the base recipe) for scooping.
Tips
- A very hot pan gives the charred, smoky edges that make esquites taste like the street stall.
- Use fresh corn cut from 4 cobs for even better flavour.
- Add a small amount of chopped epazote if you can find it for an authentic touch.
Storing and freezing
Keeps 1 day in the fridge in a covered tub. Reheat gently until steaming hot; the sauce can separate if boiled.
Questions
What is the difference between elote and esquites?
Elote is corn on the cob; esquites is the same flavours served as kernels in a cup. Esquites is easier to eat and share.
Can I use tinned sweetcorn?
Yes, drain and dry it well, then char in a very hot pan.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the cheese you use is vegetarian.
More made with tostadas and totopos (tortilla chips)
Ceviche Verde de Pescado (Green Fish Ceviche)
GFDFEFTostadas de Atun con Chipotle (Chipotle Tuna Tostadas)
GFNFChilaquiles de Birria (Birria Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs)
GFNFHPChilaquiles de Mole con Huevo (Mole Chilaquiles with Fried Egg)
GFNFVSee every dish made with tostadas and totopos (tortilla chips)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.