A high-protein twist on Mexican street corn (elote) served in easy snack cups. Sweet roasted corn mixed with creamy chili-lime sauce, cotija-style cheese, and extra protein from Greek yogurt and cottage cheese.
Perfect for meal prep, parties, post-workout snacks, or healthy comfort food.
Servings
4 cups
Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 10–12 minutes
- Total: ~20 minutes
Ingredients
Corn Base
- 4 cups corn kernels
(fresh, frozen, or canned drained well) - 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
High-Protein Cream Sauce
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp light mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Pinch salt
Cheese & Toppings
- ½ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Chili flakes or Tajín seasoning
- Lime wedges
Optional Protein Boosters
Add one:
- shredded chicken
- turkey bacon bits
- black beans
- grilled shrimp
Step 1: Char the Corn
Heat skillet over high heat.
Add oil or butter.
Add corn and cook:
- 6–8 minutes
Stir occasionally.
You want:
- golden spots
- slight char
- roasted aroma
Season with:
- paprika
- chili powder
- garlic powder
- salt & pepper
Step 2: Make the Protein Cream Sauce
In blender or food processor combine:
- Greek yogurt
- cottage cheese
- mayonnaise
- lime juice
- garlic
- chili powder
- salt
Blend until:
- smooth
- creamy
- thick
Step 3: Combine
In large bowl mix:
- warm charred corn
- creamy protein sauce
Fold gently until fully coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Cups
Divide into serving cups or bowls.
Top with:
- cotija/feta
- cilantro
- Tajín or chili flakes
- extra lime squeeze
Optional:
Add extra protein topping like chicken or shrimp.
Texture & Flavor
- Sweet juicy corn
- Smoky char flavor
- Creamy tangy sauce
- Salty cheese finish
- Chili-lime kick
Like classic street corn but more filling and protein-packed.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Cup)
Without extra protein:
- Calories: ~220–320
- Protein: ~14–20g
- Carbs: ~22–28g
- Fat: ~8–14g
With chicken or shrimp:
- Protein increases significantly.
Meal Prep Tips
Store refrigerated:
- up to 4 days
Best served:
- slightly warm
OR - chilled
Optional Variations
Spicy Chipotle Version
Add:
- chipotle powder
- hot sauce
- diced jalapeños
Low-Carb Version
Replace half the corn with:
- cauliflower rice
Taco Bowl Style
Serve over:
- rice
- lettuce
- quinoa
Add:
- avocado
- beans
- salsa
Pro Tips
Char Corn Properly
Don’t stir constantly — let it brown.
Blend Cottage Cheese Smooth
Makes sauce taste rich without heavy calories.
Fresh Lime Matters
Brightens the whole dish.
Serve Warm for Best Flavor
Warm corn absorbs sauce better.
