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Easy Spicy Mexican Corn Bites

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These Easy Spicy Mexican Corn Bites are vibrant, cheesy, and full of smoky, zesty flavor. Roasted corn, jalapeños, and bold spices are blended into a creamy filling and tucked into crispy phyllo shells—making them the perfect quick and crowd-pleasing party appetizer ready in just 30 minutes.

  • Author: Chef Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 15 bites
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

4 ears fresh corn, husked and kernels removed (or use frozen corn, thawed and drained)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium red onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeño pepper, finely diced

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 package (15 count) mini phyllo shells

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped red onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent.

  3. Stir in the garlic, jalapeño, and red bell pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

  4. Add the corn and sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to caramelize.

  5. Stir in the chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, coating the mixture evenly in spices.

  6. Remove from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts and becomes creamy.

  7. Fold in the grated Monterey Jack cheese and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  8. Arrange the mini phyllo shells on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the corn mixture generously into each shell.

  9. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the shells are golden and crisp, and the filling is bubbly.

  10. Let the bites cool slightly before serving. Serve with lime wedges for a bright citrusy finish.

Notes

  • Use serrano peppers or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  • Substitute Monterey Jack with cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper flavor.
  • Replace cream cheese with sour cream or vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
  • Try tortilla chip scoops instead of phyllo shells for a crunchy twist.