Street Corn Popcorn

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Step right up to a flavor fiesta with this Mexican-Inspired Street Corn Popcorn! Imagine the crunch of popcorn coated with a tangy mayo sauce along with a zesty blend of lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. This irresistible snack is perfect for movie nights or gatherings, offering a unique twist on a beloved street food classic.

a brown paper bag with street corn popcorn inside

What Makes This Recipe Great

Introducing Homemade Mexican Street Corn Popcorn– the most addicting, finger-licking popcorn snack that you will want to have on hand at all times! Perfect elote flavor, this savory popcorn will have your taste buds thanking you!

This snack sensation takes the beloved street food classic and gives it a popcorn makeover, blending the savory, spicy, and cheesy goodness of elote into each crunchy kernel. Imagine the satisfying crunch of popcorn paired with the zesty lime mayo, elote seasoning, cotija cheese, and cilantro. There’s no artificial flavor, and stove-popped kernels make the BEST popcorn! 

If you love this popcorn, you’ve got to try my Dill Pickle Popcorn. It’s one of my all time favorites.

Ingredient Notes

ingredient shot
  • popcorn kernels
  • Lime juice and zest
  • mayo
  • avocado oil: You can also use coconut oil, or any other cooking oil you prefer. 
  • spices: I’ve made my own elote popcorn seasoning with the following spices– chili powder, garlic powder, dried cilantro, cumin, and salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Pop the popcorn: Heat the avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot with a lid. Once the kernels start popping, gently shake the pot occasionally to ensure even popping. When the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl.
  2. Prepare the toppings: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lime juice, pinch of salt, and lime zest. Mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the garlic powder, cilantro, cumin, salt and chili powder
  3. Combine the popcorn and toppings: Add the popcorn to a large bowl and pour the mayo and spice mixture over the popped popcorn. Add a lid and shake until evenly coated. Sprinkle with grated cotija cheese or feta cheese
  4. Season to taste: Taste the popcorn and add salt if needed. Remember that cotija cheese is salty, so you may not need much additional salt.
step by step photos

Mac’s Pro Tips

Expert Tips

  • I made homemade popcorn for this recipe, but you can always use microwave popcorn. Spray the pickle juice and sprinkle the dill pickle seasoning over it. 
  • Make sure to eat this popcorn in one setting. I don’t recommend storing it overnight because of the mayo and cheese. It also becomes very soggy if not enjoyed immediately.
overhead shot of the street corn popcorn in the paper bag
Is this recipe dairy and gluten-free?

This recipe is gluten-free as written. A lot of people think mayo has dairy, but mayo is dairy-free.

a grey bowl filled with street corn popcorn with a lime sitting beside the bowl and corn in the background

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Street Corn Popcorn

Step right up to a flavor fiesta with this Mexican-Inspired Street Corn Popcorn! Imagine the crunch of popcorn coated with a tangy mayo sauce along with a zesty blend of lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. This irresistible snack is perfect for movie nights or gatherings, offering a unique twist on a beloved street food classic.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients  

Popcorn

  • 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup grated cotija cheese or feta cheese
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp dried cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tsp salt more or less to taste

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons Mayo
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • pinch of salt

Instructions 

  • Pop the popcorn: Heat the avocado oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels and cover the pot with a lid. Once the kernels start popping, gently shake the pot occasionally to ensure even popping. When the popping slows down, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a minute to allow any remaining kernels to pop. Transfer the popped popcorn to a large bowl.
  • Prepare the toppings: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lime juice, pinch of salt, and lime zest. Mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the garlic powder, cilantro, cumin, salt and chili powder
  • Combine the popcorn and toppings: Add the popcorn to a large bowl and pour the mayo and spice mixture over the popped popcorn. Add a lid and shake until evenly coated. Sprinkle with grated cotija cheese or feta cheese
  • Season to taste: Taste the popcorn and add salt if needed. Remember that cotija cheese is salty, so you may not need much additional salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 711mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 345IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @healthylittlepeach or tag #healthylittlepeach!

About Me

Mother, wife, cookbook author, recipe creator an open book

Welcome to Healthy Little Peach. I’m Mac, the lady behind the recipes. I believe in living a healthy lifestyle that consists of a mix of healthy whole foods, and full-fat comfort meals. Life is too short not to enjoy good food while maintaining a healthy body and mind. Here you will find gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, keto, and even full-fat comfort recipes. Let’s have fun in the kitchen together!

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