This Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup combines the sweetness of corn with creamy textures, a hint of spice, and the bright freshness of lime and cilantro. Each spoonful is comforting, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
Ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this soup is both simple and impressive. Its slow-cooked base allows the flavors to meld beautifully, while garnishes like cotija cheese and fresh herbs elevate the dish to restaurant-quality presentation. Creamy, colorful, and delicious, it’s a soup everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup diced red bell pepper
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup milk or heavy cream
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2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon cumin
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
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In a slow cooker, combine corn, red bell pepper, onion, garlic, broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin.
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Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
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Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some corn kernels for texture.
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Stir in milk or cream and season with salt and pepper.
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Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4–6 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food straight to your home. Inspired by the popular Mexican elote, this soup combines sweet corn, creamy textures, zesty lime, and aromatic spices to create a rich and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or a weeknight dinner when you want something warm, hearty, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and versatility. By using a slow cooker, the flavors meld together over time, allowing the sweetness of the corn to balance perfectly with the smoky and spicy seasonings. The addition of fresh cilantro, lime juice, and cotija cheese at the end provides brightness and a touch of indulgence that makes this soup irresistible.
Origins and Inspiration
The idea behind Mexican Street Corn Soup comes from “elote,” a traditional Mexican street food consisting of grilled corn on the cob topped with a mixture of mayonnaise, chili powder, lime, and cheese. While elote is typically eaten on the cob, this soup reimagines it in a comforting, creamy bowl form. By transforming these flavors into a slow-cooked soup, you get all the richness and spice of elote without the mess of eating it off a stick.
This dish celebrates the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine while adapting them for a more convenient and modern cooking method. It reflects the trend of taking classic street foods and turning them into approachable, home-friendly recipes that still capture the essence of their origin.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The flavor profile of Mexican Street Corn Soup is both complex and comforting. The natural sweetness of corn forms the base, while smoky chili powder and cumin add depth and warmth. A touch of smoked paprika introduces a subtle smokiness, evoking the charred flavor of grilled street corn. Fresh lime juice and cilantro add brightness, while creamy milk or heavy cream enriches the soup and balances the spices.
Texturally, this soup is a delight. It is partially blended to retain some corn kernels, providing bursts of sweetness and a pleasant bite, while the creamy base ensures smoothness. Topping the soup with crumbled cotija cheese adds a savory, slightly salty contrast that enhances every spoonful. The final dish is a combination of creamy, slightly chunky, tangy, and spicy flavors that appeal to all senses.
Health Benefits
While indulgent in flavor, Mexican Street Corn Soup can also be nutritious. Corn is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins such as vitamin B and C. Using a slow cooker reduces the need for excess oil, making the soup lighter than some traditional creamy soups. By choosing low-fat milk or plant-based alternatives, you can further enhance the nutritional profile without sacrificing creaminess. Fresh herbs like cilantro add antioxidants and help support digestion, while lime juice offers a boost of vitamin C and enhances flavor naturally.
Why You’ll Love It
There are many reasons to fall in love with this soup. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Simply combine the ingredients in a slow cooker and let the machine do the work, making it ideal for busy lifestyles. Secondly, it’s versatile. You can make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth, or add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra protein. Thirdly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Its rich, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor appeals to both kids and adults, making it a perfect dish for family meals, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings.
Additionally, this soup is visually appealing. The bright yellow of the corn, the red of the bell peppers, the green of the cilantro, and the white of the cotija cheese create a colorful and appetizing presentation that’s sure to impress guests or make your Instagram feed pop.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Street Corn Soup can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting bowl of soup or paired with other dishes for a complete meal. Serve it with warm tortillas, crusty bread, or cornbread for a hearty experience. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the soup. For an extra touch of authenticity, top each serving with additional lime wedges, a sprinkle of chili powder, or crispy tortilla strips for texture.
Tips and Variations
There are several ways to customize this soup to your taste. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a smoky depth, roast the corn before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack, depending on your preference.
To make the soup vegan or dairy-free, substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the cream, and use nutritional yeast in place of cotija cheese. Another great variation is to add black beans or diced sweet potatoes for extra texture and nutrients, transforming the soup into a more substantial main course.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Soup
- Avoid overcooking the corn so it maintains some texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving; flavors may deepen as the soup sits.
- Garnish just before serving to keep herbs fresh and cheese from melting completely.
- Use an immersion blender for a partially smooth texture while leaving some kernels intact.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is a perfect fusion of classic Mexican flavors and modern convenience. Its creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy notes make it a comforting meal suitable for any occasion. Easy to prepare, customizable to dietary preferences, and visually stunning, this soup is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and hearty dishes. Whether you’re looking to cozy up on a cold evening or impress guests with a colorful and delicious dish, this soup delivers on all fronts.
Bring the taste of Mexican street food into your home and enjoy a bowl of creamy, flavorful comfort that is as nutritious as it is satisfying. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and vibrant flavor profile, Mexican Street Corn Soup will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe collection.