Monterey Jack Queso Fiesta Corn

Get ready to elevate your side dish game with Monterey Jack Queso Fiesta Corn, a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed recipe that's perfect for any gathering or weeknight meal. Featuring sweet corn kernels smothered in a luscious Monterey Jack cheese sauce infused with smoky paprika, zesty cumin, and an optional kick of jalapeño, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It's all brought together with a quick homemade roux for velvety smoothness, while fresh cilantro and lime wedges add a bright, zesty finish. Whether you're serving it as a side dish, a dip with tortilla chips, or a standout appetizer, this fiesta corn is destined to steal the spotlight at your table. Ready in just 30 minutes and bursting with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors, it’s the ultimate cheesy corn recipe you'll keep coming back to.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
• 1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 piece jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 4 pieces lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced jalapeño (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2

Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. The mixture will be thick and slightly golden.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.

Step 4

Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 5

Gradually add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the corn kernels to the skillet and stir to coat them evenly with the cheese sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is heated through and tender.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the queso corn to a serving dish.

Step 8

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.

Step 9

Enjoy as a side dish or serve with tortilla chips for dipping!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1100.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1613.3

Total Fat 92.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 48.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 245.1mg	0%
Sodium 1857.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 149.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.2g	0%
Total Sugars 50.7g
Protein 72.0g	0%

Vitamin D 147.8IU	0%
Calcium 1553.1mg	0%
Iron 5.9mg	0%
Potassium 2270.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.5%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 34.7%