Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
Mexican Street Corn Soup is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of traditional Mexican street corn right to your kitchen. This Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with family and friends. With its creamy texture and rich taste, it satisfies cravings while being easy to prepare. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed as a hearty main course or a side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With less than 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of spices, creaminess from cheese, and smoky bacon creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy this soup as a main course, appetizer, or even as a filling for burritos or tacos.
- Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for gatherings, this soup will impress your guests and become a staple at your dinner table.
- Comforting Ingredients: Loaded with nutritious ingredients like chicken, corn, and potatoes, it’s both comforting and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing this soup a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is essential for developing deep flavors over several hours while you focus on other tasks.
- Large sauté pan: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and spices to enhance their flavors before adding them to the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Mexican Street Corn Soup comes together so easily in the slow cooker with less than 10 minutes of prep time! It’s creamy and delicious with added bacon, chicken, and potatoes.
Base Ingredients
- 1 white onion, ((diced))
- 1 poblano pepper or jalapeno pepper, ((diced))
- 2 cloves garlic, ((diced or minced))
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 2 med russet potatoes, ((peeled and diced))
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, ((diced))
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken broth
Creamy Elements & Toppings
- 8 oz cream cheese or creme fraiche
- 6 slices of bacon
- 2 limes, ((optional for garnish))
- cilantro, ((optional for garnish))
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese
How to Make Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the oil once hot.
- Sauté the diced onion, diced pepper, and minced garlic for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the chili powder and cumin; cook for another few minutes until fragrant.
- Transfer this mixture to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients
- In the slow cooker, add frozen corn, diced potatoes, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, chicken breast, and chicken broth.
- Give everything a good stir to combine well.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
- Set your slow cooker on low heat for 6-8 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese or crème fraîche until melted and well combined.
Step 4: Prepare Bacon & Serve
- Cook bacon on the stovetop or in the oven until crispy; crumble into pieces.
- Serve hot with crumbled bacon on top along with cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro for garnish.
This comforting Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is sure to warm your heart as you enjoy every delicious bowl!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is all about enhancing its rich, creamy flavor and bringing out the best in this comforting dish. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for guests to squeeze over their soup, adding a zesty kick.
Add Crunchy Toppings
- Crumbled Bacon: Top each bowl with crispy bacon bits to introduce a savory crunch.
- Cotija Cheese: Sprinkle cotija cheese on top for a creamy, tangy finish that complements the flavors.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve alongside slices of crusty bread or baguette for dipping.
- Cornbread Muffins: Offer warm cornbread muffins for a sweet contrast to the spiced soup.
Make it a Meal
- Tacos: Pair with soft or hard-shell tacos filled with your favorite protein for a complete Mexican feast.
- Salad: A light side salad can help balance the richness of the soup, making it feel more refreshing.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
To achieve the perfect Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup, keep these essential tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables whenever possible, as they enhance the flavor and texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle pepper or use mild peppers instead.
- Creaminess Factor: For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving and stir it back in.
- Cook Low and Slow: Allowing the soup to cook on low for longer helps develop deeper flavors; aim for at least 8 hours if possible.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasoning as needed; sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove while stirring occasionally.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
To complement your Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully:
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that adds richness and freshness; serve with tortilla chips for crunch.
- Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices; it’s a great way to soak up leftover soup.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh tomato salsa offer a satisfying contrast in textures.
- Quesadillas: Cheese-filled tortillas grilled until crispy; they’re perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime; it’s a fun nod to the soup’s inspiration.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and lime dressing adds nutrition and color to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Preparing Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the onion, pepper, and garlic enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step; it adds depth to your soup.
- Overcooking the chicken: If you leave the chicken in too long, it can become dry. Check for doneness earlier to keep it juicy.
- Not seasoning enough: Adjusting salt and pepper at the end is essential for taste. Always taste before serving to ensure it’s perfectly seasoned.
- Using fresh corn only: While fresh corn is great, frozen corn makes this recipe easier and more convenient. Frozen corn retains sweetness without needing extra prep.
- Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes like lime juice and cotija cheese add flavor and texture. Don’t forget them to elevate your dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before sealing it in containers.
Freezing Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.
Reheating Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh corn! Just make sure to cook it down a bit before adding it to the slow cooker.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, omit the chicken and bacon. You can add more beans or vegetables for protein.
How spicy is Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup?
The spiciness level depends on how much chipotle pepper and jalapeño you use. Adjust these ingredients according to your spice preference.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup?
This soup pairs well with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup is not only creamy and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different proteins or vegetables according to your taste. It’s perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, so give this comforting recipe a try!
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Soup brings the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn right to your home. This creamy, comforting dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with family and friends. In less than 10 minutes of prep, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic, producing a rich and satisfying meal. Loaded with chicken, corn, and smoky bacon, this versatile soup can be enjoyed as a hearty main course or a delightful side dish. With fresh garnishes like cilantro and lime, each bowl offers an explosion of flavor that will warm your heart and please your palate.
Ingredients
- 1 white onion
- 1 poblano pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese
- Crumbled bacon and cotija cheese for topping
Instructions
- Sauté diced onion, poblano pepper, and minced garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker along with frozen corn, diced potatoes, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, chicken breast, and chicken broth. Stir well.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese until melted.
- Serve hot topped with crispy bacon bits, cotija cheese, and fresh lime juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
