Carnitas Street Corn Sliders

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Delicious carnitas street corn sliders on a plate, garnished with fresh ingredients.

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Carnitas Street Corn Sliders combine the rich flavors of carnitas with bright and delicious street corn. They offer a fun and easy way to enjoy a meal that’s perfect for gatherings, parties, or a weeknight dinner. The creamy filling of corn, cheese, and spices makes each slider incredibly satisfying. Plus, they are quick to prepare, which is always a plus in any kitchen!

HOW TO MAKE Carnitas Street Corn Sliders

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 package (12-count) dinner rolls, halved lengthwise
  • 2 cups carnitas, prepared warm
  • 1 cup (113 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • ⅓ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until it becomes soft.
  4. Next, stir in the corn, chili powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5–6 minutes until the corn is lightly charred.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 more minute.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until fully melted and combined. Remove from heat.
  7. To assemble the sliders, place the bottom halves of the dinner rolls in the prepared baking dish.
  8. Spread the warm carnitas evenly over the rolls.
  9. Then, spoon the corn mixture on top of the carnitas.
  10. Sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese over the corn mixture. If using, add the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
  11. Place the top halves of the dinner rolls over the mixture.
  12. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and kosher salt. Brush this mixture over the top of the dinner rolls.
  13. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
  14. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

HOW TO SERVE Carnitas Street Corn Sliders

These sliders are best served warm. You can cut them into individual sliders and plate them on a large serving dish. They pair wonderfully with salsa, guacamole, or a fresh side salad. You might also consider serving them alongside corn tortillas for a complete meal. Feel free to garnish with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of lime juice to elevate the flavor.

HOW TO STORE Carnitas Street Corn Sliders

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to let the sliders cool completely before sealing them. They can last about 3-4 days in the fridge. When ready to reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

TIPS TO MAKE Carnitas Street Corn Sliders

  • Use high-quality carnitas: What makes these sliders stand out is the flavor of the carnitas. If possible, use homemade or store-bought carnitas that are seasoned well.
  • Add more spices: If you like it spicy, consider increasing the cayenne pepper or adding diced jalapeños to the corn mixture.
  • Cheese options: While Monterey Jack is great, you can substitute it with other cheeses such as cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
  • Make it vegetarian: For a vegetarian option, replace the carnitas with black beans or mushrooms.
  • Serving size: Adjust the amount of ingredients if you are serving more or fewer people. This recipe can easily be doubled or halved.

VARIATIONS

  • BBQ Sliders: Swap the carnitas for pulled pork and enjoy a BBQ twist on these sliders.
  • Buffalo Chicken: Replace the carnitas with cooked, shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Veggie Delight: For a completely meat-free option, use a mix of beans, black beans, or even grilled vegetables.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn?
Yes! You can use frozen corn; just make sure it is thawed and drained before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I prepare Carnitas Street Corn Sliders in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the corn mixture and carnitas ahead of time and assemble the sliders just before baking them. This makes for quick cooking when ready to serve.

3. What can I serve with these sliders?
These sliders go well with a variety of sides, including a fresh salad, charred vegetables, tortilla chips, and salsa, or a side of beans to round out the meal.

These Carnitas Street Corn Sliders are sure to be a hit for any gathering. Their delightful mix of flavors combined with the fun presentation makes them a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish!