Taqueria Griddler Toast

A savory avocado toast with a Mexican street food inspired twist, featuring charred corn, Cotija cheese, and a zesty lime kick.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 30 min
Servings: 4
MexicanAmericanVegetarianPescatarianNut-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-Free

Ingredients

  • 4 slices Thick-cut rustic bread
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2 Ripe avocados
  • 1 tbsp Fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp Sea salt
  • Pinch Black pepper
  • 2 cups Fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Finely diced red onion
  • 1 small Jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (or Mexican crema/plain Greek yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup Crumbled Cotija cheese
  • 1 tbsp Fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup Chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp Chili powder (Ancho preferred)
  • Pinch Cayenne pepper (optional)
  • To taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • For garnish Extra crumbled Cotija cheese
  • For garnish Extra chopped cilantro
  • For serving Lime wedges
  • For dusting Chili powder or Tajín

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Prepare the Esquites-Style Corn Topping: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred and tender, about 5-7 minutes. If using frozen corn, ensure it's thawed and patted dry first.

  2. 2.

    Add the finely diced red onion and minced jalapeño (if using) to the skillet with the corn. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens slightly. Remove from heat and transfer the corn mixture to a medium bowl.

  3. 3.

    To the corn mixture, add the mayonnaise (or crema/yogurt), 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

  4. 4.

    Prepare the Avocado Mash: In a separate bowl, scoop out the flesh of the avocados. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mash with a fork until desired consistency (chunky or smooth).

  5. 5.

    Toast the Bread: Heat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat. Brush both sides of the thick-cut bread slices with the remaining olive oil. Place the bread on the hot griddle and toast for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, use a toaster.

  6. 6.

    Assemble the Taqueria Griddler Toast: Spread an even layer of the mashed avocado generously over each slice of griddled toast.

  7. 7.

    Spoon a generous amount of the esquites-style corn topping over the avocado layer on each toast.

  8. 8.

    Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with additional crumbled Cotija cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, and a dusting of chili powder or Tajín. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of freshness.

Tips

  • 💡For the best flavor, use fresh corn when in season. If using frozen, ensure it's fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve a good char.
  • 💡Cotija cheese is salty, so taste the corn mixture before adding too much extra salt. Feta cheese can be a good substitute if Cotija is unavailable.
  • 💡Don't over-mash the avocado; a slightly chunky texture adds to the toast's appeal and mouthfeel.
  • 💡To make it spicier, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Shannon Williams