Baby Esquites (Corn for Kiddos)

we're entering corn season and everyone should be excited!

Hi friends! We’re deep in the heart of corn season and I couldn’t be happier about it. This week’s recipe is a riff on one of my favorite street food snacks: esquites!! But made baby-friendly for little mouths like Finn’s. And spoiler: it’s been such a hit at home, even without teeth.

Wait, what are esquites?

If you’ve never had esquites before, they’re basically Mexican street corn off the cob. Usually it’s sautéed corn mixed with mayo, lime juice, chili powder, cheese, and cilantro. It’s bright, salty, creamy, and a little spicy and just the kind of snack you want to eat outside on a hot day.

How I baby-ified it

Clearly we’re not feeding Finn mayo and cotija (too dry) just yet, so I swapped the traditional ingredients for things he would enjoy. I sauté the corn in butter, season it lightly with lime and chili-lime seasoning (just a tiny pinch), and blend it with ripe avocado for a super creamy, scoopable texture. It’s the best of all worlds… bright, smooth, a little herby from the chives, and just chunky enough to keep things interesting.

I usually serve it with some tiny cubes of soft cheese (mozzarella or mild cheddar work great) and a few pieces of chicken or steak that Finn can grab and gum himself. We’re still working with zero teeth over here. I’m convinced my body forgot to make them.

Why corn rules

Corn is such a great food for this age! It’s sweet, it’s seasonal, and it’s full of fiber, folate, and vitamin C. Plus, it introduces a new texture and flavor to your baby’s palate. When blended with avocado (which is rich in healthy fats), it becomes the kind of velvety mash that’s both nourishing and easy to eat. Total win.