Macayo’s Mexican Food Restaurant has been serving up mouth-watering Mexican cuisine for over 70 years. From burritos to tacos, Macayo’s is a Southwest staple.
But one of their most beloved dishes is the Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale. The unforgettable flavor combination will be sure to please your taste buds.
This guide will help you recreate this classic dish at home! Now, let’s get started on our journey to creating Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale!
What is Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale is a unique twist on the classic Mexican dish. This delicious tamale features a creamy filling of cream corn, Cheddar cheese, and green chiles inside a soft tamale husk.
It’s then topped with a rich Baja sauce made with cream cheese, jalapenos, and Half-and-Half. These tamales are a favorite on any table, whether it’s for Cinco de Mayo or just an everyday dinner.
They make a great appetizer or main dish and can easily be served with Mexican rice, refried beans, and a side salad. Whether you’re in the mood for something traditional or looking for a new twist on Mexican cuisine, Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale is sure to satisfy you.
What does it taste like?
Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale is a unique twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. The combination of gooey cheese, creamy corn, and spicy green chiles creates a flavor that is truly unforgettable.
The Baja sauce adds a rich creaminess to the dish and ties all of the flavors together. The tamale husks provide just the right amount of texture and absorb the flavors from the filling perfectly
How did I first get introduced to Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
I first got introduced to Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale when my family and I went out to dinner at one of their locations. It was my first time trying Mexican food, and the restaurant’s menu had a variety of dishes that sounded delicious. When we saw the tamales on offer, we knew it would be the perfect way to kick off our meal.
When the server brought out our dish, I was instantly taken by its flavors and appearance. The tamales were full of flavorful ingredients like cream corn, cheese, chiles, and a creamy Baja sauce. With every bite came a new flavor experience that I knew couldn’t be replicated at home.
While Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale was my first experience with Mexican cuisine, it also left me wanting more. I knew that if I could recreate the flavors of this dish in my own kitchen, I’d definitely be a fan for life.
Fast forward to today and Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale is now one of my favorite dishes to make and share with family and friends. Whenever we have a get-together, I make sure to make plenty of these delicious tamales for everyone to enjoy.
I’m so glad that my first experience with Mexican cuisine was Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale – it’s definitely one of the most flavorful dishes out there! Every time I take a bite, I remember my first time at Macayo’s and the delicious flavors that I now know how to recreate at home.
How to make Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
Making Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale is a breeze. All you need are a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Ingredients
- Tamale husks: this is the outer shell that contains the filling of your tamales
- Cream corn: this adds a creamy texture to the tamale and helps bind all of the ingredients together
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: this gives your tamale a delicious cheesy flavor
- Green chiles: these add a spicy kick to your tamale
- Corn masa: this is the main ingredient in the tamale, providing a thick and creamy texture
- Cream cheese: this adds a rich creaminess to your Baja sauce
- Salt: a pinch of salt enhances all of the flavors in your recipe
- Sliced canned jalapenos: for an extra kick of flavor
- Half-and-Half: this helps to create a smooth and creamy texture for your Baja sauce.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preparing the Tamales
- Soak the tamale husks in warm water for 10 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream corn, shredded Cheddar cheese, and green chiles.
- Divide the mixture into 10 equal portions and spread each portion evenly onto the softened tamale husks.
- Spread the corn masa onto each of the tamales, covering both sides completely.
Step 2
Preparing the Baja Sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese and salt until creamy.
- Stir in jalapenos and Half-and-Half until well blended.
- Set aside.
Step 3
Assembly and Cooking of the Tamales
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place the tamales seam-side down into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Step 4
Ready to serve
- Your delicious Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale is ready.
- Serve with the baja sauce & shredded cheese top if it.
Tips
- You can replace the canned green chiles with fresh chiles if desired.
- Feel free to add additional seasonings or spices to your tamales for more flavor.
- If you like it spicy, feel free to add more jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your Baja sauce.
- If you’re using frozen tamale husks, make sure to thaw them completely before using them.
- You can serve the Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale as a main dish or use them as an appetizer.
Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale Recipe
Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Stirrer
Ingredients
For Making Tamales
- 10 tamale husks
- 8 ounce can of cream corn
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 12 ounces canned green chiles
- 4 1/2 pounds corn masa
For Making Baja Sauce
- 2 pounds cream cheese
- Dash salt
- 2 ounces sliced canned jalapenos
- 8 ounces Half-and-Half
Instructions
- Soak and prepare tamales.
- Make Baja sauce.
- Assemble and bake tamales.
- Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, and a side salad.
Notes
- You can replace the canned green chiles with fresh chiles if desired.
- Feel free to add additional seasonings or spices to your tamales for more flavor.
- If you like it spicy, feel free to add more jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your Baja sauce.
- If you’re using frozen tamale husks, make sure to thaw them completely before using them.
- You can serve the Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale as a main dish or use them as an appetizer.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
Here are some great recipes to accompany Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale:
- Refried Beans: Refried beans make a great side dish to Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale. They provide some protein and fiber for a complete meal.
- Mexican Rice: Mexican rice is another great accompaniment to these tamales. It adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that’s sure to be a hit.
- Guacamole: Serve guacamole as an appetizer or side dish to these tamales for some extra healthy fats and flavor.
- Salad: Add a light salad of greens and other vegetables to your meal for some extra crunch, color, and nutrients.
- Salsa: Serve salsa with your Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale for an extra kick of flavor.
- Sour Cream: Add some sour cream to the top of your tamales for a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy filling.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some additional shredded cheese over your Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale before baking to give it a cheesy topping.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like their food extra spicy, a dash of hot sauce on top of your tamales will kick up the flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Serve a few lime wedges along with your meal for an extra zing of citrus flavor.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve some crunchy tortilla chips on the side for an extra Tex-Mex touch.
- Corn Tortillas: Add some warm corn tortillas to your meal for a traditional Mexican touch.
- Margaritas: For those 21 and over, top off your meal with a refreshing margarita!
How to store leftover Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale?
Leftover Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the tamales on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through and the cheese is melted.
You can also heat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high power. To freeze, place the tamales in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Tamales make great leftovers as they taste just as delicious and reheated! While Macayo’s Green Corn Tamales are best enjoyed fresh, you can still enjoy them days later when stored properly.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Pregnant women can enjoy Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale, however, they should take a few precautions. For one, pregnant women should avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs, as these can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
As this recipe calls for cream cheese, make sure it is cooked to 165° F before eating it. Additionally, pregnant women should take care to avoid consuming large quantities of canned green chiles, jalapeños, and other spicy ingredients as they can trigger heartburn.
FAQs
Can I add other ingredients to the tamales?
Yes, you can certainly add additional ingredients to the tamales such as onions, garlic, olives, and even ground meat.
Can I make the Baja sauce without Half-and-Half?
Yes, you can substitute milk or cream for the Half-and-Half if desired. Alternatively, you can also use light coconut milk or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative.
Can Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale be served cold?
Yes, you can certainly serve Macayo’s Green Corn Tamales cold. However, for best results, it is recommended to reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. This will help create a warm and delicious texture.
Wrapping Up
Macayo’s Green Corn Tamale is a delicious and easy dish to prepare for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a main course or an appetizer, this tamale recipe won’t disappoint.
With its creamy filling and cheesy topping, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone! Be sure to serve it hot with an array of sides, and you won’t go wrong.
Thanks for reading & do not forget to share this article with your friends and family.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more