Huitlacoche Tamales with Cotija Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Steamed corn masa tamales filled with earthy huitlacoche and crumbled Oaxacan cheese, wrapped in corn husks. This mexican (vegetarian) ready in about 90 minutes pairs huitlacoche, corn masa, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 45 min Serves 12 Mexican cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 12 corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes until pliable. Drain and pat dry.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 2 cups corn masa, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 cup drained huitlacoche, 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix until well combined and masa holds together when pressed.
  3. Step 3: Place a corn husk flat on a work surface. Spread 1/4 cup masa mixture evenly over the bottom third, leaving 1-inch borders on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Place 1 tablespoon huitlacoche filling in the center of the masa.
  5. Step 5: Fold the left and right sides of the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up over the filling to seal. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  6. Step 6: Repeat with remaining masa and filling.
  7. Step 7: Place tamales seam-side down in a steamer basket. Steam over simmering water for 45 minutes until masa is firm and pulls away from husk.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Huitlacoche Tamales with Cotija Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (45 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Huitlacoche Tamales with Cotija Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep huitlacoche from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Huitlacoche Tamales with Cotija Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Huitlacoche Tamales with Cotija Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Huitlacoche Tamales with Cotija Cheese vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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