TORTILLA CHIP SPOONBREAD WITH CHILES

Tortilla Chip Spoonbread with Chiles image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 55m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Unsalted butter, for the ramekins
3/4 cup finely ground lime-flavored tortilla chips (about 4 ounces)
2 cups half-and-half
2 ears of corn, kernels cut off (about 1 cup)
Kosher salt
3/4 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
4 large eggs
1 red jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup quartered cherry or grape tomatoes
Pico de gallo, for topping

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter twelve 4-ounce ramekins, then coat with ground tortilla chips (about 1/4 cup total). Combine the half-and-half, corn, the remaining 1/2 cup ground tortilla chips and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until thick like pudding, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in 1/2 cup cheese.
Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until thick and fluffy, 5 minutes. Whisk in half of the corn mixture until combined. Fold in the remaining corn mixture with a rubber spatula, then fold in the jalapeno, scallions and tomatoes.
Transfer the prepared ramekins to a baking sheet; divide the batter among the ramekins and sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake until the spoonbread is puffed and set, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes. Top with pico de gallo.