📖 Instructions

1. Alright, lets get started. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get that oven nice and toasty!
2. Now, grab your zucchini. You'll want about 4 medium-sized ones. Wash them up real nice and then slice them lengthwise. We're making boats, remember?
3. Using a spoon, scoop out the insides of each zucchini half. Not too aggressively, but get most of the seeds and pulpy stuff out. You want to create a nice little cavity for the elote filling.
4. Drizzle the inside of each zucchini boat with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This helps them get tender and flavorful while roasting. A little goes a long way!
5. Place the zucchini halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Pop them into the preheated oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are slightly softened. You don't want them mushy, just tender enough to easily stuff.
6. While the zucchini is roasting, let's make the elote filling! In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked corn (fresh, frozen, or canned – whatever you have!), 1/2 cup of crumbled cotija cheese (feta works in a pinch, honestly), 1/4 cup of mayonnaise (don't knock it 'til you try it!), 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons of lime juice (freshly squeezed, always!), 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (more if you're feeling brave!).
7. Mix everything together gently until well combined. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Maybe a little more lime? A pinch more chili powder? It's your elote, make it how YOU like it!
8. Once the zucchini boats are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spoon the elote filling into each half. Pack it in there good!
9. Return the stuffed zucchini to the baking sheet and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melty and bubbly. Watch it closely so the cheese doesn't burn!
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder, if desired. A squeeze of lime never hurts either!