If you are craving all the vibrant, creamy, and spicy flavors of traditional Mexican street corn but want an easy, comforting dish to share, this Mexican Street Corn Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It takes the beloved elements of elote and transforms them into a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s unbelievably simple to make yet rich in flavor. Creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream mingle with fresh corn and bold cheeses, finished with a hint of chili and lime that keeps every bite exciting. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it will become a favorite go-to dish for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to bring a taste of Mexican street food magic home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture in the Mexican Street Corn Casserole Recipe. From the sweetness of fresh corn to the tangy zip of lime and the creamy cheeses, every component works together to create that irresistible casserole magic.
- Fresh corn (5¼ cups, about 7 ears): The star ingredient providing sweetness, crunch, and bright color.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that keeps the casserole rich without overpowering.
- Sour cream (¾ cup): Brings a smooth, slightly tart dimension that balances the batter beautifully.
- Lime juice (juice of 1 lime): Adds freshness and acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Lends a mild kick and smoky depth to replicate authentic street corn flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (¾ cup grated): Offers a salty, nutty punch that melts into the casserole for richness.
- Pepper jack cheese (1 cup): Melts into creamy pockets of spice throughout the dish for extra flavor and gooeyness.
- Feta cheese (¼ cup, crumbled): Sprinkled on top for a tangy, crumbly finish that adds texture contrast and visual appeal.
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having the oven and pan ready upfront helps the process go smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the Corn and Dairy Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your fresh corn kernels with mayonnaise, sour cream, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Add chili powder for a gentle kick, then stir in the grated parmesan and shredded pepper jack cheeses. This mixture should be creamy, chunky, and bursting with flavors that mirror the classic street corn experience.
Step 3: Transfer and Bake
Pour the creamy corn mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out to create a nice even layer. Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. This cooking time allows the flavors to meld, the cheese to melt and bubble, and the edges to develop a lovely golden color.
Step 4: Add the Final Touch
Once the casserole is baked through, remove it from the oven and immediately sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. The feta adds a delightful tangy contrast and a beautiful visual finish to the dish, making it feel extra special.
How to Serve Mexican Street Corn Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For that authentic street corn feel, garnish your casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, a dash of extra chili powder or smoked paprika, and perhaps a squeeze of lime wedge on the side. These little touches add color, brightness, and an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, making it the perfect side for barbecues or weeknight dinners. It also works beautifully alongside a fresh green salad or black bean salsa for a more complete, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole scooped out in individual ramekins for a fun twist or spread it on tostadas or warm tortillas as a hearty topping. You can even turn leftovers into a layered dip with tortilla chips for parties. The flexibility makes every serving feel new and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy second helpings or pack for lunches.
Freezing
This Mexican Street Corn Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350ºF until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of feta or cheese on top before heating to refresh the cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, canned or frozen corn can be used if fresh isn’t available, but fresh corn really makes a difference in flavor and texture for this casserole. If using canned, drain it well to avoid excess moisture, and if frozen, thaw and drain before mixing.
Is this casserole spicy?
The chili powder adds a mild heat, but it’s not overpowering. You can adjust the amount to your taste or add a pinch of cayenne if you want a little more kick. The creamy base helps balance the spice nicely.
What can I substitute if I don’t have pepper jack cheese?
Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar are good substitutes that will melt well and keep the dish creamy, though you might lose a bit of the subtle spicy flavor that pepper jack brings.
Can this dish be made vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is vegetarian as written. For a vegan version, you can use vegan mayonnaise, sour cream alternatives, and plant-based cheeses, but the flavors will differ slightly. Fresh corn and lime will still keep it delicious though!
How do I make the casserole less creamy if I prefer a firmer texture?
Reducing the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream slightly will give you a firmer casserole. Just be mindful that these ingredients help bind and add moisture, so don’t cut too much or the casserole may become dry.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Street Corn Casserole Recipe is a true celebration of vibrant flavors and simple comfort food. Whether you’re serving it as a star side dish or a hearty snack, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll likely find it quickly becomes a beloved addition to your recipe collection and a new way to enjoy the classic charm of Mexican street corn in a cozy, shareable casserole form.
Print
Mexican Street Corn Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 to 40 minutes
- Total Time: 40 to 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mexican Street Corn Casserole is a creamy, cheesy twist on the beloved elote street food. Combining fresh corn with a tangy blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder, then baked to perfection with parmesan and pepper jack cheeses, this casserole is topped with crumbled feta for a delightful finish. Perfect as a flavorful side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal or summer barbecue.
Ingredients
Corn Mixture
- 5¼ cups corn (approximately 7 ears of corn)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Topping
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, parmesan cheese, and pepper jack cheese until evenly mixed.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the corn and cheese mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the casserole: Bake the mixture uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
- Add feta topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh corn if possible for the best flavor, but frozen or canned corn can be used in a pinch.
- Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure cheese is made with microbial rennet.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a Mexican-themed dinner.
