Mexican Street Corn Casserole is a creamy and cheesy dish. It’s inspired by the popular Mexican street food, elote. This simple recipe turns classic street corn into a cozy baked casserole. It’s great for potlucks, family dinners, or as a side for your favorite Mexican dishes. This casserole has roasted corn, tangy lime, creamy mayonnaise, and a great mix of spices. It’s sure to please the crowd.
Ingredients
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4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon cumin
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Juice of 1 lime
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1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup Cotija cheese (or feta cheese)
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 jalapeño, diced (optional for spice)
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1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Casserole at Home
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Jalapeño
Fold in the Cotija cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and diced jalapeño (if using). Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed tortilla chips with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole for a crunchy topping.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra cilantro, Cotija cheese, and a drizzle of lime juice before serving.
Tips for Making It Perfect
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Use fresh corn: If possible, grill or roast fresh corn for a smoky, charred flavor.
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Adjust the spice level: Add more or less jalapeño and chili powder based on your spice preference.
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Make it creamier: Stir in an extra tablespoon of sour cream or mayonnaise for a richer texture.
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Add protein: Mix in shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for added flavor and protein.
You Can Try These Different Variations
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Mexican Street Corn and Chicken Casserole – Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed meal.
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Spicy Street Corn Casserole – Use extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper for added heat.
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Cheesy Street Corn Casserole – Add extra cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
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Low-Carb Version – Replace corn with cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative.
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Vegan Option – Substitute dairy-free mayo, vegan cheese, and coconut cream for a plant-based version.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 4g
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Sodium: 400mg
What to Serve with Mexican Street Corn Casserole
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Grilled Meats: Pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp.
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Tacos: Serve alongside beef, pork, or veggie tacos.
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Rice and Beans: A classic Mexican side dish to complement the casserole.
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Guacamole and Chips: A fresh, creamy contrast to the baked casserole.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
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Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
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Microwave: Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warm.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole mixture and refrigerate it in the baking dish. When ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed.
Can I use frozen corn?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain it before mixing it with other ingredients.
What cheese can I substitute for Cotija?
Feta or Parmesan cheese works well if you can’t find Cotija.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free mayo, sour cream, and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
How do I make it more filling?
Add black beans, diced bell peppers, or cooked ground beef for a heartier dish.
Conclusion
Mexican Street Corn Casserole is a delicious and easy twist on traditional elote, perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the tasty variations, this dish is bound to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the rich, cheesy, and zesty flavors.