Easy Mexican Street Corn Casserole

This Easy Mexican Street Corn Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful twist on classic elote. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or BBQs, it’s simple to make and loved by the whole family.

Bring the bold, savory flavors of Mexican street corn to your table with this Easy Mexican Street Corn Casserole!

Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned with chili, lime, and cilantro, this dish is an irresistible side for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or BBQs. It’s easier to make than traditional elote and loved by kids and adults alike—no skewers or grill required!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Creamy & Cheesy – Rich, cheesy layers make every bite irresistible.
• Bold Flavors – Chili powder, lime, and cilantro bring authentic Mexican street corn taste.
• Easy to Make – Minimal prep and simple ingredients make it perfect for weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for potlucks, BBQs, or family dinners.
• Customizable – Add extra spice, protein, or cheese to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed

• Frozen or fresh corn kernels – sweet, tender, and full of natural flavor.
• Mayonnaise – creamy, rich, and adds smooth texture to casserole.
• Sour cream – tangy, velvety, and enhances the overall creaminess.
• Cotija cheese, crumbled – salty, crumbly, and authentic Mexican flavor boost.
• Chili powder – mild heat and signature Mexican spice flavor.
• Smoked paprika – smoky, aromatic, and adds depth to casserole.
• Lime, juiced – bright, zesty flavor to enhance all ingredients.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped – herbaceous, fresh, and vibrant flavor finish.
• Salt and black pepper – balances and elevates all other flavors.
• Optional garnish – extra cotija, paprika, or cilantro for topping.

How To Make Easy Mexican Street Corn Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly coated.

Add cheese: Fold in ¾ cup of crumbled cotija cheese, reserving the rest for topping.

Bake: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining cotija, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve warm.

Recipe Variations

• Mexican Street Corn Casserole With Ground Beef: A hearty twist on classic corn casserole, loaded with seasoned ground beef for a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
• Mexican Street Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese: Creamy and rich, this variation uses cream cheese for extra indulgence and velvety texture.
• Mexican Street Corn Casserole With Chicken: Tender shredded chicken adds flavor and protein, making this casserole a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Easy Mexican Street Corn Casserole Recipe Tips

• Use fresh or frozen corn: Fresh corn gives extra sweetness, while frozen corn is convenient and works perfectly.
• Adjust the spice level: Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick.
• Cheese options: Cotija is traditional, but feta or queso fresco works well as substitutes.
• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a few hours before baking and refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Garnish for extra flavor: Sprinkle with additional cotija, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime just before serving.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well; cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Easy Mexican Street Corn Casserole Recipe Faqs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the casserole a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh corn adds extra sweetness, while frozen corn works perfectly and is convenient.

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, substitute dairy-free yogurt or sour cream and use a plant-based cheese to keep it creamy.

How spicy is this casserole? It has a mild chili flavor, but you can increase chili powder or add cayenne for extra heat.

Can I add protein to this dish? Yes! Shredded chicken, ground beef, or chorizo work well and make it a heartier meal.

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