Mexican Street Corn Casserole

If you’ve ever had Mexican street corn, you know how hard it is to stop at just one bite. Now imagine all those bold, creamy, cheesy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors baked into one irresistible dish. That’s exactly what you get with Mexican Street Corn Casserole. Every spoonful delivers a sweet burst of corn, creamy mayo and sour cream, a touch of chili spice, and crumbled queso fresco that melts just right. It’s comfort food with a fiesta twist.

This Mexican Street Corn Casserole takes all the flavor of the traditional street snack and turns it into an easy, mess-free side dish. No corn husks, no grill, just mix, bake, and serve. Whether you’re heading to a summer barbecue, hosting taco night, or just need a fun side to jazz up dinner, this is the dish that always disappears first. It’s fast to prep, easy to love, and sure to become a regular at your table.

Looking for more bold and creative casseroles? Try this Mexican White Trash Casserole packed with layers of flavor.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Casserole

This Mexican Street Corn Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your weekly rotation:

• Incredibly Easy to Make: No need for fancy tools or complicated steps. Just mix the ingredients in one bowl, spread them in a casserole dish, and bake. It’s that simple, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and seasoned just right, this casserole brings out the best in every bite. The balance of sweet corn, tangy sour cream, and a mild kick of chili powder makes it a favorite for both kids and adults.
• Uses Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen. This easy street corn casserole calls for frozen corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, and queso fresco.
• The Perfect Side Dish: This Mexican corn side dish pairs beautifully with tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, burgers, or even steak. It fits right into any meal, whether you’re celebrating Taco Tuesday or hosting a summer BBQ.
• Customizable to Taste: Want more heat? Add jalapeños or cayenne. Prefer fresh corn off the cob? Go for it. You can easily adapt this elote casserole to match your flavor preferences.

With bold flavor and effortless prep, this casserole might just steal the spotlight from the main course.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this Mexican Street Corn Casserole plays a role in delivering the creamy, bold flavor that makes this dish unforgettable. Let’s take a closer look and explore some easy swaps in case you don’t have everything on hand.

A Note on the Corn

Frozen corn is the star of this recipe, and it’s a smart choice. It’s picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen to lock in sweetness and texture. That means you get fresh-tasting corn any time of year. You can use it straight from the bag, no need to thaw first. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

If you prefer, fresh corn cut off the cob also works beautifully, especially in summer. Canned corn is another option, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.

The Creamy Base

This easy Mexican Street Corn Casserole gets its rich, smooth texture from a blend of mayonnaise and sour cream. The mayo adds tang, while the sour cream gives it a silky, cool balance. Full-fat versions offer the creamiest results, but you can use light or reduced-fat versions if you’re watching calories.

For a dairy-free twist, plant-based sour cream and vegan mayo can work too, though the flavor may be slightly different.

The Perfect Cheese: Queso Fresco

Queso fresco is a soft, crumbly Mexican cheese with a mild, milky flavor. It doesn’t melt completely, so it adds texture and a fresh bite to each serving. If you can’t find it, Cotija is a great substitute with a saltier edge. In a pinch, even crumbled feta can work; it’s a bit tangier but still delivers great results.

The Spices and Herbs

Chili powder brings mild heat and earthy depth. You can use classic chili powder or swap in ancho chili powder for a smoky, richer flavor. Garlic powder boosts the savory notes without overpowering the dish. And don’t skip the cilantro, it adds a fresh, herby pop that balances the creamy, cheesy richness.

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Casserole (Step-by-Step)

This Mexican Street Corn Casserole is as easy as mix, bake, and serve. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a cheesy, creamy side dish ready for the oven. Follow these simple steps to get it just right.

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out hot and bubbly.

Next, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. You can also use a bit of butter or oil if you prefer. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until smooth:

• ⅔ cup mayonnaise
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder (reserve the remaining ½ teaspoon for topping)
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

This creamy dressing is what gives the casserole its rich flavor and velvety texture. Full-fat ingredients will create the best consistency, but lighter versions can work too.

Step 3: Combine with Corn and Cheese

To the bowl of dressing, add:

• 1 (40-ounce) bag frozen corn (you can use it straight from the freezer)
• 4 ounces of crumbled queso fresco

Stir everything together until the corn and cheese are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. If using fresh or canned corn, make sure it’s drained well before adding it.
This step blends all the core flavors into a thick, flavorful base.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle the top with:

• The remaining 2 ounces of queso fresco
• The reserved ½ teaspoon chili powder

Place the dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly golden and the center is hot and bubbling.
If you’re using frozen corn, the casserole may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.

Before bringing it to the table, top it with:

• 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro
• Fresh lime wedges or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness

This final step adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole. Serve it as a Mexican corn side dish with tacos, grilled meats, or even burgers. It’s a dish that’s ready to impress with very little effort.

Expert Tips for the Best Mexican Street Corn Casserole

With a few pro tips, you can take your Mexican Street Corn Casserole from good to unforgettable. These small tweaks make a big difference in flavor, texture, and presentation.

• Char the Corn for Extra Flavor: For that smoky, authentic street corn taste, lightly char the thawed frozen corn in a hot, dry skillet for a few minutes before mixing it into the base. It adds a layer of depth that mimics grilled elote.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your sour cream and mayonnaise sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly with the other ingredients, giving the casserole a silky, even texture.
• Don’t Skip the Garnish: Fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice may seem like small details, but they brighten the entire dish. These toppings balance the creamy richness with fresh, zesty notes.
• Avoid Overbaking: Bake the casserole just until the edges are bubbly and the center is heated through. Overbaking can cause the creamy base to separate, making it greasy instead of smooth and velvety.

With these tips, your Mexican Street Corn Casserole will taste just like it came from a street food cart, only easier and better for sharing.

Mexican Street Corn Casserole Serving Suggestions

This Mexican corn side dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of main courses, making it a go-to for any Mexican-inspired meal. It brings bold flavor and creamy texture that complements both meats and lighter dishes.

If you love Tex-Mex flavors, don’t miss this easy Walking Taco Casserole that brings all the fun of taco night to one dish.

Serve it alongside juicy carne asada or tender grilled chicken for a hearty dinner. It also makes a delicious addition to fish tacos or slow-cooked carnitas, where the sweetness of the corn balances out savory, spiced meats.

Or serve it next to this hearty Fajita Chicken Casserole for a complete Mexican-inspired dinner.

Craving something cozy? Pair it with enchiladas for the ultimate comfort meal. Whether you’re going with beef, chicken, or veggie enchiladas, this elote casserole rounds out the plate beautifully.

And don’t overlook its dip potential! Spoon it into a bowl and serve warm with crunchy tortilla chips for an easy appetizer or party snack. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for scooping, no one will miss the main course!

Mexican Street Corn Casserole Variations & Add-Ins

Customize your Mexican Street Corn Casserole to suit your taste or make it a complete meal. Here are a few easy and delicious ways to change it up:

Variation	What to Add	Why You’ll Love It
Make it Spicy	Finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper	Adds heat and depth for spice lovers
Add Some Veggies	A can of drained diced green chiles or finely diced red bell pepper	Adds color, flavor, and a fresh crunch
Add Protein	Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked crumbled chorizo	Turns this easy street corn casserole into a filling main dish

Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand. These simple additions give the dish even more personality without complicating the recipe.

Want more corn-based comfort food? You’ll also love this Creamy Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese.

FAQs About Mexican Street Corn Casserole

Mexican Street Corn Casserole Time to Try!

I hope this Mexican Street Corn Casserole brings a little extra joy and flavor to your table! Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ, a cozy family dinner, or a festive taco night, it’s the kind of dish that gets everyone coming back for seconds. The creamy texture, bold seasoning, and cheesy goodness make it an instant favorite.

If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below. I love hearing from you and seeing how it turns out in your kitchen! Your feedback means the world and helps others find this delicious recipe too.

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