Mexican Street Corn Casserole

Mexican Street Corn Casserole

Introduction:

Mexican Street Corn Casserole is a mouthwatering dish inspired by the beloved street food, Elote, or Mexican street corn.

Traditionally, Elote is grilled corn slathered in a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce, then topped with cheese, lime, and spices.

This casserole version brings all those irresistible flavors into a warm, baked dish that’s perfect for sharing.

The casserole is creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavors, making it ideal as a side dish for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.

This casserole is made with corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen), a blend of cheeses, and a combination of spices that give it a signature kick.

Topped with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of chili powder, this casserole offers a delightful contrast between the creamy base and the zesty, tangy toppings.

It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers the authentic taste of Mexican street corn with every bite.

Ingredients:

4 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen; if using fresh, about 6-8 ears of corn)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream (or Mexican crema for a more authentic flavor)

1 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)

1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (for a melty texture)

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder (plus extra for garnish)

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 jalapeño, sliced (for garnish, optional)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cobs. You can also use canned or frozen corn, but make sure to drain and thaw it beforehand. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.

Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, melted butter, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring that the spices are well incorporated.

Add the Corn and Cheese: Add the corn kernels to the creamy mixture, along with half of the crumbled cotija cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella (or Monterey Jack) cheese. Stir until the corn is evenly coated with the mixture and the cheese is distributed throughout.

Assemble the Casserole: Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top for a melty, cheesy finish.

Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. If you’d like a crispier top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Add the Toppings: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled cotija cheese over the top, along with a generous amount of chopped cilantro, green onions, and sliced jalapeños. For an extra pop of flavor, add a sprinkle of chili powder or smoked paprika.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the casserole warm, with lime wedges on the side for extra tang. This dish is fantastic as a side for tacos, grilled meats, or even as a dip with tortilla chips. Enjoy the bold, comforting flavors of Mexican street corn in every bite!

Tips for the Perfect Mexican Street Corn Casserole:

Choose the Right Corn: Fresh corn works best for this recipe as it has a crisp texture and natural sweetness, but canned or frozen corn is also convenient and tasty.

Spice It Up: If you love a spicy kick, add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture for an extra layer of heat.

Cheese Substitutions: Cotija cheese adds an authentic Mexican flavor, but if it’s hard to find, feta cheese or even parmesan can work as substitutes.

Add Extra Creaminess: For a richer, creamier texture, you can replace some of the sour cream with cream cheese or add extra Mexican crema.

Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bake when ready to serve, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Conclusion:

Mexican Street Corn Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food to your table in an easy, shareable form.

The combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy elements with the sweetness of corn creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether served as a side dish at a family dinner, a potluck, or a barbecue, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.

It captures the essence of Elote in a baked casserole that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

Each spoonful delivers the perfect blend of creamy sauce, melted cheese, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice.

Enjoy the taste of Mexico with this comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole, and savor the simple joy of homemade goodness. Happy cooking!