There’s something uniquely satisfying about the smell of corn roasting, especially during warm summer days at local fairs and bustling farmers’ markets. The vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn, or “elote,” inspire joy and celebration. This Mexican Street Corn Casserole turns that beloved street-food classic into a delightful, shareable dish perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations.
This casserole captures the essence of elote by combining sweet corn kernels, spicy chile, and creamy cheese into a warm, comforting dish. It’s the perfect dish for family introductions or a potluck with friends, celebrating the richness of Mexican culinary traditions. The best part? It’s an easy recipe that combines straightforward ingredients into one delicious and satisfying meal.
What makes this casserole special is its comforting texture, vibrant flavors, and the ability to cater to different dietary preferences. You’ll find a way to enjoy it no matter the occasion—whether it’s a summer barbecue or a winter evening, this casserole will become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mexican Street Corn Casserole is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Here are some reasons this recipe will quickly become a favorite:
- Flavorful and Comforting: This dish is loaded with flavor, combining the sweetness of corn with the zing of lime and the creaminess of cheese, making each bite a comforting delight.
- Flexible Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish or pair it with grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal. Perfect for any occasion!
- Quick and Simple Preparation: With ingredients that are easy to find, you can whip up this casserole with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spiciness or add your favorite mix-ins, accommodating different palates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients to create this delicious Mexican Street Corn Casserole:
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups of corn (fresh, frozen, or canned): Corn is the star of this dish, providing natural sweetness and a satisfying texture.
- 1 cup of mayonnaise: This creamy base lends a rich texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- ½ cup of sour cream: Sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the corn.
- 1 cup of crumbled queso fresco: This cheese is crucial for authentic flavor, offering a salty, crumbly accent that mirrors traditional street corn.
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder: It adds a pleasant heat and depth to the dish, reminiscent of street cart flavors.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile and gives an aromatic quality to the casserole.
- Juice of 1 lime: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish and adds acidity to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for ensuring all flavors pop and balance well.
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (Mexican blend or Monterey Jack): For topping, it melts beautifully, creating a golden, bubbly crust.
Optional Additions
- 1-2 jalapeños, diced: For those who like a spicier kick, add fresh jalapeños to the corn mixture.
- 1 cup of black beans: Incorporating black beans provides extra protein and a heartier texture.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Adds crunch and sweetness, increasing the vegetable content.
- Chopped cilantro: Mix in fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and a pop of green.
Special Garnishes
- Extra crumbled queso fresco: For presentation, sprinkle some queso fresco on top right before serving.
- Chili powder or paprika: A dash on top for color and added spice.
- Chopped green onions: They add crunch and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.
- Lime wedges: Serve alongside for an extra squeeze of brightness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, queso fresco, chili powder, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coat of oil to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the Mixture: Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before garnishing with desired toppings.
Serving and Storage Tips
This Mexican Street Corn Casserole can be served hot, warm, or even at room temperature, making it quite adaptable for gatherings. Pair it with grilled meats, quesadillas, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal.
Storage:
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For storing longer, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months—simply defrost before reheating.
Helpful Tips
- Ingredient Quality: Fresh corn yields the best flavor; consider using sweet corn when in season.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust spice levels by adding more or less chili powder or jalapeños according to your preference.
- Ventilation: While baking, ensure your oven is well-ventilated to keep the cooking area comfortable with minimal odors.
- Test for doneness: The casserole is ready when the edges begin to brown, and the cheese is bubbling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for queso fresco?
If you can’t find queso fresco, you can use feta cheese or ricotta mixed with a bit of salt to mimic the texture and flavor profile.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preferences. Using jalapeños will add heat, while chili powder provides a milder warmth. Feel free to omit these ingredients if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Just adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
Conclusion
This Mexican Street Corn Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together. Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it a perfect addition to any gathering, sparking joy and conversation. By trying out this recipe, you’re not only enhancing your dinner table but also creating moments to cherish with your loved ones.
We would love to hear about your experiences with this recipe! Let us know how you’ve customized it or any special stories tied to your cooking journey.
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Savory Mexican Street Corn Casserole A CrowdPleasing Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Savor the deliciousness of this Mexican Street Corn Casserole a crowdpleasing delight perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner Enjoy
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 12 grams