If you’re looking to wow your guests or bring bold flavor to your dinner table, this Creamy Mexican Street Corn Casserole is your next must-try dish. Inspired by elote—the beloved Mexican street corn typically grilled and slathered in a creamy, tangy, and cheesy sauce—this casserole version delivers all the vibrant flavor without the mess of eating corn on the cob.
This baked side dish transforms classic elote ingredients into a warm, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy casserole that pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled meats, BBQ, and more. Best of all? It’s super simple to make and can be ready in under an hour from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Street Corn Casserole
Creamy and cheesy – The richness of sour cream, mayo, and cheese brings comfort to every bite.
Crowd-friendly – Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Customizable – Adjust the heat and seasoning to your taste.
Inspired by elote – Enjoy authentic street corn flavor in a fuss-free casserole.
Ingredients
To create this warm and spicy side dish, you’ll need:
4 cups frozen corn (thawed) or canned corn (drained)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp chili powder (plus more for garnish)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (plus more for topping)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
Juice of 1 lime
Optional: diced jalapeños, hot sauce, green onions
How to Make Mexican Street Corn Casserole
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9 or 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, sour cream, mayo, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
3. Add Cheese and Cilantro
Fold in Cotija cheese, Monterey Jack (or cheddar), and chopped cilantro. Squeeze in the lime juice and mix again.
4. Bake
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle extra Cotija, cilantro, and a pinch of chili powder over the top for presentation. Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer.
What to Serve With Elote Casserole
This dish pairs beautifully with:
Grilled chicken or steak
Carnitas tacos
BBQ ribs or pulled pork
Black bean burgers or veggie tacos
Chorizo-stuffed peppers
It also makes a delicious dip for tortilla chips when served hot and gooey!
Southern-Style Paula Deen Corn Casserole Delight
Tips & Variations
Add spice: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Make it lighter: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt.
Go vegan: Use dairy-free sour cream and vegan cheese alternatives.
Add bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon makes a savory addition!
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content. Mexican-inspired dish
FAQ: Creamy Mexican Street Corn Casserole
Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?
Yes! You can use either canned or frozen corn—just make sure it’s drained or thawed and patted dry.
What is Cotija cheese, and can I substitute it?
Cotija is a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese similar to feta. If you can’t find Cotija, feta or Parmesan makes a great substitute.
Is this casserole spicy?
It has a mild kick from chili powder and paprika. If you prefer more spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your cheese and spices for cross-contamination if needed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, planning a holiday feast, or just craving something cheesy and flavorful, this Mexican Street Corn Casserole is guaranteed to impress. It’s quick to whip up, bursting with flavor, and the perfect twist on traditional elote.
Add this recipe to your favorites—you’ll be making it again and again!