Craving something creamy, tangy, and downright addictive? This Mexican street corn casserole wraps everything you love about elote into a warm, cheesy bake that’s made for sharing. It’s rich, it’s bold, and best of all—it comes together in just 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Crave This Corn Casserole
A Comforting Twist on Elote
You know that unforgettable taste of elote—sweet corn, creamy mayo, salty cheese, and a zesty sprinkle of chili and lime? Now imagine all of that baked into a cozy casserole you can serve with a spoon. It’s like summer on your plate, no grill required.
Perfect for BBQs, Potlucks & Taco Nights
This casserole is a true team player. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, spicy tacos, or even just a simple salad. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is always a win.
For more inspiration, try it alongside this Taco Dip Recipe for the ultimate party spread.
What You’ll Need
Key Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen corn, thawed & drained
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat for best texture)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Fresh lime wedges (for garnish)
Kitchen Tools
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula

How to Make Mexican Street Corn Casserole
Mix the Creamy Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Add the Corn and Cheese
Fold in the thawed corn, 1 cup of queso fresco, and chopped cilantro. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
Bake Until Bubbly
Pour the mixture into your baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes until it’s hot and bubbling around the edges.
Garnish Like a Pro
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining queso fresco and cilantro on top. Add a dash more chili powder and serve warm with lime wedges for that final zing.
My Favorite Tips & Tweaks
Flavor Boosters
- Use fresh summer corn for an extra pop of sweetness.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a warm, smoky aroma.
- Craving heat? Toss in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Smart Swaps
- Greek yogurt can replace sour cream if you’re going for a tangier or lighter option.
- Can’t find queso fresco? Feta or cotija work great too.
Want a lighter twist? Check out these Healthy Mexican Trader Joe’s Recipes packed with bold flavor.

When to Serve It
Weeknight Dinner Hero
It’s quick, hearty, and packed with flavor—perfect for those “what do I make?” evenings.
BBQ + Potluck Favorite
It holds up beautifully on a buffet table and always disappears fast.
Best Served Warm
For maximum creaminess and flavor, serve straight from the oven. But leftovers reheat like a dream, too.
Planning taco night? Pair it with these Crock Pot Street Tacos for a full-on fiesta.
FAQ About This Casserole
Can I use fresh corn Crumbled feta or cotija cheese will give you a similar salty, crumbly texture. of frozen?
Absolutely! Just cut kernels off about 4 large ears of corn.
What’s the best substitute for queso fresco?
Crumbled feta or cotija cheese will give you a similar salty, crumbly texture.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yep! Mix it all in your slow cooker and heat on low for 2–3 hours until hot and melty.
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Print
Mexican Street Corn Casserole (Easy, Creamy & Cheesy!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy twist on Mexican street corn—this baked casserole is perfect for taco nights, BBQs, and cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
2 lbs frozen corn, thawed & drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat for best texture)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup crumbled queso fresco
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Fresh lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together mayo, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Fold in corn, 1 cup of queso fresco, and cilantro.
4. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
6. Top with extra queso fresco, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
7. Serve warm with lime wedges.
Notes
Use fresh corn in summer for extra sweetness.
Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne for more heat.
Feta or cotija cheese can replace queso fresco.
Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg