Recipes

Mexican Street Corn Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 32 oz frozen corn, thawed
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1.5 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)
  • 10 oz queso fresco, grated or crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, cayenne (if using), and 5 oz of the queso fresco. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the mixture is heated through.
  5. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining 5 oz of queso fresco and chopped cilantro over the top of the casserole.
  7. Serve warm with tortilla chips on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Mexican Street Corn Casserole! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Here are some helpful tips to make your Mexican Street Corn Casserole even more delightful:

  1. Fresh Corn: While frozen corn works well in this recipe, using fresh corn when it’s in season can take the flavor to the next level. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and use them in place of frozen corn.
  2. Roasted Corn: For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting the corn before adding it to the casserole. Toss the corn kernels with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re slightly caramelized.
  3. Grilled Corn: Similarly, grilling the corn can add a smoky flavor to the dish. Grill the corn on a hot grill until charred in spots, then cut the kernels off the cob and proceed with the recipe as directed.
  4. Mix-ins: Consider adding some extra mix-ins to the casserole for added flavor and texture. Diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, or diced jalapeños would all be delicious additions.
  5. Cheese Variation: While queso fresco is traditional for Mexican Street Corn, you can experiment with other cheeses as well. Cotija cheese or a blend of shredded Mexican cheeses would work well too.
  6. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne to suit your taste preferences. If you like it spicy, feel free to add more cayenne or even some chopped fresh jalapeños.
  7. Fresh Herbs: Don’t skimp on the fresh cilantro. Its bright, citrusy flavor really enhances the dish. You can also try adding some chopped fresh parsley or green onions for additional freshness.
  8. Serve with Lime: Consider serving the casserole with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing a bit of fresh lime juice over the top just before serving can brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing twist.
  9. Garnish: In addition to the queso fresco and cilantro topping, you can also garnish the casserole with a drizzle of Mexican crema (or sour cream thinned with a little milk), chopped avocado, or a sprinkle of extra chili powder for presentation and extra flavor.
  10. Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

With these tips, your Mexican Street Corn Casserole will be even more delightful and bursting with flavor!

Here are some secrets to help you achieve perfection:

  1. Proper Seasoning: Ensure each component of the casserole is well-seasoned. Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. The balance of spices, salt, and tanginess from the sour cream and mayonnaise is crucial for the overall flavor.
  2. Creamy Texture: Aim for a creamy consistency in the casserole by thoroughly mixing the mayonnaise and sour cream with the other ingredients. This ensures that every bite is rich and satisfying.
  3. Layering Flavors: Layering flavors is key to achieving depth in your casserole. Allow the corn mixture to meld together by marinating it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to intensify and meld together.
  4. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese. Queso fresco adds a unique flavor and texture to the casserole, so opt for a fresh and authentic queso fresco for the best results.
  5. Baking Technique: Bake the casserole uncovered to allow the top to develop a golden brown crust while the interior stays creamy and luscious. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the dish.
  6. Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and ensures that the casserole holds together when sliced.
  7. Fresh Herbs: Use fresh cilantro as a garnish both before and after baking for a burst of freshness and color. Adding chopped cilantro just before serving enhances the overall presentation and flavor of the dish.
  8. Serve with Accompaniments: Serve the casserole with tortilla chips or warm corn tortillas on the side for scooping up the creamy goodness. You can also offer lime wedges for squeezing over the top to add brightness.
  9. Customization: Feel free to customize the casserole to your taste preferences. Add additional ingredients such as diced red bell peppers, diced jalapeños, or green onions for extra flavor and texture.
  10. Love and Attention: Finally, infuse your cooking process with love and attention to detail. Cooking is an expression of creativity and care, so enjoy the process and share your delicious creation with loved ones.

By incorporating these secrets into your cooking process, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Mexican Street Corn Casserole every time!

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to Mexican Street Corn Casserole along with their answers:

  1. Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn? Yes, you can definitely use fresh corn instead of frozen corn. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and use them in the recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since fresh corn cooks faster than frozen.
  2. What can I substitute for queso fresco? If you can’t find queso fresco, you can substitute it with crumbled cotija cheese, feta cheese, or a blend of shredded Mexican cheeses like Monterey Jack or Cheddar.
  3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
  4. How spicy is this casserole? The spiciness of the casserole can be adjusted to your taste preferences. The recipe includes chili powder and optional cayenne pepper for heat. You can increase or decrease the amount of these spices to suit your desired level of spiciness.
  5. What should I serve with Mexican Street Corn Casserole? This casserole pairs well with a variety of dishes. You can serve it with tortilla chips, warm corn tortillas, grilled meats like chicken or steak, or alongside other Mexican-inspired dishes such as tacos or enchiladas.
  6. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Mexican Street Corn Casserole. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
  7. How can I make this casserole vegetarian or vegan? To make this casserole vegetarian, ensure that the mayonnaise and sour cream you use are vegetarian-friendly. For a vegan version, you can substitute vegan mayonnaise and sour cream for the dairy-based options, and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
  8. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? Yes, you can customize the casserole by adding other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, chopped onions, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
  9. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? The best way to reheat leftover Mexican Street Corn Casserole is in the oven. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.
  10. Is this casserole gluten-free? Yes, this Mexican Street Corn Casserole is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.