Sheet Pan Mexican Street Corn in the Oven (Elote)

This sheet pan Mexican street corn in the oven is a game-changer when it comes to quick, flavorful dishes! Imagine a sheet pan of charred, sweet corn kernels smothered in a Mexican crema, topped with a generous sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder. It’s that signature Mexican street corn flavor without the grill!

The best part? It’s easy to make and clean up is a breeze, since everything cooks on one sheet pan. I love this recipe because I just throw it in the oven and it’s done! So simple! Whether as a great side dish for tacos, pork carnitas, or simply on its own, this recipe brings a fiesta of flavor to any meal with minimal effort!

Ingredients for Mexican Street Corn on a Sheet Pan

Let’s hit the ground running and get started with the 6 ingredients you’ll need to make this flavorful side dish…

• Butter: Keep in mind that the cotija is a salty cheese when you decide to use salted or unsalted butter.
• Frozen Fire Roasted Corn: You can find this by the regular frozen corn. Using frozen corn makes this a dish you can eat all year long.
• Mexican Crema: similar to sour cream but thinner
• Chili Powder: adds flavor, a little heat and some pretty color
• Cotija Cheese: found in the Latino food area of the refrigerated section
• Fresh Cilantro: chopped fine

The measurements and details for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Sheet Pan Mexican Street Corn

If you only have about 5 minutes to make a side dish for your next Mexican dinner, then this sheet pan elote is your answer! It only takes a few minutes of actual work and the rest is just letting the corn roast in the oven. Here are the steps:

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 425℉.
2. Melt the Butter: Slice the butter into several pats and place them around the sheet pan. Stick the pan in the oven to melt the butter until it’s just starting to brown slightly.
3. Cook the Corn: When the butter is starting the brown, add the corn and toss in the butter until coated. Place the sheet pan back in the oven and cook for 6-8 minutes.
4. Finish the Dish: Remove the sheet pan from the oven, drizzle with the Mexican crema and sprinkle with chili powder and cotija cheese. Top with the cilantro if desired and toss to combine. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!

The recipe card at the end of the post contains these instructions in full detail. You can also print or save the recipe there.

What to Eat with Sheet Pan Elote

This sheet pan elote can be a great side dish for your favorite Mexican main dish or as a topping for tacos, nachos or burrito bowls. Here are some of our favorite additions to Mexican street corn:

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

If you can’t find Mexican crema, use 3 tablespoons sour cream + 5 tablespoons mayonnaise. Last resort, use heavy cream.

Traditional Mexican street corn has a squeeze of fresh lime juice over it, so feel free to add a squirt or some lime zest to this recipe before serving.

If you like a little heat, toss some minced fresh jalapeño with the corn when you stick it into the oven to roast.

Cotija cheese is usually pretty easy to find, but if you can’t find it, feta cheese or parmesan cheese would be a good substitute.

Can I Use Fresh Corn on the Cob?

Yes, you can absolutely use fresh sweet corn on the cob. If you can get your hands on some good fresh corn, then definitely do it! Cut the corn off the ears of corn and toss in the butter and complete the recipe as written. It may need a minute or two longer to cook since it’s fresh corn.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover sheet pan Mexican street corn should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. It will keep for 4-5 days. I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish. The crema doesn’t hold up well when it thaws.

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through or in the microwave.

Spice up your dinner routine with this delicious and easy sheet pan Mexican street corn recipe. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a summer BBQ, this elote dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

More Mexican Side Dishes:

How to Make Mexican Street Corn in the Oven