This Mexican Street Corn Pizza is a fun twist on your regular pizza! It has a crispy crust topped with creamy corn, cheese, and spices, giving you all the street food feels right at home.
Honestly, who can resist a pizza with corn? It’s like a party on a plate! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cilantro for that extra zing. Perfect for movie night! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or try your hand at homemade dough. If you’re gluten-free, there are great gluten-free pizza crusts available that work well too.
Corn: Fresh corn is best for flavor, but frozen corn works great when fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking for even roasting.
Cotija Cheese: While Cotija is traditional, crumbled feta cheese makes a tasty substitute. You can also use grated Parmesan if you’re looking for something different.
Jalapeño: For a milder pizza, skip the jalapeños or use a milder pepper like a bell pepper. You could also add extra spice with hot sauce later if you prefer.
How Do I Get My Pizza to Have a Perfectly Crispy Crust?
A crispy crust is all about the right temperature and technique. Start by preheating your oven very hot—475°F is great. If you have a pizza stone, use it; just make sure to let it heat well in the oven!
- Roll out your dough on a floured surface so it keeps its shape.
- Brush the edges with olive oil or cooking spray before baking to help them crisp up nicely.
- Once your pizza is assembled, don’t overload it with toppings, as this can make the crust soggy.
Bake it until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden, typically around 10-12 minutes. Timing may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it!
Easy Mexican Street Corn Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), enough for one 12-inch pizza
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, if frozen, thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional for spice)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or extra olive oil for brushing crust
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes before you can dig into your cheesy, flavorful street corn pizza!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to heat, as this will help achieve a crispy crust!
2. Sauté the Corn:
In a small skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and the corn kernels. Sauté the corn for about 5-7 minutes until it’s lightly charred. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle (or your desired shape). Carefully transfer it to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the Crust:
Lightly brush the edges of the crust with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. This will help it to become golden and crispy while baking!
5. Add Cheese:
Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
6. Top with Corn and Onions:
Evenly sprinkle the sautéed corn and chopped red onion on top of the mozzarella cheese. This layer gives the pizza that fantastic street corn flavor!
7. Add Spicy Kick (Optional):
If you want some heat, add the chopped jalapeño evenly across the pizza. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, feel free to skip this step!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Place the pizza in the preheated oven (on the pizza stone or baking sheet) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
9. Prepare Lime Crema:
While the pizza bakes, mix the Mexican crema (or sour cream) with the lime juice and a pinch of chili powder in a small bowl.
10. Finish the Pizza:
Once the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven. Drizzle the lime crema mixture over the top.
11. Add Final Touches:
Sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro leaves over the pizza. For a little extra kick, you can dust a bit more chili powder on top!
12. Slice and Serve:
Slice the pizza into wedges and serve warm. Don’t forget to add extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing!
Enjoy your flavorful, cheesy Mexican street corn-inspired pizza! 🌽🍕
FAQ for Easy Mexican Street Corn Pizza Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen corn works well for this recipe! Just make sure to thaw it before sautéing. This saves you time and maintains the flavor!
Can I Make the Pizza Dough in Advance?
Certainly! You can prepare homemade dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
What is a Substitute for Cotija Cheese?
If you can’t find Cotija cheese, crumbled feta makes a great substitute! You can also use grated Parmesan, though it will have a different flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which will help maintain the pizza’s crispy texture.
