There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy, and cheesy casserole. And when you add sweet corn to the mix? Absolute perfection. This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, forks ready, and plates eagerly waiting. It’s rich, it’s indulgent, and best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make.
Picture this: a velvety, cheesy base with pops of juicy corn in every bite, perfectly baked to golden perfection. Whether you need a side dish for a holiday feast or a quick weeknight comfort meal, this one’s got you covered. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Works as a side dish for holidays, potlucks, or even a main course when you need a cozy meal.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry staples that pack a punch of flavor without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and easy-to-follow steps make this a go-to dish for any occasion.
Customizable: Add bacon, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of paprika to switch things up and suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Here’s the magic of this casserole it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Corn: The sweet and juicy base of this dish. You can use canned, frozen, or fresh corn.
Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that gives this casserole its signature creamy texture. It melts beautifully into the dish.
Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Milk: Helps create the perfect creamy consistency.
Eggs: Bind everything together, giving the casserole its slight fluffiness.
Sugar: Just a touch to bring out the natural sweetness of the corn.
Flour or Cornstarch: Helps thicken the mixture to a perfect consistency.
Shredded Cheese: Because you can never have too much cheese! Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix works great.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, cream cheese, melted butter, milk, eggs, sugar, and flour. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Make sure not to overmix, as this could affect the final texture.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Proper preparation not only prevents sticking but also makes cleaning up a breeze later on.
Assemble the Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. At this stage, you can also add shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a brief cooling period makes a big difference.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per serving: 250-300 calories
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
How to Serve Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, or steak for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle fresh herbs on top for extra flavor.
- Enjoy as a dip with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer twist.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Use Fresh Corn: If using fresh corn, cook it lightly before adding it to the mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezing Option: This casserole freezes well. Just let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake when ready.
Can I use frozen corn? Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain it before mixing it in.
What’s the best cheese to use? Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work wonderfully.
How do I make it gluten-free? Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the mixture.
Can I add meat to this casserole? Yes! Cooked bacon or shredded chicken would be delicious additions.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd? Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.
What’s the best way to reheat this? Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk? Yes, but it will make the casserole even richer and creamier.
How can I make it extra crispy on top? Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking for a golden, bubbly crust.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and bursts of sweet corn, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy dinner at home, this dish is bound to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy every warm, delicious bite!
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Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting side dish made with sweet corn, cream cheese, and butter. Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, this dish is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup cornmeal or Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (for a firmer texture)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add Corn & Cheese: Fold in the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, shredded cheddar (if using), and cornmeal (or muffin mix). Mix well.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly firm in the center.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a sweeter version, add 1 tbsp of honey or sugar.
- For extra crunch, top with crushed Ritz crackers or crispy fried onions before baking.
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop (~1 cup)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg