Description
Creamy corn casserole brings Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, cheesy goodness. Melted cheese and sweet corn create a side dish so irresistible you’ll want seconds before finishing firsts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 18-ounce bag frozen sweet corn, thawed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Optional Ingredient:
- Diced pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
- In a medium pot over low heat, gently melt cream cheese and butter, creating a rich and smooth base for the dish.
- Gradually incorporate milk into the melted mixture, stirring continuously until the texture becomes uniformly creamy and free of lumps.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
- Fold in corn kernels, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy base. Add jalapeños for an optional spicy kick.
- Transfer the corn mixture into an 8- by 8-inch square or 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a golden, melty crust.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
- Pro tip: Frozen corn is recommended over canned for a more vibrant and fresh flavor in this recipe.
Notes
- Choose fresh or high-quality frozen corn for maximum flavor and sweetness in the casserole.
- Drain canned corn completely to prevent excess liquid from making the dish watery and losing its creamy texture.
- Mix ingredients thoroughly when melting cream cheese and butter to ensure a smooth, uniform consistency before adding other components.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less jalapeños, or substitute with mild green chiles for a family-friendly version that still provides a subtle kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg