Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe

Sweet Corn & Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe: Comfy Goodness

Creamy corn casserole blends comfort and excitement in one delightful dish that promises to become your new favorite side.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet irresistible combination of sweet corn and rich cream cheese.

Families gather around tables, eagerly anticipating each warm, cheesy bite of this classic recipe.

Ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a smooth and indulgent experience that satisfies both picky eaters and culinary enthusiasts.

Melted cheese and tender corn kernels mingle in a harmonious dance of flavors that never disappoints.

Simple preparation means you can whip up this crowd-pleasing casserole in minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Prepare to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary memory with this mouthwatering corn casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen corn instead of canned corn?

Yes, you can substitute frozen corn. Thaw and drain it completely before mixing into the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

  • Is cream cheese necessary for this recipe?

Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, but you can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt if needed. The texture might slightly change.

  • How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the mixture for extra heat and flavor.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Why Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Is a Crowd Pleaser

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers rich, creamy flavor that transforms simple corn into a luxurious side dish everyone will love.
  • Minimal Prep Perfection: Requires just a few ingredients and basic mixing, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Showstopper: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, and family meals, adding a delightful twist to traditional corn dishes.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Comes together in minutes, bakes quickly, and creates a satisfying side that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled proteins, or as a standalone vegetarian option.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Whole Kernel Corn: Sweet corn kernels that provide a hearty texture and natural sweetness to the casserole.
  • Creamed Corn: A creamy base that adds rich corn flavor and helps bind the casserole together.
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth, tangy ingredient that creates a rich and creamy consistency in the dish.
For the Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Butter, Milk: These ingredients enhance the casserole's richness and help create a smooth, creamy texture.
For the Seasoning and Optional Toppings:
  • Salt, Pepper, Sugar: Seasonings that balance and enhance the corn's natural flavor.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Green Onions: Optional toppings that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the casserole.

How to Bake Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Vessel

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Set the dish aside while preparing the corn mixture.

Step 2: Create Creamy Corn Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Whole kernel corn (drained)
  • Creamed corn
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Melted butter
  • Milk
  • Sugar (optional)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk or stir the ingredients until the mixture transforms into a smooth, consistent texture with cream cheese fully integrated.

Step 3: Transfer and Top

Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top for an extra layer of richness.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a bubbly surface and light golden-brown coloration on top.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.

Optionally, scatter chopped green onions across the top for a fresh, zesty finish. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, comforting dish.

Tips That Bring Out Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Flavors

  • Drain corn thoroughly to prevent excess liquid and ensure a creamy, not watery texture.
  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature before mixing for smoother blending and even distribution.
  • Experiment with different cheese options like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
  • Use low-fat dairy alternatives to make the casserole lighter without sacrificing taste.
  • Allow the casserole to rest briefly after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Variations to Refresh Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

  • Dairy-Free Corn Casserole: Replace cream cheese with silken tofu or cashew cream. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a rich, creamy texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Corn Bake: Add diced jalapeños, chopped green chiles, and sprinkle with pepper jack cheese. Mix in some cumin and chili powder for extra kick.
  • Herb-Infused Corn Casserole: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives into the mixture. Top with fresh chopped parsley for added brightness.
  • Gluten-Free Corn Casserole: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch as a potential thickener if needed, and check that any cheese used is gluten-free.

What Goes Well with Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

  • Pair Smoky Bacon Bits: Crisp bacon pieces sprinkled on top add a savory crunch that complements the creamy corn's richness, creating a delightful textural contrast.
  • Recommend Chardonnay Pairing: A buttery, slightly oaked Chardonnay matches the casserole's creamy texture and enhances its subtle sweetness, balancing the dish's richness.
  • Serve with Grilled Chicken: Tender grilled chicken breasts provide a lean protein companion that cuts through the casserole's decadent, creamy profile, making the meal more complete and satisfying.
  • Suggest Fresh Herb Salad: A light, zesty green salad with fresh herbs like parsley and dill offers a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, indulgent corn casserole.

How to Store Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Properly

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.

Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.

Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.

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Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in this cream cheese corn casserole, where creamy textures and sweet corn blend into a heavenly side dish. Hearty and irresistible, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner table with its rich, indulgent flavors you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Corn and Corn Products:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams) whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) creamed corn

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 package (8 ounces / 227 grams) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a comprehensive blend by thoroughly combining whole kernel corn, creamed corn, softened cream cheese, melted butter, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until the texture becomes uniformly smooth and consistent.
  3. Transfer the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface to create a level foundation.
  4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the mixture for an additional layer of flavor and visual appeal.
  5. Position the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing it to bake for 35-40 minutes until the surface transforms to a golden-brown hue and the edges become slightly bubbling.
  6. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and cool slightly.
  7. Optional: Garnish with finely chopped green onions to add a fresh, vibrant touch before serving the warm, creamy corn casserole.

Notes

  • Swap dairy-free cream cheese and plant milk to create a vegan-friendly version that’s just as creamy and delicious.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños for those wanting extra texture and heat.
  • Prevent soggy texture by draining corn kernels thoroughly and using room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending.
  • Reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes if using a smaller, deeper baking dish to avoid over-browning the top while maintaining a soft, luscious interior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 252 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 315 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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