Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
If cozy gatherings and comfort food speak to your heart, then Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is about to become your new obsession. This dish pairs sweet and savory corn with a luxurious blend of cream cheese, butter, sour cream, and a whisper of garlic, emerging from the oven bubbly, golden, and impossible to resist. Whether it’s stealing the spotlight at Thanksgiving, brightening up a Sunday dinner, or providing pure nostalgia on a chilly night, this casserole’s irresistible creaminess and gentle crunch land it squarely in “everyone asks for the recipe” territory.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of pantry staples and a few dairy favorites are all it takes for this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole to truly shine. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, from velvety texture to savory depth and a pop of sunny color.
- Whole kernel corn (2 cans, drained): Sweet, plump kernels are the backbone of the casserole, providing classic flavor and little bursts of juiciness.
- Cream-style corn (1 can): This adds creamy, naturally sweet richness and helps create the casserole’s signature silky texture.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened and cubed): The secret to a lusciously smooth, tangy casserole—always use full-fat for the dreamiest results.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Butter enhances the corn’s sweetness and helps everything bake up with a satisfyingly golden edge.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds another layer of creamy tang that lifts and balances the entire dish.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just a subtle hint to round out the savory flavors without overpowering the corn.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors forward—taste and adjust as you like!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle touch of pepper gives a bit of warmth; freshly cracked is always best.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): For a golden, melty topping that adds punchy flavor and gorgeous color.
- Chopped chives or green onions (1/4 cup, optional): A pop of freshness and color—if you like a little oniony brightness, don’t skip these!
How to Make Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray—no one wants to miss out on a single creamy scoop, so be sure your dish is well coated to prevent sticking. Setting up your baking dish now also means less rushing later!
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, cubed cream cheese (make sure it’s softened, for easier blending), melted butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until everything is silky and well mixed. The cream cheese will gradually melt into the mixture, so don’t worry if it starts out a little chunky.
Step 3: Pour and Top
Pour the creamy, corn-filled mixture into your prepared baking dish. If you’re opting for extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly across the surface. It’ll form a satisfyingly gooey crust as it bakes, with pockets of crispy cheese around the edges—utter bliss!
Step 4: Bake Until Hot and Bubbly
Slide your casserole dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. It should come out bubbly around the edges and gently golden on top. The cheddar, if you used it, should be gloriously melted and ever-so-slightly crisp. Letting it sit for five minutes before serving helps everything set up for perfect scooping.
Step 5: Add Freshness and Serve
Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions for an aromatic finish and a little contrast in color and flavor. Now, all that’s left is to grab a spoon and dive into your Cream Cheese Corn Casserole masterpiece!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives or thinly sliced green onions is more than just a final flourish—it adds a welcome burst of brightness that enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. If you’re feeling extra festive, a bit of crispy fried onion or crushed crackers can lend a delightful crunchy contrast right on top before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole fits in beautifully with a classic roast, baked chicken, or even holiday ham. Pair it with leafy greens or a tangy cucumber salad to cut through the richness, or add a few roasted root vegetables for a colorful, comforting plate. It also shines on a potluck or buffet, where its creamy, homestyle vibe is sure to steal hearts and seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping twist, try baking Cream Cheese Corn Casserole in small ramekins for individual servings—adorable and perfect for dinner parties! Or, serve it family-style in a cast iron skillet for that rustic charm. If you’re feeding a crowd, this casserole doubles flawlessly, and leftovers reheat like a dream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let your casserole cool to room temperature before covering and popping it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 4 days, and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld together.
Freezing
This is a fantastic make-ahead side. To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat Cream Cheese Corn Casserole, simply scoop your desired portion into an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F until heated through – usually about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings if you’re in a hurry, but the oven gives the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Freshly cut kernels or thawed frozen corn both work beautifully. Just aim to use roughly the same quantity, and consider adding a splash of milk to mimic the cream-style corn’s moisture.
Is Cream Cheese Corn Casserole gluten-free?
It is naturally gluten-free as written, making it a safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive guests. Just check your labels on cream cheese and corn products to avoid any sneaky additives.
Can I make it ahead for a party or holiday meal?
Yes! Cream Cheese Corn Casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge. When ready, just bake as usual. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from the fridge to the oven.
What can I add for more flavor or crunch?
Go wild with add-ins: stir in a handful of crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños for a little heat, or top with fried onions or buttery cracker crumbs for extra crunch before baking.
Can I make a lighter version?
For a lighter twist, swap in light cream cheese and sour cream. You can also use less butter or substitute half the corn with diced zucchini for a lighter, veggie-filled result.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re searching for your next holiday hit or a timeless comfort classic, Cream Cheese Corn Casserole has a way of winning everyone over with its rich, cozy flavor and effortless charm. Why not bake a batch and discover why it never fails to bring people running to the table?
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Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delicious Cream Cheese Corn Casserole, a perfect side dish for any occasion. With a rich blend of corn, cream cheese, and savory seasonings, this casserole is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For topping (optional):
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For garnish (optional):
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, cubed cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Prepare the casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired.
Notes
- This casserole can be made a day ahead and reheated.
- For added texture, stir in a handful of crushed crackers or crispy fried onions before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
