Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
If the thought of rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy corn has your mouth watering, you are in for a real treat with this Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole. This cozy side dish combines golden corn with a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and two melty cheeses for an ultra-indulgent comfort food experience. Whether you are planning a festive holiday dinner or simply aiming to brighten up a weeknight meal, this casserole always steals the show with its sweet corn flavor, creamy texture, and that perfectly golden top!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is refreshingly simple, but each item has a crucial role in delivering unbeatable flavor and an unbeatable creamy, cheesy finish. Let’s break down why every ingredient matters.
- Cream cheese (8-ounce package, softened): For an ultra-rich, smooth texture that creates the casserole’s signature creaminess.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Adds unbeatable flavor and helps the casserole bake up moist and tender.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Brings extra tang and silkiness to the mix, balancing out the cheeses beautifully.
- Whole kernel corn (15-oz can, drained): Adds sweet pops of chewy corn and a hint of color throughout.
- Cream-style corn (15-oz can): Delivers a velvety corn base that gives a pudding-like charm to the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): For bold, sharp, melty flavor with vibrant color.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Lends a stretchy, gooey texture and ultra-mild creaminess.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Aromatic and subtle, this seasons every bite without overpowering the corn.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a savory background note, setting off the casserole’s sweetness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every single flavor and matches the buttery, cheesy richness.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of warmth and zip to keep things interesting.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): For a crave-worthy, crunchy topping that makes every bite a joy.
How to Make Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your casserole is. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similarly sized baking dish; this helps the casserole release easily and clean up even easier. Soften your cream cheese ahead of time for effortless mixing and melt the butter so both can blend into a silky base.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and sour cream. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and lump-free. This decadent trio is the foundation of the Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole, promising every bite will be rich and luscious.
Step 3: Add Corn and Cheeses
Now, fold in the whole kernel corn (drained), cream-style corn, cheddar, and mozzarella. At this point, the batter becomes a golden mosaic of sweet corn and stretchy cheese. Make sure each kernel is coated evenly—this is when the casserole begins to look irresistible already.
Step 4: Season Well
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to ensure the spices are dispersed throughout. These seasonings provide a savory backbone to the Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole, beautifully complementing the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the dairy.
Step 5: Fill the Dish and Top It Off
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, then gently smooth the surface. If you crave a crunchy finish, scatter crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs over the top. This optional step adds a toasty bite that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy filling underneath.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into your hot oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly golden. Your kitchen will fill with the warm, nostalgic aroma of cheesy corn goodness! Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving so each scoop holds its shape while staying ultra-creamy inside.
How to Serve Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Garnishes
Take your Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole over the top with a shower of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions just before serving. For a spicy kick, try a sprinkle of diced jalapeños, or add a festive touch with red bell pepper bits. The final flourish brightens up the rich, creamy layers beneath.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a superstar alongside classic holiday mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or savory pot roast. It also shines next to lighter fare—think a crisp green salad or lemony roasted vegetables. For a Southern-inspired spread, serve it with fried chicken and fluffy biscuits and watch everyone swoon!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, spoon the Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole into individual ramekins or mini mason jars for personal servings. If you’re feeling rustic, serve directly from the baking dish at the table for that cozy, freshly-baked allure. Swirling in diced peppers or topping with crumbled bacon before baking adds color and craveable flavor twists!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole stays creamy and delicious stored in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and become even more comforting by day two—making it a fantastic meal prep side!
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap portions (or the whole dish) well in foil and place inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the topping, then add fresh cracker crumbs before reheating for that signature crunch.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat refrigerated servings in the microwave until hot, stirring halfway for even warming. For bigger portions or the entire casserole, bake covered in a 350°F oven until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I double this Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole recipe?
Absolutely! For a crowd or holiday gathering, simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. You may need to extend the baking time by about 5 to 10 minutes—just keep an eye out for those bubbling, golden edges.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, try using a combination of mascarpone and a little sour cream for a similar creamy consistency. Neufchâtel cheese also works as a lighter alternative, but keep in mind the flavor will be milder.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
This Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is easy to adapt for gluten-free diets: simply skip the cracker or breadcrumb topping or replace them with your favorite gluten-free alternative. The creamy filling is naturally gluten-free when using canned corn with no additives.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is a perfect make-ahead option. Assemble it completely (just skip the topping), cover, and refrigerate overnight. Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs just before baking for a fresh, crispy finish.
Is it possible to add extra veggies or spices?
Definitely! Try stirring in diced red bell peppers, green chilies, or even bits of cooked spinach for color and flavor. A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika will add extra dimension without overpowering the core flavors.
Final Thoughts
Pulling this Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole from the oven is always a highlight, whether for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or cozy weekends. If you love creamy, cheesy comfort food with a touch of nostalgia, you truly can’t go wrong with this easy recipe—so gather your ingredients and bake up some joy!
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Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole. A perfect side dish that combines the sweetness of corn with the savory flavors of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Casserole:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, melted butter, and sour cream. Add corn, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the dish. Top with crackers/breadcrumbs. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepped a day ahead and baked just before serving.
- Add diced jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
