Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

Let me just say, if you’ve never made a Cream Cheese Corn Casserole before, you are in for a treat. This dish is the kind of comfort food that hugs you from the inside out. It’s creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet, with a golden, bubbly top that makes it feel extra indulgent. I’ve brought this casserole to family dinners, potlucks, and even a casual backyard barbecue, and it’s always the first dish to disappear.

You know those recipes that are so simple yet deliver an over-the-top, crowd-pleasing flavor? That’s this casserole in a nutshell. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough for the holiday table. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds (and thirds).

So, whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, planning a Sunday dinner, or just looking to spice up your side dish rotation, this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole will not disappoint. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ridiculously Easy: No fancy equipment or advanced skills required. If you can stir, you can make this casserole.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion: From holidays to casual dinners, it fits in anywhere.
3. A Total Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves it—kids, adults, picky eaters, you name it.
4. Sweet Meets Savory: The balance of the creamy cheese and the natural sweetness of the corn is perfection.
5. Adaptable: You can make it your own with add-ins or substitutions (hello, bacon or jalapeños!).

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine this: creamy, cheesy goodness with bursts of sweet, juicy corn in every bite. The cream cheese gives it a luxurious texture, the cheddar melts into ooey-gooey pockets of flavor, and the garlic powder adds just the right amount of seasoning. And then there’s the top—a golden, bubbly layer that’s slightly crispy on the edges. Honestly, it’s hard to stop at one serving. It’s like the lovechild of a creamy corn chowder and a decadent mac and cheese.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this magic happen:

• 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained: For that juicy, slightly sweet corn crunch.
• 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn: The creamy base that ties it all together.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps everything bake up golden.
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: The secret to that velvety texture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because more cheese = more happiness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle savory note that balances the sweetness.

Optional Garnish: Chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Tools You’ll Need

• A mixing bowl to combine everything effortlessly.
• A spatula to get every last bit of cheesy goodness into your dish.
• A 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size) to bake this masterpiece.

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

This casserole is already amazing as-is, but it’s also super versatile! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Add-ins:

• Bacon: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon into the mixture for a smoky, savory boost.
• Jalapeños: Add diced jalapeños if you love a little heat.
• Green Chiles: Mix in a can of mild green chiles for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Herbs: Stir in some fresh thyme or chives for a burst of flavor.

Substitutions:

• Cheese: Swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even Gruyère for a fancy touch.
• Butter: Use olive oil for a lighter option (but let’s be real, butter is unbeatable here).
• Low-Fat Cream Cheese: If you’re looking to cut back on calories, go with reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar.

this Recipe

How to Make Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

Making this dish couldn’t be easier—seriously, it’s foolproof!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to heat up while you prep.
2. Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, melted butter, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well blended. Pro tip: Use a rubber spatula to get the cream cheese fully incorporated—it’s worth the extra effort.
3. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or something close in size) to prevent sticking.
4. Pour and Spread: Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly. You’ll already see how creamy and cheesy this is going to be!
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the edges are slightly bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving. Bring it to the table hot, and watch it disappear!

What to Serve with Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

This dish is like a best friend to so many main courses. Here are a few ideas:

• Main Dishes: Pair it with roasted turkey, baked ham, grilled pork chops, or BBQ ribs for a truly comforting meal.
• More Sides: Serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a complete spread.
• Drinks: A crisp white wine or a refreshing glass of iced tea makes the perfect pairing.

Tips for the Best Corn Casserole

• Let the Cream Cheese Soften: This helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients. If you forget to take it out of the fridge, just microwave it for 10-15 seconds.
• Drain the Corn: Make sure to drain the whole kernel corn well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. Overbaking can dry it out.

Storage & Reheating

Have leftovers? Lucky you!

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
• Freeze: Yes, you can freeze this! Just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Mix everything together and pour it into your baking dish, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no extra prep needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter, and a plant-based shredded cheese. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Is this gluten-free?
It is! Just double-check your creamed corn and other ingredients to make sure they’re certified gluten-free.

Wrap-Up

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish that’s easy, versatile, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just a cozy family dinner, it’s sure to be the highlight of the table.

Ready to give it a try? Let me know how it turns out in the comments, and don’t forget to share your photos with me on Pinterest!

Looking for more crowd-pleasing casseroles? You’ll love these:

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
• Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
• Baked Rigatoni with Spinach and Ricotta

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 20g

Print