Oh, let me tell you about this cream cheese corn casserole! It’s the ultimate comfort food, all creamy and dreamy, with that delightful pop of sweetness from the corn. Whenever I whip this up for family gatherings, I can practically hear the collective “mmm” as it comes out of the oven, bubbling and golden. It brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where she’d serve it at every holiday meal. The kids absolutely love it, and honestly, so do the adults! It’s become a staple at our dinners, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s always the first dish to disappear. Trust me, you’re going to want seconds!
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Gathering these simple ingredients is a breeze, and they come together to create pure magic! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cans of corn, drained – sweet and crunchy, just what we need!
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – this is where the creaminess starts!
- 1/2 cup sour cream – adds that tangy richness everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – because, butter makes everything better!
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that melty, cheesy goodness.
- 1/4 cup milk – helps everything blend together beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – a little kick of flavor goes a long way!
- 1/2 tsp salt – just the right amount to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – a dash for a subtle warmth.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re halfway to a dish that’s bound to impress everyone at the table!
How to Prepare Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key because a hot oven means that your casserole will bake evenly and get that lovely golden top we all crave.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter. You want to mix these until they’re super smooth—this is where that creamy texture begins! Next, stir in the drained corn, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined; it should look all creamy and inviting.
Now, transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until it’s bubbly and the top is beautifully golden. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This little wait helps the flavors settle, and trust me, it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cream cheese corn casserole is a total game-changer when it comes to side dishes! Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:
- Incredibly creamy and rich—every bite feels like a warm hug.
- Super easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to holiday feasts.
- Can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins like jalapeños or herbs!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your cream cheese corn casserole turns out absolutely perfect! First, **use room temperature cream cheese**. This makes mixing so much easier and helps achieve that smooth, creamy consistency we all love. Also, don’t rush the mixing process—take your time to ensure everything is evenly combined. You want every bite to be deliciously rich! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in **diced jalapeños** or **fresh herbs** for an extra layer of flavor. And remember, letting it cool for a few minutes after baking not only helps with serving but also allows those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. You’ve got this!
Variations of Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Now, let’s talk about how you can make this cream cheese corn casserole your own! There are so many fun ways to customize it, and I encourage you to get creative in the kitchen. For a little zing, add in some **diced jalapeños** or **chopped green chilies** for a spicy kick! If you’re a fan of herbs, try mixing in **fresh parsley**, **thyme**, or **cilantro** for a fresh twist. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for **monterey jack** or even a **pepper jack** for extra flavor. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some **cooked bacon** or **sausage** for a heartier version. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your cream cheese corn casserole, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It should hold up well for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. For reheating, pop it back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can cover it with foil to prevent the top from browning too much. Yum!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this cream cheese corn casserole, you might be wondering about the nutritional details. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, so feel free to adjust as needed. Enjoying this dish in moderation is key, and it’s definitely worth every creamy bite!
FAQ About Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
If you’ve got questions about this delicious cream cheese corn casserole, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works great and can add a nice texture. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before mixing.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving for the best results.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, but it will change the flavor slightly.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Look for that bubbly, golden top! It usually takes about 30-35 minutes in the oven.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—cooking is all about sharing the love!
Print
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and delicious corn casserole made with cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of corn, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter until smooth.
- Add the drained corn, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños.
- You can use frozen corn instead of canned corn.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cream cheese corn casserole
