If you love a side dish that can turn any meal into a cozy celebration, look no further than Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole. This dish is the definition of comfort—with every bite, you’ll find creamy, cheesy goodness balanced with sweet corn and a subtle, savory touch. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holidays, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want something everyone at the table will go back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this casserole is how you can create such luscious flavor and irresistible creaminess with just a handful of pantry and fridge staples. Each ingredient does a little heavy lifting to bring out the best taste, texture, and color in Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Lends undeniable creaminess and a mellow tang that ties all the flavors together.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps everything bake up beautifully golden on top.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Balances the sweet corn with its cool, slightly tangy flavor and soft texture.
- Whole kernel corn (15 oz can, drained): Provides little pops of juicy corn in every bite for sweetness and satisfying texture.
- Cream-style corn (15 oz can): Boosts the overall creaminess and infuses the casserole with extra sweet corn flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Makes the casserole extra cheesy and gives you those gooey cheese pulls everyone loves.
- Corn muffin mix (8.5 oz box, like Jiffy): The secret to the fluffy, slightly sweet backbone that holds everything together.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds savory depth and a touch of warmth without overwhelming the corn.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle hint of onion to round out the flavors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance all the flavors and bring out the sweetness of the corn.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle bit of spice for complexity—you can add more if you like a little extra kick.
How to Make Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Dish Ready
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×9-inch or similarly sized baking dish a good coating of grease so nothing sticks and clean up is a breeze later. This way, your Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole will lift right out and look as good as it tastes.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the melted butter. You want this to be smooth, creamy, and free of lumps since this duo creates the rich, velvety base for the entire casserole.
Step 3: Add the Dairy and Corn
Next, fold in the sour cream, both kinds of corn (make sure to drain the whole kernel corn), and shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the magic happens—the combination of creamy and chunky textures is what makes Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole so wildly satisfying.
Step 4: Mix in the Muffin Mix and Seasonings
Sprinkle the corn muffin mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the top. Gently stir until everything is just combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll lose the lovely texture that makes this casserole so crave-worthy.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set. It’ll puff up slightly and fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set up perfectly.
How to Serve Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Garnishes
Elevate your Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole by topping it with chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of extra cheddar, or some thinly sliced green onions. For extra flair, a handful of crispy cooked bacon or jalapeños adds that little something special to each serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole fits right in alongside all your favorite homestyle meals. It’s amazing with roast chicken, glazed ham, barbecue, or turkey dinner—honestly, it belongs at both weeknight tables and the holiday spread. Try it side by side with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw for balanced flavor and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests? Serve Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole in mini ramekins for a stunning individual side. Scatter roasted peppers or hot sauce on top for a pop of color, or cut into neat squares and stack them on a serving platter for a buffet or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers are a bonus!
Freezing
To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20 minutes), or microwave single servings for a quick fix. If it looks a little dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream before reheating to restore that signature creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it unbaked in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bring it to room temperature and bake as directed. This makes it perfect for holidays or hectic evenings!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it uses corn muffin mix, which contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, substitute your favorite gluten-free cornbread mix and double-check your other ingredients to keep everything celiac-friendly.
Can I add meat or vegetables?
Yes, Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a fantastic base for extras like cooked crumbled bacon, diced ham, green chilies, or even sautéed bell peppers. Just stir them in before baking for a custom spin!
What’s the difference between whole kernel and cream-style corn?
Whole kernel corn offers juicy, sweet pops of corn, while cream-style corn is partially pureed and mixed with starches for a creamy, slightly sweet result. Using both gives this casserole its irresistible mix of textures.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish (like a 9×13-inch pan), and add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time, checking for doneness in the center before serving. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd at potlucks and parties.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a side dish that’s both fuss-free and flavor-packed, Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is the answer. It’s everything you want in comfort food—boldly cheesy, unmistakably creamy, and always a hit at the table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature side!
Print
Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting side dish any time of the year.
Ingredients
Casserole:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8.5 oz) box corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish.
- Mix cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth.
- Add ingredients: Stir in sour cream, both cans of corn, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Add corn muffin mix and mix well.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the baking dish, smooth the top, and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with green onions, bacon, or jalapeños for added flavor.
- Make ahead and reheat for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
