If you love comforting, creamy casseroles that bring a little bit of nostalgia to your table, you’re going to adore this Classic Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of sweet corn’s natural brightness with the rich, velvety goodness of cream cheese, baked into a golden, bubbly dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. This casserole is easy to throw together with simple ingredients, yet it delivers on both flavor and texture, making it a beloved addition to any meal or holiday spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a dish that’s truly memorable. Each element in this casserole plays a vital role, from the creamy base to the subtle seasoning that rounds everything out perfectly.
- Sweet corn (2 cans or 3 cups frozen): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a delightful pop of texture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds rich creaminess that holds the casserole together beautifully.
- Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Brings a luscious, silky mouthfeel and enhances flavor depth.
- Eggs (2 large): Act as a binder to give the casserole structure and softness.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Lightens the mixture for a smooth, custard-like consistency.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): A touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all those delicious flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of warmth and depth.
- Shredded cheese (1/2 cup, optional topping): Creates a bubbly, golden crust if you love a little extra cheesiness.
How to Make Classic Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole will have a nice non-stick surface and bake evenly to golden perfection.
Step 2: Cream Together the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the melted butter until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the luscious base of your casserole, so take a moment to get it perfectly combined.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Seasonings
Whisk in the eggs, milk, sugar if you’re using it, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients bring balance, moisture, and flavor to the casserole, ensuring each bite is tender and just right.
Step 4: Fold in the Corn
Gently fold in the drained corn until it’s evenly mixed throughout the creamy batter. This step works the sweet, crisp kernels into every forkful and creates that wonderful texture contrast.
Step 5: Pour and Smooth
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula. A flat surface means your casserole will brown beautifully and look as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you love a cheesy crust, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. It melts and forms a gorgeous golden topping that adds just the right amount of savory richness.
Step 7: Bake Until Set
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set in the middle and golden brown on top—a sign of perfect creamy goodness inside.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up slightly and make serving easier. This final pause enhances the texture and allows all those fabulous flavors to settle.
How to Serve Classic Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh brightness. A dash of paprika can also provide a lovely smoky note that complements the creamy corn perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like roast chicken, glazed ham, or grilled steak. Its sweet and savory profile also balances nicely alongside green salads or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins or lots of small muffin tins for a fun, bite-sized twist at dinner parties or potlucks. You can also layer the casserole as part of a layered corn bake with sautéed onions and peppers to elevate the presentation and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Classic Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will mellow and meld wonderfully, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly again. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while still allowing it to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh corn works wonderfully in this recipe when it’s in season. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and use about 3 cups. It’ll add an even fresher, sweeter flavor to your casserole.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Classic Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, using simple ingredients like corn, cream cheese, and eggs without any wheat-based fillers.
Can I make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, use vegan butter, and replace the milk with your favorite non-dairy option. You can also try an egg replacer to maintain texture.
What can I add to make the casserole more flavorful?
Try adding sautéed onions, chopped jalapeños, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth and a little kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary stirred in before baking can also elevate the flavor profile.
Is it okay to omit the sugar?
Yes, the sugar is optional and can be left out if you prefer less sweetness, especially if your corn is already very sweet or if you’re serving the casserole alongside sweeter dishes.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to bring comfort and smiles around the table. Its creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and simple prep make it a must-try whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a special holiday gathering. I can’t wait for you to discover how easy it is to create such a deliciously nostalgic casserole that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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Classic Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a comforting, creamy side dish featuring sweet corn blended with cream cheese, butter, and eggs, baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, delivering a rich, slightly sweet flavor with a smooth, velvety texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) sweet corn, drained (or 3 cups frozen/thawed corn)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Create Cream Cheese Base: In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and melted butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy to ensure even texture in the casserole.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Whisk well until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Corn: Gently fold in the drained sweet corn, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter without crushing the kernels.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the casserole if you desire a cheesy, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set fully, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Using fresh or frozen corn is a great alternative to canned corn for a fresher taste.
- Adjust sugar according to your desired level of sweetness or omit it for a more savory dish.
- The shredded cheese topping is optional but adds a nice golden crust and richer flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to blend smoothly with other ingredients.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up for clean slices.
