Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the cozy, crave-worthy comfort of Cream Cheese Corn Casserole. This dish is the perfect blend of silky cream cheese, sweet corn, a touch of savory and just the right amount of golden, crunchy edges. Every spoonful brings creamy, buttery richness mingling with delicate corn flavors—a sure hit at any gathering, from family dinners to holiday feasts. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this easy casserole comes together with minimal fuss, making it a delicious go-to side that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a tradition!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of everyday ingredients can come together to create such an irresistible casserole! Every item on this list has its own starring role, contributing to the luscious texture, tempting color, and downright delicious taste of Cream Cheese Corn Casserole.
- Canned Whole Kernel Corn: Adds juicy pops of sweetness and makes each bite irresistibly fresh-tasting.
- Cream-Style Corn: Lends extra creaminess and a deeper corn flavor, setting this casserole apart from the ordinary.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show, creating a rich, velvety texture that makes this dish downright decadent.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings buttery goodness and helps unify all the flavors while keeping the casserole beautifully moist.
- Sour Cream: Adds a hint of tang and gives the mixture an ultra-silky finish.
- Corn Muffin Mix: The secret ingredient that provides structure, a touch of sweetness, and that irresistible golden crust.
- Sugar (Optional): Gives a gentle lift to the natural sweetness of the corn—totally up to your taste preference!
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances both the sweet and savory elements in every forkful.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and balance to the lush, creamy flavors.
How to Make Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F—this ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out golden every time. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish, give it a light grease with butter or non-stick spray, and set it aside. Starting with a properly prepped dish means your casserole will lift out easily, leaving no delicious bits behind.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In your largest mixing bowl (trust me, you want plenty of room!), combine the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, softened and cubed cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, corn muffin mix, and, if you like a sweeter casserole, add the teaspoon of sugar. Don’t forget the salt and black pepper! Stir everything together until it forms a smooth, unified batter, dotted with pops of corn throughout. Mixing by hand works perfectly—just make sure every cube of cream cheese gets well incorporated for the silkiest texture.
Step 3: Spread and Smooth
Pour your luscious corn mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, tapping the dish gently on the countertop to settle any air bubbles. The even layer ensures a consistent bake and those coveted crunchy edges in every slice.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a top that’s beautifully golden and a center that’s just set—no jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The aroma filling your kitchen is your cue that something wonderful is in store!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the Cream Cheese Corn Casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This brief rest firms up the casserole, making it both easier to slice and even creamier as it settles. Now’s the time to grab your favorite serving spoon and dig in, or adorn with your favorite finishing touches.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Garnishes
Give your Cream Cheese Corn Casserole a little extra flair with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives, thin-sliced scallions, or even a scattering of shredded cheddar cheese while it’s still hot. For a hint of color and a burst of flavor, try a dash of smoked paprika or a few sliced jalapeños on top.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a side for everything from holiday ham to weeknight roasted chicken. It’s especially comforting beside barbecue staples, roast turkey, or hearty vegetable mains. Add a crisp green salad or vinegar-y slaw for freshness and crunch that contrasts beautifully with every creamy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Cream Cheese Corn Casserole into individual portions by baking it in muffin tins for perfect party bites, or layer it in a trifle-style serving bowl with jalapeños and cheese for a crowd-pleasing buffet centerpiece. Serve leftovers spooned over grilled veggies or as the base for a cozy breakfast with a poached egg on top—let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cream Cheese Corn Casserole stores beautifully in the fridge. Simply let the casserole cool, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer servings to an airtight container. It will keep for up to three days without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole! After baking and cooling it completely, wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover Cream Cheese Corn Casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying, until heated through (about 15–20 minutes). For a quick option, microwave single portions in short bursts, stirring as needed for even heat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Substitute two cups of cooked fresh or thawed frozen corn for the cans of whole kernel corn. The texture will stay wonderfully chunky, and you’ll get that garden-fresh taste in every bite.
Is this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole gluten-free?
As written, the recipe isn’t gluten-free thanks to the corn muffin mix, but you can easily swap in a gluten-free version to make it work for gluten-sensitive guests.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
If you love a little kick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños or green chiles, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also top with sliced fresh jalapeño before baking for extra zing!
Can I prep Cream Cheese Corn Casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This makes it a lifesaver for holidays or entertaining.
What if I don’t have corn muffin mix?
No corn muffin mix on hand? You can create a quick substitute by combining 1 cup cornmeal, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and use as directed in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a soul-warming, crowd-pleasing side, Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is your new best friend. Its creamy, dreamy layers and homey corn flavor make it the kind of dish folks keep coming back for. Give it a try and watch it become a star at your table, holiday or any day!
Print
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a delightful blend of corn, cream cheese, and a hint of sweetness, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Corn Casserole:
- 2 (15-ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (8.5-ounce) box corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, corn muffin mix, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add chopped jalapeños or shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
- This casserole can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
