Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my cheesy cream cheese corn casserole! This dish holds a special place in my heart because it’s the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whenever I make it, the smell wafts through my kitchen, and I can practically hear my family’s stomachs growling! It’s a side dish that never fails to impress, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet corn, rich cream cheese, and melty cheddar creates this delightful, gooey texture that just invites you to dig in. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving it on repeat!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this cheesy cream cheese corn casserole is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is! Let’s get started, shall we?
Step-by-Step Preparation
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and becomes bubbly perfection!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, milk, and melted butter. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until it’s nice and smooth. Trust me, this creamy base is the heart of our dish!
- Next, it’s time to add the star players: toss in the frozen corn, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—your kitchen will start to smell divine!
- Now, pour this cheesy goodness into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so each bite gets that delicious texture.
- Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and bubbly. Ooh, that’s the magic moment!
- Finally, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set just a bit more, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Nutritional Information Section
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for our cheesy cream cheese corn casserole. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
This cheesy delight packs a bit of everything—perfect for a hearty side dish! Enjoy every creamy bite while keeping these numbers in mind!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make: Seriously, this cheesy cream cheese corn casserole comes together in no time! Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Creamy, dreamy texture: Each bite is a luscious blend of cream cheese and melted cheddar that just melts in your mouth. It’s like a warm hug on your plate!
- Deliciously cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), this dish delivers! The combination of cream cheese and cheddar creates a flavor explosion that you’ll want to savor.
- Versatile side dish: This casserole pairs beautifully with almost any main course—think grilled chicken, roasted meats, or even a hearty salad!
- Customizable: Want to make it your own? Feel free to add in your favorite veggies or spices to create a unique twist that suits your taste buds!
- Great for leftovers: Trust me, this casserole tastes even better the next day! It’s perfect for meal prep or for enjoying as a quick snack.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up this cheesy cream cheese corn casserole, let me share some of my best tips to ensure it turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Soften your cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is really softened before mixing. It makes blending so much easier and helps achieve that creamy texture we all love. Just let it sit out for about 30 minutes before starting, or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds—just don’t let it melt!
- Mix it well: When combining the ingredients, take your time! You want to make sure everything is well mixed so that every spoonful has that delicious cheesy goodness. I like to use a hand mixer for a smooth consistency, but a sturdy spoon works too!
- Don’t skip the greasing: Greasing your baking dish is key! This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes serving a breeze. You can use butter or cooking spray—whatever you have on hand!
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your oven. Look for that golden bubbly top—if it’s not quite there, give it a few extra minutes!
- Garnish for flair: Want to elevate your casserole? Try topping it with some extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley before serving. It adds not only flavor but also a pop of color that makes it Instagram-worthy!
- Make-ahead magic: If you’re planning a big meal, this casserole can be assembled a day ahead! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a cheesy cream cheese corn casserole that will wow your family and friends. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, let me share some fun variations to take your cheesy cream cheese corn casserole to the next level! There are so many ways to customize it, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
- Veggie Delight: Add in some chopped bell peppers, diced jalapeños, or even sautéed onions for a colorful twist! Not only do they enhance the flavor, but they also add a lovely crunch to each bite.
- Spicy Kick: Love a little heat? Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili powder to give your casserole a zesty punch. You could also add some diced green chiles for that extra flair!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile beautifully! Try stirring in some chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme. It adds a fragrant touch that makes this dish feel even more special.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Swap out the cheddar for other cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a creamy mozzarella for a different texture. You can also blend multiple cheeses together for a cheesy extravaganza!
- Sweet Corn and Bacon: For a savory touch, mix in some crispy cooked bacon bits. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn. You can even throw in caramelized onions for an extra layer of deliciousness!
- Southwest Twist: Mix in some black beans and corn, along with a dash of taco seasoning, to give it a southwest flair. Top it off with some sliced avocado or fresh cilantro for a fresh finish!
These variations are just the beginning! Feel free to get creative and make this cheesy cream cheese corn casserole your own. I can’t wait to hear about your delicious creations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This cheesy cream cheese corn casserole stores beautifully, and you’ll want to savor every last cheesy bite. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious!
First off, let the casserole cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation from making it soggy. Once it’s cool, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—perfect for quick meals or snacks throughout the week!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven if you want to maintain that lovely, creamy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s warmed through. If you want to give it a little extra love, you can remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to get the top all nice and bubbly again. Wow, right?
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just scoop out a portion into a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hot—nobody likes burnt cheese!
And if you’re really lucky and have some leftover casserole that you can’t finish, feel free to freeze it! Just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat as mentioned above. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made this cheesy cream cheese corn casserole, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! This dish is so versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and sides. Here are some of my favorite combinations:
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy, grilled chicken breasts are a classic pairing! The smoky flavor and tenderness of the chicken complement the creamy richness of the casserole perfectly.
- Barbecue Ribs: If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, serve it with some tender, fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs. The sweet and tangy sauce from the ribs balances out the cheesy goodness!
- Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter option, roasted seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots bring a lovely freshness to your plate. They add a nice crunch and color that brightens up the meal!
- Salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Plus, it adds a pop of color!
- Meatloaf: For a comforting, home-cooked feel, serve your casserole with a slice of classic meatloaf. The flavors meld together so well, creating an unforgettable meal.
- Tacos: Feeling adventurous? Pair it with some soft or crispy tacos filled with your favorite proteins. The cheesy corn casserole serves as a delightful side that adds a creamy twist to your taco night!
With these serving suggestions, your cheesy cream cheese corn casserole will shine as the star of the meal! Enjoy the delicious combinations and watch everyone go back for seconds!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Cheesy cream cheese corn casserole: 5 Ways to Enjoy It
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy corn casserole that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn, frozen
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
- Add corn, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned corn instead of frozen if desired.
- Top with extra cheese for a cheesier flavor.
- Can be made a day in advance and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheesy cream cheese corn casserole