Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is the ultimate side dish—ultra-creamy, cheesy, and packed with sweet corn flavor. It’s comforting, rich, and so easy to whip up with pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting
• Just 6 main ingredients and minimal prep
• No boxed mixes—completely from scratch!
• Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners
• Kid-approved and family-friendly
• Bakes in one dish with almost no cleanup
• Make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly
• Easily doubled for a crowd

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 2 cans (15 oz each) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 box (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)

Optional Toppings

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh chives or parsley
• Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and sour cream until smooth. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until well combined.
3. Add Corn and Seasoning
   Stir in the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
4. Incorporate Muffin Mix and Cheese
   Gently fold in the corn muffin mix and shredded cheddar cheese until just combined. Don’t overmix.
5. Pour into Dish
   Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake Until Set
   Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. If adding extra cheese on top, sprinkle it during the last 10 minutes of baking.
7. Cool Slightly and Serve
   Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to firm up slightly. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories per serving: ~310

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add 1 small diced jalapeño or ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Bacon Lover’s Twist: Stir in ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon.
• Mexican-Inspired: Add ½ teaspoon cumin and a handful of diced green chilies.
• No Eggs Version: Use ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt instead of eggs.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a gluten-free corn muffin mix.
• Dairy-Free: Swap cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
• More Veggies: Add diced red bell peppers or zucchini.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for added stretch.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or bake the full dish covered at 325°F for 20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze cream cheese corn casserole?

Absolutely. Freeze after baking. Just thaw overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt or plain full-fat yogurt are great substitutes.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use a gluten-free muffin mix to make it GF-friendly.

Can I add meat to make it a main dish?

Yes! Try cooked ground sausage, ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken.

Do I have to use canned corn?

You can use frozen (thawed) or fresh corn kernels—about 3 cups total.

How do I make it extra creamy?

Use full-fat dairy products and slightly underbake (about 45 minutes) for an ultra-soft texture.

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

Yes, though the texture will be slightly less rich. Avoid fat-free versions.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend work too.

Can I bake it in a different dish?

Yes, you can use an 8×8 dish for a thicker casserole—just add 10 more minutes of baking time.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is the kind of side dish people rave about—rich, creamy, and packed with sweet and savory flavor. It’s a comforting classic that pairs beautifully with everything from roast turkey to BBQ ribs. With easy prep, customizable add-ins, and make-ahead convenience, it’s a must-make for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing side. Try it once and it’ll become a forever favorite!

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