Pin it
Sweet corn hugs creamy, melty cream cheese in this rich side dish that'll steal the show. You can get this casserole on the table in about half an hour, so it's awesome for family dinners or holiday spreads. Toss it together with everyday stuff from your kitchen, and it's so good folks always ask for seconds.
Reasons You'll Love It
Perfect for any get-together, whether it's a summer barbecue or a holiday feast. Cream cheese makes it super velvety, and jalapeños (if you want) add a little spice. You can prep it earlier and stash it in the fridge when your schedule's packed. It's easy to take along for potlucks and still tastes great after reheating. The best part? All the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.
All You Need
- Pickled Jalapeños (if you like): 1-2 tablespoons, chopped up for a spicy punch
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup to throw on top
- Frozen Corn: 18 ounces, thawed, for that sweet pop
- Seasonings: Half a teaspoon of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper
- Butter: 4 tablespoons for more flavor
- Whole Milk: About 1/3 cup to keep things smooth
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened so it mixes easily
How You Do It
- Get Ready
- Let the cream cheese come to room temp and thaw your corn. Fire up your oven to 350°F.
- Stir In Corn
- Dump the corn into the creamy sauce and throw in jalapeños if you want. Mix until it's all coated.
- Melt Together
- Put butter and cream cheese in a pot on low, let them melt, then add milk. Mix until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake It
- Transfer to an 8x8 pan, layer on the cheddar, and pop it in the oven. Bake around 20 minutes till bubbly and cheesy on top.
Pin it
Awesome for Gatherings
This dish makes holidays so much simpler. Prep and chill it a day before—just toss it in the oven when you're ready. Sits right next to turkey, ham, or whatever main you're serving up. Having a crowd? Use a 9x13 pan and tack on another five to ten minutes in the oven.
Fun Ways to Make It Yours
Mix things up by adding in green chiles for a gentle kick, diced bell pepper for crunch, or crumble up bacon on top for a salty hit. If you prefer spice, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Try a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a Mexican vibe. As long as you stick to the creamy original sauce, you’ll get that perfect texture.
Easy to Bring Along
Takes travel like a champ, so it's great for parties and family get-togethers. Stays moist thanks to the cream cheese and still tastes awesome at room temp. Wrap up your baking dish with foil and head out. Just heat it up at your host's place for about 10 minutes if you want it hot.
Slow Cooker Option
No oven? No worries! Just put everything except the cheese in your slow cooker. Set it on low for two to three hours and give it a stir halfway through. Sprinkle on the cheese in the last half hour. Set it to warm during your gathering and it'll stay creamy.
How to Store Leftovers
Cover and pop leftovers in the fridge; they'll last up to three days. Reheat what you want in the microwave, giving it a stir partway. Pour in a bit of milk if it thickens up too much. Skip freezing this dish—it doesn't hold up well—so plan to eat it fresh.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use canned corn?
Sure! Drain two 15-ounce cans really well. Frozen gives a fresher vibe, but canned works fine too. Some like mixing frozen and canned for variety. Got fresh corn? Use about 4 cups, but make sure it's not too wet so the bake doesn’t turn soupy.
- → How do I make it spicy?
Chop up some pickled jalapeños—start with a spoonful and taste as you go. Fresh jalapeños? Remove seeds for tame heat. Folks also add cayenne, a splash of hot sauce, or mild green chiles for a different kick.
- → Can I make it ahead?
Throw everything together the night before and pop it in the fridge. Let it lose some chill before baking so it heats evenly. Many prep a double batch, freezing one without toppings for later. Top it just before baking for the best crust!
- → Need dairy-free version?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese substitutes. Expect a slightly different texture, but still creamy! Coconut milk or blended cashews can add richness too. Just double-check labels—hidden dairy ingredients sneak in sometimes!
Conclusion
If creamy dishes make you smile, don’t miss trying corn and cheese quiche for breakfast. Add jalapeño dip for spice lovers or brighten your BBQ with charred corn topped in herby butter!