When the craving for comfort food strikes, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. This Creamy Cheesy Corn Casserole is the epitome of coziness, combining the natural sweetness of corn with the richness of cream cheese, a buttery cracker topping, and just the right balance of seasonings. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight treat that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Preparation: With only a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory combination appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Add your personal touch by mixing in ingredients like diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This casserole is always a crowd-pleaser, making it an excellent choice for celebrations or cozy nights with family.
Let’s dive into making this irresistible dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) creamed corn
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sleeve (about 40) Ritz crackers, crushed
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Corn Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your casserole goes in. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. As you stir, the mixture will become creamy and well-blended. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for smooth mixing—no lumps allowed! This is where you can sneak in any extra ingredients, like jalapeños for heat or shredded cheddar for an even cheesier casserole.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy corn mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The golden hue of the mixture already hints at the deliciousness to come! Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the top for that signature buttery crunch. If you love a little extra texture, add a few more crushed crackers than the recipe calls for.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this step is nothing short of heavenly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the dish to set, making it easier to scoop out servings. Serve warm and watch as everyone dives in for seconds!
Helpful Tips:
- Softening Cream Cheese: If you forgot to take the cream cheese out ahead of time, microwave it for about 15 seconds to soften it quickly.
- Customize the Flavor: Add diced bell peppers, green onions, or a pinch of cayenne for a fun twist.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- This casserole pairs beautifully with roast chicken, turkey, or even a simple salad for a complete meal.
- To make it ahead, prepare the mixture and refrigerate it (without the cracker topping) until ready to bake. Add the crackers just before baking to keep them crisp.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the Ritz crackers, and you’re good to go.
Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes! If using fresh or frozen corn, you’ll need about 3 cups. Blanch frozen corn briefly in boiling water before mixing to ensure it’s tender.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the topping, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle the crushed crackers on top and pop it in the oven.
Related Recipes:
If you loved this Creamy Cheesy Corn Casserole, you’ll also enjoy these dishes:
Conclusion:
Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or looking for a comforting side dish to serve with dinner, this Creamy Cheesy Corn Casserole will become your go-to recipe. Its simple preparation and rich flavors make it a dish that everyone at the table will rave about. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Print
Creamy Cheesy Corn Casserole Delight
Description
When the craving for comfort food strikes, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. This Creamy Cheesy Corn Casserole is the epitome of coziness, combining the natural sweetness of corn with the richness of cream cheese, a buttery cracker topping, and just the right balance of seasonings. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight treat that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) creamed corn
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sleeve (about 40) Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your casserole goes in. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. As you stir, the mixture will become creamy and well-blended. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for smooth mixing—no lumps allowed! This is where you can sneak in any extra ingredients, like jalapeños for heat or shredded cheddar for an even cheesier casserole.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy corn mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The golden hue of the mixture already hints at the deliciousness to come! Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the top for that signature buttery crunch. If you love a little extra texture, add a few more crushed crackers than the recipe calls for.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this step is nothing short of heavenly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the dish to set, making it easier to scoop out servings. Serve warm and watch as everyone dives in for seconds!
Notes
- This casserole pairs beautifully with roast chicken, turkey, or even a simple salad for a complete meal.
- To make it ahead, prepare the mixture and refrigerate it (without the cracker topping) until ready to bake. Add the crackers just before baking to keep them crisp.