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!