Description
Comfort meets indulgence in this irresistible Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole, a Southern-style side dish that promises pure creamy satisfaction. Melted cheese, sweet corn, and rich cream cheese blend into a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll crave at every family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 ml) frozen or canned corn (drained)
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Spicy Addition:
- ¼ cup (38 grams) diced jalapeños or green chilies
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to 375°F and generously coat a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a deep saucepan, gently melt butter over low temperature, creating a silky base. Whisk in cream cheese until the mixture becomes completely smooth and uniform. Incorporate sour cream, whisking continuously to blend the dairy components. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring each element is evenly distributed.
- Introduce corn kernels into the creamy foundation, folding gently to maintain the mixture’s delicate texture. Gradually integrate cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until a harmonious blend develops. For an optional zesty twist, fold in finely chopped jalapeños or green chilies.
- Transfer the luxurious corn mixture into the prepared casserole dish, using a spatula to create an even surface. Sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheddar across the top, which will transform into a golden, crispy layer during baking.
- Position the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for visual cues of doneness: bubbling edges, melted cheese, and a slightly bronzed top surface indicating caramelization.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbal finish before serving.
Notes
- Adjust butter temperature carefully to prevent burning when melting, ensuring a smooth base for the creamy sauce.
- Enhance flavor complexity by using roasted garlic instead of powder for a deeper, more robust taste profile.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda or monterey jack to customize the casserole’s richness and depth.
- Reduce dairy content by substituting half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that maintains creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (or more)
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 282
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg