Creamy Dream: The Best Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe

Southern kitchens have long treasured this hearty cream cheese corn casserole that brings comfort to every table.

Memories of grandma’s cooking flood back with each creamy, golden spoonful.

Kernels bursting with rich flavor create a side dish that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become special when this dish arrives steaming from the oven.

Cheese melts into sweet corn, creating a magical blend that makes you close your eyes in pure satisfaction.

My family fights over the crispy edges, and I promise you will too.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new favorite potluck star that everyone begs you to make again.

Why Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Steals the Show

• Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or weeknight dinners that need a delicious side dish.
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients that come together in under an hour, making it a wallet-friendly recipe.
• Easily adapt with extra cheese, swap green chiles for jalapeños, or add bacon for a personalized touch that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

What You’ll Need for Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Corn, Cream Cheese: Creamy base that gives the casserole a rich and smooth texture. Fresh or frozen corn works best, cream cheese adds luxurious creaminess.
• Butter, Milk: Helps create a smooth, velvety sauce that binds the ingredients together. Whole milk recommended for fuller flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp flavor and golden melted topping. Sharp or mild cheddar can be used based on preference.

• Green Chiles: Adds mild heat and tangy flavor to the casserole. Canned green chiles are convenient and consistent.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance overall dish flavor. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper recommended.

• Fresh Parsley, Green Onions: Adds fresh color and light herbal notes to the finished dish. Chopped just before serving for maximum freshness.

How to Whip Up Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Silky Cheese Base

• Cream cheese
• Butter

Melt these together over gentle heat, stirring until they become a smooth, dreamy mixture. Pour in milk and keep stirring until everything looks luxuriously creamy.

Step 3: Mix Flavor Explosion

• Corn kernels
• Cheddar cheese (half the amount)
• Green chiles
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until it’s beautifully combined and looks absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 4: Layer and Initial Bake

Transfer the corn mixture into your prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and slide into the oven for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and let the casserole bake for another 10-15 minutes. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown cheese top that signals pure deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Optional: Scatter some fresh herbs like parsley or green onions on top. Bring to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for a, Corn Casserole Finish

• Cheese Melting Mastery: Slowly melt cream cheese and butter on low heat to prevent burning and ensure a silky smooth texture.
• Customize Your Corn: Swap green chiles for jalapeños or add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and crunch.
• Perfect Cheese Topping: Let the cheese brown slightly without burning by watching carefully during the final uncovered baking stage.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.
• Dietary Adaptation: Use low-fat cream cheese and milk for a lighter version, or substitute dairy-free alternatives for a vegan-friendly dish.

How to Store and Reheat Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if green chiles are fresh.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.
• For quick reheating, place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What Complements Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Best

• Serve alongside spicy chicken enchiladas or beef tacos to complement the creamy corn casserole's rich flavors and enhance the overall meal experience.
• Select a crisp, slightly acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the casserole's creaminess and balances its cheesy, corn-packed profile.
• Combine the casserole with grilled barbecue pork chops, roasted chicken, or smoky beef brisket to create a satisfying, well-rounded dinner plate that highlights the side dish's comforting texture.
• Enjoy with a cold, light beer like a Mexican lager or a crisp pilsner that provides a refreshing contrast to the dish's rich, cheesy warmth and cleanses the palate between bites.

Fun Ways to Add a Twist to Corn Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut cream cheese. Swap dairy butter for plant-based butter and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced jalapeños, substitute green chiles with chopped poblano peppers, and mix in cumin and smoked paprika for extra heat and depth.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace corn with cauliflower or zucchini chunks. Use full-fat cream cheese and increase cheese topping for a keto-friendly adaptation.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage into the base mixture. Top with crispy bacon bits or panko breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 67 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Midwestern comfort shines through this creamy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole, blending sweet kernels with rich dairy goodness. Hearty sides like this invite warm gatherings where family connects over delectable, golden-edged comfort you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups frozen corn, thawed (or two 15 ounces/425 grams cans, drained)
• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 4 ounces/113 grams can diced green chiles
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating an 8-inch square or 2-quart casserole dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create a silky foundation by gently melting cream cheese and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform texture.
3. Enhance the creamy base by gradually incorporating milk, continuing to stir until the mixture develops a luxurious, velvety consistency.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the corn kernels, introducing half of the cheddar cheese, diced green chiles, salt, and pepper, ensuring all components are thoroughly integrated.
5. Transfer the vibrant corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
6. Elegantly crown the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese, creating a tempting golden topping.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 30 minutes, which helps the flavors meld and the texture develop.
8. Uncover the casserole and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
9. Once completed, let the casserole rest briefly, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
10. Serve immediately while the dish is warm, offering a creamy, comforting side that’s sure to delight.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother blending without lumps.
• Drain green chiles completely to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Substitute regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based milk for dairy-sensitive diets.
• Try mixing in crispy bacon bits or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture variation.
• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese without compromising taste.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Fresh corn kernels can replace canned corn for a more vibrant, summer-like taste profile.
• Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4045 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg