If you’re searching for that perfect comfort side dish to make any meal feel like a warm hug, look no further than this Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with sweet corn flavors all wrapped up in a golden crunchy topping. This casserole brings together simplicity and indulgence in one dish that’s hearty enough to satisfy and easy enough to whip up any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your go-to recipe for gatherings, holidays, or just when you want a little cheesy corn magic on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole plays a starring role, contributing to the overall texture, flavor, and irresistible appeal of the dish. From the juicy whole kernel corn adding bursts of sweetness, to the cream cheese creating a velvety richness, each component is essential in making this recipe shine.
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) whole kernel corn, drained: Provides the sweet, crisp corn kernels that give the casserole texture and fresh flavor.
- 1 can (15 ounces) creamed corn: Adds creaminess and balances the dish with smooth, comforting sweetness.
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient that infuses the casserole with a luscious, cheesy creaminess.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings rich, buttery goodness that enhances every bite.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and moisture, keeping the casserole perfectly creamy.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to brighten the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of warmth and spice.
- 1 sleeve (about 40) Ritz crackers, crushed: Creates a golden, buttery crust that’s delightfully crunchy on top.
How to Make Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start things off by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix All Your Corn and Dairy Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn and creamed corn with the softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Take your time mixing everything together until the texture is smooth and thoroughly combined – this is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Spread the Mixture Into Your Baking Dish
Pour and carefully spread the luscious corn mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Leveling it out helps everything bake evenly, giving you that perfect casserole consistency.
Step 4: Create the Crunchy Topping
Crush the Ritz crackers finely in a separate bowl — you can use a rolling pin or your hands. Sprinkle the cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the corn mixture, creating a golden, buttery crust that will bake up crispy and inviting.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, heated through goodness with a browned top that beckons an eager fork. The smell alone will make it hard to wait!
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This helps it set just enough for neat scooping and for those layers of creamy corn and crunchy topping to firm up slightly.
How to Serve Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a splash of color and a fresh, bright flavor contrast. If you like a little heat, consider a dash of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper on top for a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole pairs wonderfully alongside roasted meats like turkey, ham, or a simple grilled chicken breast. It also complements hearty winter stews or can be part of a vegetarian feast with a crisp salad to balance its richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve scoops of the casserole in small ramekins for individual servings at dinner parties or holiday tables. You can also sprinkle extra cheese or bacon bits on top before baking for an extra indulgent presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain the freshness and prevent the cracker topping from getting soggy—recrisping it in the oven before serving works wonders!
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through and the top regains its crispy charm. To keep the topping crunchy, consider warming it uncovered or adding fresh crushed crackers sprinkled on top before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh corn will add a lovely sweetness and slightly different texture, but be sure to adjust moisture levels to keep the casserole creamy. Blanch fresh kernels briefly before use for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out cream cheese, sour cream, and butter for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine. The texture and flavor may shift slightly, but the dish will still be delicious and creamy.
Can I add other cheeses to this casserole?
Of course! Mixing in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even a bit of Parmesan can elevate the cheesy experience. Just keep in mind that cream cheese is key for creaminess, so use other cheeses as complementary.
What’s the best way to crush the Ritz crackers?
Place the crackers in a sealed plastic bag and gently roll over them with a rolling pin or a heavy pan until finely crushed. This method keeps things tidy and gives you even crumbs for the perfect crust.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling the ingredients and using a larger baking dish works great. Keep the baking time similar but check doneness by looking for bubbly edges and golden topping—sometimes it may need a few extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe is one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes that never fails to bring smiles to the table. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a simple dinner, its inviting balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy is pure comfort food bliss. Give it a try, and prepare to have a new favorite casserole in your recipe box!
Print
Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a rich, creamy, and delightfully cheesy side dish perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Combining whole kernel corn, creamed corn, softened cream cheese, and butter, it is topped with crunchy crushed Ritz crackers and baked to golden perfection, creating a deliciously comforting and satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) creamed corn
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 sleeve (about 40) Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving afterwards.
- Mix the Corn Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Spread the Mixture: Evenly spread the creamy corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for an even bake.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the top of the corn mixture to add a crispy, buttery topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to firm up slightly.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Draining the whole kernel corn well prevents excess moisture which could make the casserole soggy.
- For added flavor, some variations include adding shredded cheddar cheese or chopped jalapeños.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; simply cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
