The Ultimate Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
It’s me, Beatriz, from MommiesMore! How many times have you stared into the fridge, wondering what comforting miracle you can whip up for dinner? I feel you, fellow moms! That’s why I’m so excited to share one of our family’s absolute favorite sanity-saving dishes: Cream Cheese Corn Casserole. It’s a creamy, dreamy side dish (or even a main course with the right additions!) that’s so easy to make, even on the busiest of weeknights.
My journey with this dish started with a challenge: how to get my kids to eat more veggies without a fight? Enter, Cream Cheese Corn Casserole. I experimented with different cheeses, levels of sweetness, and even snuck in some extra veggies (shhh!). What I learned is that the key to a truly great Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is finding the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The cream cheese adds a richness that makes it feel decadent, while the corn provides a natural sweetness that kids love. It’s been my mission to perfect this recipe so that it meets the comfort food needs of my family, and this is it!
This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole brings comfort to our family because it is so delicious! It’s warm, cheesy, and satisfying – exactly what we crave after a long day. It’s become a dinnertime win because even my pickiest eater asks for seconds!
If you’re a busy mom searching for a simple, comforting solution to the dinnertime dilemma, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s make some magic in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Cream Cheese Corn Casserole:
- 1 (15 ounce) can of whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can of creamed corn, undrained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Trust me, this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor, which works well in this recipe. This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. Canned corn is a budget-friendly staple that adds tons of flavor.
For a shortcut, I often melt the butter in the microwave to save time. Every minute counts, right?! The cream cheese is key! It is what makes this creamy and delicious. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! It’s totally optional, but adds a nice warmth.
Here’s a Cream Cheese Corn Casserole comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: keep a stash of softened cream cheese in the fridge. This will keep you ready for some delicious, comforting food at a moment’s notice!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get started! Here’s how to bring this comforting Cream Cheese Corn Casserole to life:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 8×8 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray for easy cleanup!
- In a large bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn and the undrained creamed corn. This combo gives the Cream Cheese Corn Casserole the perfect texture.
- Add the softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, sugar, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Make sure the cream cheese is really soft so it mixes in smoothly!
- Mix everything together until well combined. Don’t overmix! You want a nice, creamy batter for this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. It should look creamy and inviting!
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Here’s where I used to struggle with my recipe – learn from my experience! I would always underbake it. Bake it until it is bubbly and golden brown!
- Let the Cream Cheese Corn Casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit and prevents it from being too runny.
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Cream Cheese Corn Casserole usually takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. I can usually whip it up while helping the kids with homework!
While your casserole is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Your casserole should smell amazing by now! That buttery, corny aroma is pure comfort.
Don’t worry if your Cream Cheese Corn Casserole looks a little jiggly when you take it out of the oven; it will firm up as it cools. Here’s a family-tested shortcut: Prepare the recipe ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
I discovered that adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking takes this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole to a whole new level of deliciousness!
How We Love to Eat This!
Our family loves this comforting Cream Cheese Corn Casserole as a side dish with grilled chicken or pork chops. It’s also fantastic with meatloaf! The sweetness of the corn complements savory flavors perfectly. This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also a welcome addition to potlucks and holiday gatherings. You can make it, take it, and bake it!
The kids devour this when I serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans. It’s a complete and balanced meal they actually enjoy!
For a more appealing presentation, I like to sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the Cream Cheese Corn Casserole.
Leftovers are fantastic! You can reheat them in the microwave or oven. You can even add them to quesadillas or tacos for a fun twist. This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole will last up to 3 days in the fridge, if it lasts that long!
For a seasonal variation, try adding a can of diced green chilies for a Southwestern flair. This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole will be a hit at your next get together! We even tried adding some cooked bacon bits once, and it was a huge hit! This is another comfort food spin that has been tried and true! This is very versatile and will be a pleaser at any dinner table!
Our guests rave about this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole every time I make it. They always ask for the recipe! I think it’s because it is so creamy and comforting!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Let’s tackle some common questions about this delicious Cream Cheese Corn Casserole:
Is this filling enough for growing kids?
Yes! The cream cheese and corn make it surprisingly satisfying. Add a protein like chicken or beans to make it a complete meal.
What if my picky eater won’t try this?
Start with a small portion and encourage them to just take one bite. The sweetness of the corn might surprise them! You can also try blending the Cream Cheese Corn Casserole to create a smoother texture.
Can I meal prep this for busy weeks ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, unbaked, for up to 24 hours.
Can I freeze this?
I don’t recommend freezing it after it is baked, as the texture can change. But you can freeze it, uncooked, if you wrap it well. You might have to bake it a little longer.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is naturally gluten-free, so no substitutions are necessary.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
You can reduce it to 1/4 cup, but the sweetness is part of what makes it so appealing. You could also use a sugar substitute.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or onions would all be great additions. My family also likes broccoli! For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe!
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole supports our family’s comfort food goals because it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It is so comforting!
Here are my Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Comfort Hacks:
- Always have softened cream cheese on hand. This is a lifesaver for quick and easy comfort food.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ins. Bacon, cheese, or green chilies can all take this casserole to the next level.
- Prep it ahead of time for stress-free weeknight dinners. This is my go-to strategy for busy days.
Here are a few family-tested variations:
- Cheesy Bacon Corn Casserole: Add cooked bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spicy Southwest Corn Casserole: Add diced green chilies and a pinch of chili powder.
- Broccoli and Cheese Corn Casserole: Add steamed broccoli florets and extra cheddar cheese. This comforting recipe reminds me of another family favorite… my Cream Cheese Halloween Brownies!
My son loves the cheesy bacon version, while my daughter prefers the classic recipe. My husband loves the spicy version!
I hope you and your family enjoy this simple and satisfying Cream Cheese Corn Casserole! Remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful. Don’t be afraid to make it your own way. Get the Cream Cheese Corn Casserole (Creamy, Cheesy, Easy to Make …) recipe from Five Heart Home. For those who are interested, here is Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole – The Cozy Cook as well as Awesome and Easy Creamy Corn Casserole Recipe.
If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for Halloween Swirl Oreo Cream Cheese Brownies!
For more sanity-saving dinner ideas for busy families, check out MommiesMore.
I hope this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole brings a little bit of comfort and joy to your family’s mealtime. Happy cooking, fellow moms!
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any gathering. The creamy texture and sweet corn flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 (15 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (14.75 ounce) can creamed corn
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine drained corn, creamed corn, softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, top with shredded cheddar cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.