Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

The smell of melted cheese and corn always reminds me of cozy family dinners.
It’s creamy, warm, and just a little bit sweet.
I love how it makes the whole kitchen smell like comfort.

I first made this cream cheese corn casserole on a cold weekend when I wanted something simple and filling.
It turned out so rich and smooth that everyone asked for seconds.
Now I make it whenever I need that easy, heartwarming side dish.

If you love creamy food that melts in your mouth, you’ll love this one.
Let’s make it — it’s pure comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Side: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This casserole travels well and stays warm, making it ideal for potlucks and family dinners.
• Customizable Heat: Add jalapeños for a spicy kick or keep it mild for picky eaters.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead of time and bake when needed.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: This recipe makes 8 generous servings as a side dish. Hosting a larger crowd? Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish instead.

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. If you can stir ingredients together, you can make this casserole.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing spoon or whisk
• 9×9-inch baking dish (or 2-quart casserole dish)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for cheese

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

This creamy casserole comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. The cream cheese creates a rich base while the cheddar adds sharp, melty goodness.

Here’s what you’ll need (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create the creamy sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
• Sweet Corn: Use canned corn (drained) or frozen corn for convenience.
• Pickled Jalapeños: These add tangy heat. Use as much or as little as you like, or skip them entirely.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar melts better and tastes sharper than pre-shredded cheese.

Variations for Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

• Add Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon on top before baking for a smoky twist.
• Try Different Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced fresh jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Add Veggies: Mix in diced red bell peppers or green chiles for extra flavor and color.
• Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle buttered panko breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.
• Use Fresh Corn: In summer, use kernels cut from fresh corn cobs for the sweetest flavor.

How to Make Cream Cheese Corn Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Make the Creamy Base

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the cream cheese, butter, and milk. Stir continuously until the cream cheese and butter melt completely and the mixture becomes smooth. This takes about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Add the Corn

Stir the sweet corn into the creamy mixture. Make sure all the corn kernels are coated with the sauce. If you’re using pickled jalapeños, add them now and stir everything together.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the corn mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spoon to spread it evenly across the dish.

5. Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly top layer.

6. Bake Until Golden

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The casserole is done when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

7. Rest Before Serving

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly and makes serving easier.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with many main courses:

• With Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
• At BBQ Gatherings: Perfect companion to pulled pork, ribs, or brisket.
• For Holiday Dinners: Add this to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread alongside turkey or ham.
• With Tex-Mex Meals: Pair with tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas for a complete meal.
• As a Potluck Star: This casserole travels well and stays warm in its dish.

Decoration Ideas:

• Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
• Add a dollop of sour cream on each serving.
• Sprinkle extra jalapeño slices on top for presentation.
• Add a light sprinkle of paprika for color contrast.

Storing Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes.

Freezer Storage: This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Soften Cream Cheese First: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Cold cream cheese takes longer to melt and may create lumps.
• Drain Corn Well: If using canned corn, drain it thoroughly. Extra liquid can make your casserole watery.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch the casserole in the final minutes. You want melted, bubbly cheese but not burned edges.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate a block of cheddar for the best results.
• Adjust Consistency: If your mixture seems too thick, add a splash more milk. If it seems too thin, let it simmer a minute longer before transferring to the baking dish.
• Taste Before Baking: Check your seasoning before putting the casserole in the oven. It’s easier to adjust salt and pepper at this stage.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	285
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	60mg
Sodium	520mg
Total Carbohydrates	18g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	4g
Protein	9g
Calcium	180mg
Iron	0.8mg

Nutritional values are approximate and based on 8 servings.

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen?
Yes. You’ll need about 6 medium ears of corn to get 4 cups of kernels. Cut the kernels off the cob and use them exactly as you would canned or frozen corn.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture, so substitutions may change the results. You could try dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, though the flavor and texture will differ.

How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly around the edges, and starting to turn golden brown. The center should be hot all the way through.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.

What can I use instead of jalapeños?
Try diced green chiles for milder heat, or omit them completely for a kid-friendly version. You could also use fresh diced bell peppers for color without heat.

Why is my casserole watery?
Make sure to drain canned corn very well. If using frozen corn, thaw it first and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a simple yet impressive side dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. The combination of creamy, tangy cream cheese with sweet corn and sharp cheddar creates a dish that feels special without requiring fancy ingredients or techniques. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a holiday gathering, this casserole delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time.

I’ve used these ingredients to cook the recipe: cream cheese, butter, milk, salt, black pepper, sweet corn, pickled jalapeños, and sharp cheddar cheese.