There’s something so comforting about a warm casserole, isn’t there? It’s like a big hug on a plate! My *cream cheese corn casserole* is a delightful twist on the classic, bringing together the sweetness of corn with the creamy richness of cream cheese. Seriously, it’s a game-changer! This dish is not only easy to whip up but also a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast, a backyard BBQ, or just a cozy family dinner, it never fails to impress. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which means less stress when it’s time to eat. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen—perfect for those moments when you want something that feels like home.
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups of corn kernels: Fresh, frozen, or canned—whichever you prefer! Just make sure they’re drained if canned.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This is the star of the show! Let it sit out for a bit to get nice and creamy.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a delightful tanginess to balance the sweetness of the corn.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: This gives the casserole a rich flavor and helps everything meld together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I love a sharp cheddar for that extra kick! Sprinkle it on top for a gorgeous, melty finish.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps create that luscious, creamy texture we can’t resist.
- 1/4 cup sugar: This enhances the natural sweetness of the corn; trust me, it’s necessary!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a hint of spice to round out the flavors.
How to Prepare *Cream Cheese Corn Casserole*
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps ensure your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top. No one likes a soggy casserole, right?
Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, take that softened cream cheese and beat it together with the sour cream and melted butter. I like to use an electric mixer for this part, but a good old-fashioned whisk works just fine too! You want the mixture to be smooth and fluffy—this is the creamy base that makes this casserole so special.
Add Corn and Seasonings
Once your base is nice and creamy, it’s time to add in the star players: the corn kernels, milk, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure there are no lumps—give it a good mix! This is where all those flavors come together, creating that irresistible creamy goodness.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, grab a greased baking dish (I usually use a 9×13-inch dish) and pour that delicious mixture right in. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets that lovely creamy texture. You don’t want any parts to miss out on that oven magic!
Top and Bake
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top—because cheese makes everything better, right? Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbly and golden brown. Just imagine that lovely aroma wafting through your kitchen! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready for some happy faces at the dinner table!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *cream cheese corn casserole* comes out perfectly every time! Here are some of my favorite tips that will have you feeling like a casserole pro:
- Taste as you go: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning! Everyone’s palate is different, so if you feel it needs a little more salt or pepper, add it! Just remember to mix well after each addition.
- Check the texture: You want your casserole to be creamy but not runny. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, bake it a bit longer to help it set up.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up a bit more and makes it easier to scoop out those perfect portions!
- Experiment with cheeses: While I love cheddar, feel free to mix it up! Try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or even pepper jack for a little kick. You can also mix different cheeses for a more complex taste.
- Make it ahead: This casserole is great for meal prep! You can prepare it a day in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold from the fridge.
- Pair with fresh herbs: If you want to elevate the flavor, sprinkle some fresh chives or parsley on top right before serving. It adds a lovely pop of color and freshness!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a casserole that everyone will rave about. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for my delicious *cream cheese corn casserole*. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you use, but this should give you a good ballpark idea:
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 6g
These estimates should help you keep track of your meal planning and dietary needs. Enjoy every creamy bite, knowing it’s made with love!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my *cream cheese corn casserole*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my trusty answers:
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen or canned?
Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. Just make sure to cook it slightly before adding it to the mixture to soften it up a bit.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. It’ll change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be creamy and delicious!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You bet! You can prepare the entire casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat it—you want to keep that creamy texture!
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. It’s a versatile side that complements many main dishes!
Can I add other ingredients?
For sure! Feel free to mix in some diced jalapeños for heat, or even cooked bacon for a savory twist. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the seasoning to balance out the flavors.
Hopefully, these FAQs clear up any uncertainties! If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy texture: The combination of cream cheese and sour cream creates an irresistibly smooth and luscious dish that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps and minimal chopping, you can whip this up in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Versatile side dish: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual barbecue, this casserole pairs wonderfully with just about anything you’re serving.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can easily prepare it a day in advance, so it’s ready to pop in the oven when you need it.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves it! This dish never fails to impress guests and family alike with its comforting, familiar flavors.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, like jalapeños for heat or bacon for a savory crunch, to make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this amazing *cream cheese corn casserole* ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve with it to elevate your meal even further! Here are some of my favorite pairings that will have everyone asking for seconds:
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy, marinated grilled chicken is a perfect complement. The smoky flavors balance beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers adds a pop of color and a bit of crunch to your plate. Plus, they’re easy to prepare alongside the casserole!
- Steak or Pork Chops: Rich, savory meats like a perfectly grilled steak or juicy pork chops make for a hearty meal. The creaminess of the casserole cuts through the richness of the meat nicely.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole. It’s a great way to balance flavors!
- Bread Rolls or Cornbread: Serve some fluffy bread rolls or a slice of sweet cornbread on the side. They’re perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy goodness!
- Barbecue Ribs: If you’re in the mood for a summer cookout, barbecue ribs are a fantastic option. The tangy sauce pairs wonderfully with the sweet corn casserole.
These serving suggestions not only enhance the overall meal experience but also bring a lovely harmony of flavors to your table. So, get ready to dig in and enjoy every delicious bite!
Z nadrukami
Cream cheese corn casserole: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A creamy and delicious corn casserole made with cream cheese.
Składniki
- 2 cups of corn kernels
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter.
- Add corn kernels, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Uwagi
- Serve warm as a side dish.
- Can be prepared a day in advance and baked before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Side Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1/8 of casserole
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 25g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: cream cheese corn casserole
