If you’re craving something comforting, indulgent, and packed with that perfect blend of creamy and cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. It’s a luscious, velvety casserole bursting with sweet corn flavor, rich cream cheese, and a crispy buttery topping that brings it all together. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a holiday side, or just because you deserve something delicious, this dish delivers that warm, nostalgic feeling with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep the dish simple yet incredibly satisfying, with each one playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your casserole.
- Whole kernel corn (2 cans, 15 ounces each): Adds sweet bursts of juicy corn for a hearty texture.
- Creamed corn (1 can, 15 ounces): Brings a luscious creaminess that binds everything together.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Makes the casserole irresistibly creamy and rich.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds a smooth, buttery flavor and helps the topping crisp perfectly.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Gives a subtle tang and moistness that balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch to bring out all the flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth that complements the sweetness.
- Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Creates a buttery, crunchy topping that’s absolutely addictive.
How to Make Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will have perfectly crisp edges to contrast the creamy center.
Step 2: Mix Your Corny Base
In a large bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well blended. This mixture is the heart of your Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe, promising every bite is creamy, sweet, and comforting.
Step 3: Spread and Layer
Evenly spread the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish. This even layer will cook uniformly, letting all those dreamy flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers until they form fine crumbs. Sprinkle these crumbs generously over the top of the corn mixture. This topping adds that delightful crunch that makes this casserole stand out and keeps you coming back for more.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and that cracker topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. The aromas filling your kitchen will have you eager to dig in immediately.
Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool slightly. This brief rest helps it set just enough so you can serve beautiful, creamy scoops without the mess.
How to Serve Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly contrasts the casserole’s rich creaminess.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken, or alongside a vibrant green salad to add a refreshing bite. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that fits effortlessly into any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top before baking, or mix in diced jalapeños for a subtle kick that adds personality to this classic comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover any leftover casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that lovely creamy texture without it becoming watery.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Adding a sprinkle of extra crushed Ritz crackers on top before reheating will help restore the crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?
Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a bright, fresh flavor, but you’ll need to cook and cool it before using to get the right texture in this casserole.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, cream-style cottage cheese blended smooth or ricotta can work as alternatives, though the texture and richness might differ slightly.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Not as is, since the Ritz crackers contain gluten. You can swap these for gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes to keep the topping crunchy without gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free sour cream, vegan butter, and gluten-free vegan crackers. It won’t be quite the same but still deliciously comforting!
How spicy is this dish?
This casserole is mild and creamy with no heat, making it a perfect side dish for all ages and taste preferences. You can add diced green chilies if you want a bit of a kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so warm and comforting about this Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe that makes it a must-have in your recipe box. It’s simple to make yet packed with flavor and texture that’s sure to delight anyone at your table. I promise once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again whenever you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing side!
Print
Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a rich and creamy side dish perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings. Combining whole kernel corn, creamed corn, and smooth cream cheese topped with crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs, it bakes to a bubbly golden perfection that’s comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients
Corn Mixture
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is completely blended and creamy.
- Spread Mixture: Pour and spread the combined corn mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer for even cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers until you achieve fine crumbs. Evenly sprinkle these crumbs over the top of the corn mixture to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This helps it set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Letting the cream cheese soften before mixing ensures a smooth, creamy casserole.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the corn mixture.
- You can substitute the Ritz crackers with crushed breadcrumbs or cracker alternatives if desired.
- This casserole pairs well with roasted meats and fresh salads for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
