Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Easy Family Favorite Recipe

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Looking for a creamy, cheesy side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let me tell you, this cream cheese corn casserole has become my go-to for every holiday and family dinner. I still remember the first time I tried it at a friend’s gathering and thought, “Why haven’t I made this before?” The combination of sweet corn, rich cream cheese, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. Today, I’m sharing my simple, flavorful, and versatile version that you can make in under an hour and watch your guests fall in love at first bite.

Why you will love this cream cheese corn casserole

Quick and Easy: Ready in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday prep.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh items that are easy to find, so you won’t need any complicated shopping trips.

Creamy Texture: The cream cheese melts into the corn, creating a rich, velvety consistency that everyone will adore.

Cheesy and Flavorful: The combination of melted cheese, subtle spices, and a touch of sweetness makes it stand out from other corn casseroles.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or a potluck, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that always impresses.

Ingredients Needed for Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

Ingredients for cream cheese corn casserole arranged on wooden table before cooking — All the simple ingredients needed to make rich and creamy cream cheese corn casserole

For the Base

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 ounces canned green chilies, diced

For the Corn Mixture

45 ounces whole kernel corn, canned and drained
1.25 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded, divided
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced

Added Seasonings

1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

Fresh herbs such as green onions or parsley for garnish

This combination of ingredients creates a creamy, cheesy casserole with a hint of spice and a touch of sweetness that makes it irresistible for any occasion.

How to Make Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the cream cheese and diced green chilies. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until the cream cheese is soft and easy to stir. Smooth the mixture with a spatula to ensure it is creamy and well combined.
Add the drained corn, 3/4 cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, diced onion, sugar, garlic powder, Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the softened cream cheese. Gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.

Corn and shredded cheese folded into creamy mixture for corn casserole — Sweet corn and melted cheese folded into the creamy base before baking

Transfer the corn and cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top for a golden, cheesy finish.

Shredded cheese sprinkled over corn casserole before baking — Final layer of melty cheese added before baking the casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges begin to lightly brown. If the cheese is not browning as desired, switch your oven to low broil for 1 to 2 minutes and watch closely to prevent burning.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the texture set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs like green onions or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Baked cream cheese corn casserole with golden melted cheese crust in ceramic dish — Freshly baked cream cheese corn casserole with a rich golden cheese topping

If you love easy comfort casseroles like this one, you will also enjoy our hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole, packed with bold flavors, savory beef, and a cheesy baked topping that makes it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Serving and Storage Tips

This cream cheese corn casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside turkey, ham, fried chicken, or pork chops for a comforting and satisfying meal. It also works perfectly for holiday dinners or family gatherings, and can be portioned family-style, served buffet-style at a potluck, or plated individually for a more elegant presentation.

To store leftovers, place the casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This ensures the casserole maintains its creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

If you want to make it ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Bake it just before serving for a fresh, hot dish. Freezing is also an option for longer storage; wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Tips and Tricks

If you prefer a sweeter corn casserole, try substituting half of the whole kernel corn with creamed corn. This adds a natural sweetness and enhances the creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors. For those who like a little heat, add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a subtle spicy kick that complements the richness of the cream cheese.

This recipe is versatile in terms of cooking methods. You can prepare it in a crockpot by combining all ingredients and cooking on low for three to four hours until bubbly and heated through. It also works in an air fryer for smaller portions, giving the top a lightly golden finish.

To ensure a creamy texture without using sour cream, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Gently fold the ingredients together instead of stirring vigorously to prevent breaking the cream cheese into lumps. This technique helps maintain a smooth, velvety consistency throughout the casserole.

Conclusion

This cream cheese corn casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort, flavor, and ease to any meal. The creamy texture, melted cheese, and hint of spice create a side dish that is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or casual weeknight meals. It is simple to prepare, requires just a few ingredients, and delivers a rich, satisfying taste that everyone will love.

I would love to hear how your casserole turns out. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and share a star rating to let others know how much you enjoyed it. Feel free to share your experience on social media and tag your friends or family who would love this dish. What variations did you try to make it your own? Did you add extra cheese, herbs, or a touch of spice? Your feedback and ideas could inspire others to create their own perfect version of this creamy, cheesy corn casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make Paula Deen corn casserole?

To make Paula Deen corn casserole, combine creamed corn, whole kernel corn, eggs, sour cream, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until smooth, pour into a greased baking dish, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 50 minutes until golden and set. This version is rich, slightly sweet, and very creamy, similar to her classic Southern recipe.

What is the secret to moist cornbread casserole?

The secret to a moist cornbread casserole is using a combination of cream cheese or sour cream and whole corn. These ingredients add moisture and richness while preventing the casserole from drying out. Gently folding the ingredients instead of mixing vigorously also helps maintain a creamy texture.

What are the 5 ingredients in corn casserole?

The basic five ingredients in corn casserole are whole kernel corn, creamed corn, eggs, melted butter, and a corn muffin or cornbread mix. These simple ingredients create a flavorful, slightly sweet, and creamy casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Can you use cream cheese instead of sour cream for corn casserole?

Yes, cream cheese can be used instead of sour cream to achieve a creamy texture. Soften the cream cheese before mixing to ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients. This substitution creates a rich and velvety casserole without altering the flavor significantly.