Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort-Baked Side Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There is something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy, cheese-laden casserole fresh from the oven. This Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole brings together soft, velvety corn, rich dairy, and gentle seasonings to create a side dish that feels both familiar and indulgent. I love serving this during the holidays, but it has also become one of my favourite “anytime” bakes because it requires minimal effort and delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results. I once prepared this using almond milk in place of regular milk, simply because that was what I had on hand, and it worked wonderfully—smooth, rich, and still beautifully cohesive. What sets this recipe apart is the cream cheese, which melts into the mixture and transforms the dish from a typical corn casserole into something with a decidedly luxurious texture. Whether paired with roasted meat or served at a potluck, this casserole offers a blend of sweet corn and savoury cheese that satisfies every time.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Corn

Sweet corn forms the heart of this casserole. Whether using canned, frozen, or fresh kernels, the corn delivers natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the richness of the dairy components. Frozen corn tends to retain a firmer texture, while canned corn offers convenience and softness.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is the element that gives this dish its signature silky texture. As it melts, it enriches the mixture and creates a luxurious creaminess that coats every kernel of corn. It also helps stabilize the casserole so it bakes into a cohesive, tender structure.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

This casserole relies on cheddar for depth of flavour and a sharp, savoury finish. Mild cheddar provides a mellower taste, while sharp cheddar delivers a more pronounced tang. As it melts, it adds both richness and a beautifully golden top layer.

Butter

Butter enhances the overall flavour and ensures the casserole bakes with optimal moisture. It blends with the cream cheese to create a soft, velvety base and prevents the mixture from tasting too dense or dry.

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds tang and helps balance the richness of the cheese and cream cheese. It ensures the casserole remains creamy without becoming overly heavy, lending a subtle complexity to the final dish.

Milk

The addition of milk loosens the mixture, allowing everything to combine smoothly. I have tried this using almond milk with great success when I wanted a slightly lighter texture without sacrificing creaminess.

Seasonings

Simple seasoning like salt, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder adds warmth and depth. These seasonings amplify the natural sweetness of the corn and round out the creaminess of the dish.

Optional Green Chiles

If you enjoy a little heat, diced green chiles provide a mild spice and acidity. They brighten the casserole without overpowering the creamy cheese flavours.

Directions

Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, then begin by preparing the baking dish with a light coating of butter or non-stick spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and melted butter, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform. Add the sour cream and milk, continuing to stir until everything is fully incorporated. At this stage, the mixture should have a silky consistency that will easily coat the corn. Fold in the corn, cheddar cheese, and any optional ingredients such as green chiles, ensuring the kernels are evenly covered. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, tasting and adjusting if necessary. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake until the edges are bubbling and the top develops a soft golden colour. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving, as this helps it set slightly while remaining creamy and tender.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe generally yields about 8 servings, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings. Preparation typically requires 10 minutes, while baking takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes, depending on your oven. The dish should be cooked until lightly golden and bubbling at the edges.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a moderate oven until warmed through, which helps restore its texture better than microwaving. If microwaving is preferred, heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking the dairy elements. Freezing is possible, though the texture may soften slightly upon thawing.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Jalapeño Version

Adding chopped jalapeños enhances the heat and brings a vibrant contrast to the creamy base.

Bacon and Cheddar Twist

Crisp bacon pieces folded into the mixture offer a smoky flavour and pleasant crunch.

Herb-Infused Casserole

Fresh herbs such as chives, thyme, or parsley introduce aromatic notes without overwhelming the dish.

Extra-Cheesy Upgrade

Increasing the quantity of cheddar or adding mozzarella results in a richer, more decadent finish.

Southwest-Inspired Mix

Incorporate black beans, green chiles, and a pinch of cumin for a bold, flavour-forward variation.

Vegetable-Loaded Option

Diced bell peppers or sautéed onions add colour, texture, and sweetness to the casserole.

Low-Fat Adaptation

Using reduced-fat cream cheese and light sour cream keeps the dish creamy while lowering overall richness.

Gluten-Free Version

This casserole is naturally gluten-free, but always verify labels if preparing for someone with dietary restrictions.

Smoky Paprika Topper

A dusting of smoked paprika before baking adds depth and enhances the golden colour.

Cornbread-Topped Casserole

A thin layer of cornbread batter on top creates a delightful contrast between creamy filling and fluffy crust.

FAQs

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too runny?

Use full-fat dairy and ensure the mixture is well-combined before baking.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate until baking.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, though the texture may be slightly softer after thawing.

Is fresh corn better than canned?

Both work well; fresh corn offers firmer texture, while canned is more convenient.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole offers the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. With its velvety texture, subtle sweetness, and rich cheesy finish, it is a versatile side dish that suits both special occasions and everyday meals. Its adaptability and forgiving nature make it a reliable favourite, inviting countless variations while remaining warmly familiar. Whether you prepare it as written or tailor it to your taste, this casserole consistently delivers comforting satisfaction.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!