The Best Cheesy Corn Delight Casserole Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Corn casseroles bring comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables across the country, offering a delightful blend of creamy textures and rich flavors.

This cheesy corn delight casserole crafts simple ingredients into a mouthwatering side dish that promises to elevate any meal.

Home cooks love how effortlessly this recipe comes together, combining sweet kernels with melted cheese in a harmonious symphony of taste.

The dish captures the essence of hearty, satisfying comfort food that feels both familiar and exciting.

Families gather around, eagerly anticipating the golden, bubbling goodness fresh from the oven.

Crispy edges and a molten center create a sensory experience that delights both young and mature palates.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of sweetness and savory richness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Cheesy Corn Casserole

• Fresh Corn or Frozen Corn: Sweet and juicy corn kernels that form the base of the casserole, providing natural sweetness and texture.
• Corn Kernels: Essential component that creates the creamy and hearty base of the dish.

• Half-and-Half, Eggs: Creamy liquid and binding agents that create a rich, smooth texture in the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds melty, tangy flavor and helps create a golden, crispy top layer.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Smoked Paprika, Cayenne: Optional spices that add depth and a subtle heat to the casserole.

• Crackers, Butter: Provide a crunchy texture and help bind the casserole together, creating a crispy golden top.
• Melted Butter: Helps crisp up the cracker topping and adds richness to the dish.

Steps to Prepare Cheesy Corn Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Corn Base

• Of corn
• Of crushed crackers
• Of shredded cheese

Set this mixture aside while you prepare the next part.

Step 3: Blend the Creamy Corn Mixture

• Remaining corn
• Eggs
• Half-and-half
• Salt
• Pepper
• Smoked paprika (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Blend until mostly smooth, keeping some corn chunks for a delightful texture.

Step 4: Combine and Initial Bake

Pour the blended corn mixture over the cracker and cheese base. Stir everything together thoroughly. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.

Step 5: Prepare the Crispy Topping

• Remaining crushed crackers
• Shredded cheese
• Melted butter

Step 6: Add the Topping and Final Bake

Pull the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the crispy topping evenly across the surface. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. The dish is done when a knife comes out clean and the top turns a beautiful golden brown with a crispy texture.

Helpful Tips for Corn Casserole Success

• Corn Consistency Control: Blend the corn mixture just enough to maintain some texture, leaving small corn kernels for a delightful bite and visual appeal.
• Cracker Crush Technique: Crush crackers into varying sizes for a more interesting crunch, ranging from fine crumbs to small chunks.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use a combination of sharp and mild cheeses to create a more complex, layered flavor profile in the casserole.
• Moisture Management: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make slicing easier, preventing a runny texture.
• Spice Customization: Adjust the smoked paprika and cayenne to match your heat preference, starting with small amounts and tasting as you go.

Best Ways to Store Cheesy Corn Casserole

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to restore crispy topping.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Be careful not to overheat, which can make the casserole rubbery.

Pairing Ideas for Corn Casserole Dishes

• Savor Southern Comfort Pairings: Complement this hearty cheesy corn casserole with classic buttermilk fried chicken, which brings a crispy texture that matches the dish's creamy interior. The savory chicken balances the corn's sweetness perfectly.
• Wine and Dine Selection: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to enhance the casserole's rich cheese and corn flavors. These lighter white wines cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Rustic Barbecue Companions: Serve alongside smoky pulled pork or grilled barbecue ribs to create a complete Southern-style meal. The meat's robust flavors will highlight the casserole's creamy, cheesy corn base, making each bite more satisfying.
• Fresh Side Salad Boost: Add a light, tangy green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to contrast the casserole's richness. Crisp greens and a bright dressing will cleanse the palate and add a fresh element to the hearty dish.

Tasty Twists on Cheesy Corn Casserole

• Spicy Jalapeño Corn Bake: Add diced jalapeños and green chiles to the corn mixture for a fiery kick. Sprinkle extra pepper jack cheese on top for enhanced heat and flavor.
• Herb-Infused Corn Casserole: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and chives into the corn base. Top with a blend of parmesan and mozzarella for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Bacon and Onion Corn Casserole: Crisp and crumble bacon pieces into the mixture. Sauté diced onions until caramelized and fold them into the corn base for a rich, savory profile. Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits on top.
• Mexican Street Corn Casserole: Incorporate cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a dash of lime juice. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin into the corn mixture for an authentic street corn experience.

What Makes Cheesy Corn Casserole a Crowd Favorite

• Creamy Corn Explosion: This casserole delivers an incredible burst of corn-packed creaminess that melts in your mouth, blending smooth and chunky textures for a delightful eating experience.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this dish in under an hour with simple ingredients, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy families looking for a comforting and satisfying dinner solution.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Packed with multiple layers of melted cheese and a crispy cracker topping, this recipe offers a decadent and indulgent side dish that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or weeknight dinners, this corn casserole appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy flavor and satisfying texture.

Cheesy Corn Delight Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets deliciousness in this Cheesy Corn Delight Casserole, a Southern-inspired dish packed with creamy textures and golden kernels. Melted cheese and sweet corn blend perfectly, promising a hearty side that will make you the star of any potluck or family dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) frozen corn, thawed
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 cups half-and-half

Cracker Topping:

• 2 cups crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Seasonings:

• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and delicately coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter.
2. Divide the corn into two portions: for the base mixture and the remaining for the creamy blending process.
3. Combine of corn kernels, of cracker crumbs, and of shredded cheese directly in the prepared baking dish, gently mixing the ingredients.
4. Transfer the remaining corn, whole eggs, half-and-half cream, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne into a food processor or blender.
5. Pulse the mixture until it transforms into a textured, slightly chunky liquid, ensuring some corn kernels remain intact for added complexity.
6. Pour the blended corn mixture over the base ingredients in the baking dish, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform consistency.
7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for edges that set firmly and a center that remains slightly wobbly.
8. While the casserole bakes, prepare the crispy topping by mixing the remaining cracker crumbs, shredded cheese, and melted unsalted butter.
9. Remove the partially baked casserole from the oven and evenly distribute the prepared topping across the surface.
10. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until a knife inserted into the center emerges clean and the top achieves a golden, crispy appearance.

Notes

• Effortlessly create a creamy, cheesy corn casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Blend fresh corn with eggs and half-and-half to achieve a luxurious texture that balances smooth consistency with delightful corn kernel chunks.
• Use crushed crackers as a brilliant base and topping to add irresistible crunch and absorb the rich, creamy corn mixture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne and smoked paprika, allowing you to dial up or tone down the spice according to your preference.
• Achieve a golden, crispy top by carefully spreading the cheese and cracker topping during the final baking stage, ensuring a picture-perfect finish.
• Prepare ahead of time by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and baking just before serving to maximize convenience and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 385 cal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg