Creamy Cheesy Corn Bake Recipe

The Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Corn Bake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Creamy cheesy corn bake upgrades ordinary side dishes into a mouthwatering sensation that sparks culinary excitement.

corn lovers will instantly appreciate this comforting dish that blends rich, velvety textures with vibrant flavors.

Melted cheese creates a golden, irresistible crust that promises pure indulgence with every forkful.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these hearty casseroles that bring families together around the dinner table.

Warm, bubbling ingredients meld into a symphony of taste that transcends simple vegetable preparations.

Each carefully selected component contributes to a harmonious blend of creamy, savory goodness that elevates the humble corn kernel.

Forget bland side dishes and embrace a recipe that turns ordinary meals into memorable experiences.

Ingredients for Cheesy Corn Bake

Primary Ingredients:

Corn Ingredients: – Corn, Cream Cheese: Sweet corn kernels provide a classic base for the dish, while cream cheese creates a rich and smooth texture.

Cheese Ingredients: – Colby Jack Cheese: A melty, flavorful cheese that adds depth and creates a golden brown topping.

Vegetable Ingredients: – Green Chiles, Onion: Green chiles bring a mild heat and tangy flavor, while onions add subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Spice Ingredients: – Salt, Pepper, Additional Spices: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the corn bake.

Preparation Ingredients:

Cooking Ingredients: – Cooking Spray: Ensures the dish doesn’t stick and helps with easy removal from the baking dish.

Cheesy Corn Bake Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt the Cream Cheese

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine:
  • Cream cheese
  • Green chiles

Microwave for 1-2 minutes until the cream cheese is completely melted. Stir with a spatula until smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

Add to the cream cheese mixture:
  • Drained corn
  • Shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • Diced onion
  • Spices

Gently fold all ingredients until well combined.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining of cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. The top should be melted and starting to brown. For extra browning, set the oven to low broil for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. This creamy, cheesy corn bake makes a delicious side dish or light main course.

Tips for Cheesy Corn Bake Lovers

  • Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Colby Jack cheese for the best melting texture and rich flavor profile.
  • Drain Corn Thoroughly: Ensure corn is completely drained to prevent excess moisture that could make the dish watery.
  • Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients softly to maintain corn's integrity and distribute flavors evenly without breaking kernels.
  • Precision Timing: Watch carefully during the last 1-2 minutes of baking to achieve perfect golden-brown cheese topping without burning.
  • Spice Customization: Adjust spice levels by adding more green chiles or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, tailoring the dish to your taste preferences.

Best Way to Store Cheesy Corn Bake

  • Storage: Keep leftover corn bake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a matching lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Refrigeration Method: Cool the corn bake completely before storing. Transfer portions to sealed containers, pressing out excess air to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Reheating Method: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly warmed and cheese becomes bubbly again.

What to Eat with Cheesy Corn Bake

  • Craft Wine Companions: Pair this creamy corn bake with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. These white wines cut through the richness of the cheese and complement the corn's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor experience.
  • Protein-Perfect Sidekicks: Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts or roasted pork tenderloin. The corn bake's creamy texture and mild spiciness work wonderfully with lean proteins, adding depth to the meal.
  • Fresh Salad Harmony: Prepare a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes will contrast beautifully with the cheesy, warm corn bake.
  • Southwestern Beverage Match: Try an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona. The light, crisp beer will refresh your palate and echo the green chiles' subtle heat, making each bite more enjoyable.

Cheesy Corn Bake Variations

  • Southwest Spicy Corn Delight: Replace green chiles with diced jalapeños and add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Mix in chopped cilantro for a vibrant Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Bacon and Herb Corn Casserole: Crisp up bacon bits and fold them into the mixture. Incorporate fresh thyme and rosemary for an aromatic herb punch that elevates the creamy corn base.
  • Vegetable Medley Corn Bake: Introduce diced bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to create a more substantial vegetable-packed side dish. Swap Colby Jack cheese with a sharp white cheddar for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Mediterranean-Style Corn Fusion: Blend in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Top with toasted pine nuts for a Mediterranean-inspired version that adds textural interest.

Cheesy Corn Bake Made Simple

  • Creamy Comfort Delight: This corn bake delivers a rich, indulgent experience with its smooth cream cheese base and melted cheese topping, offering a warm hug of comfort food perfection.
  • Effortless Flavor Explosion: The recipe combines simple ingredients like green chiles and spices to create a complex, zesty flavor profile that requires minimal cooking skills and preparation time.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser Potential: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend side dishes, this versatile recipe takes just over an hour to prepare and bakes into a golden, cheesy masterpiece that will impress everyone at the table.
  • Customizable Culinary Canvas: Home cooks can easily adjust spices, swap cheese varieties, or add extra ingredients to make this dish uniquely their own, making it a flexible and forgiving recipe for all skill levels.
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Creamy Cheesy Corn Bake Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Corn Bake Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy Cheesy Corn Bake delivers pure comfort from golden kernels and rich dairy delights. Southern kitchens embrace this hearty side dish where melted cheese and sweet corn create pure culinary magic you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 45 ounces (1.27 kilograms) canned whole kernel corn, drained
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 1.25 cups (298 milliliters) shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) canned, diced green chiles

Aromatic Ingredients:

  • ½ yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Topping:

  • Fresh herbs such as green onions

Instructions

  1. Meticulously prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius) and thoroughly coating a 9 × 9 inches (23 × 23 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray to ensure effortless food release.
  2. Create a velvety base by placing cream cheese and green chiles in a microwave-safe bowl, heating for 1-2 minutes until the cream cheese transforms into a smooth, pliable consistency. Utilize a flexible spatula to blend the ingredients into a uniform texture.
  3. Incorporate the drained corn kernels, three-quarters cup (85 grams) of shredded Colby Jack cheese, finely diced onion, and selected spices into the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold the components to guarantee even distribution without disrupting the delicate texture.
  4. Elegantly transfer the harmonized mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even spread across the surface. Generously crown the dish with the remaining half cup (57 grams) of shredded cheese, creating a tantalizing golden topping.
  5. Position the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the surface to develop a rich, appetizing golden-brown color. For an extra crisp finish, activate the low broil setting for 1-2 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Smooth cream cheese and green chiles create a luscious base that melts perfectly, ensuring a creamy texture throughout the dish.
  • Colby Jack cheese adds rich, tangy flavor and creates a beautiful golden-brown topping that elevates the entire corn bake.
  • Low and slow baking at 300°F helps prevent burning and allows ingredients to meld together, creating a harmonious and comforting side dish.
  • Drain corn thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which could make the bake watery and less creamy.
  • Diced onions provide a subtle background flavor and aromatic depth without overwhelming the corn’s natural sweetness.
  • Broiling briefly at the end gives an optional crispy, caramelized cheese crust for those who enjoy extra texture and golden-brown edges.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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