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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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