Rustic Homestyle Corn Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Dish

My love for hearty southern corn casserole sparked during childhood weekend gatherings with my grandmother’s irresistible homestyle corn casserole recipe that always brought everyone together.

Her secret blend of sweet kernels and creamy ingredients melted hearts faster than butter on hot cornbread.

Each forkful carried memories of laughter and shared moments around her weathered wooden table.

Comfort food like this connects generations through simple, delicious ingredients that speak volumes without saying a word.

Soft cornmeal mingles with juicy corn, creating a dish that hugs your taste buds with warmth and nostalgia.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown top promise a sensory experience that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Trust me, you’ll want to savor every single bite of this classic comfort classic.

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole: Smooth and Savory

• Elevate Family Dinners: Transform ordinary meals into special moments with this creamy, comforting corn casserole that brings everyone together around the table.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients in one bowl, mix quickly, and let the oven do the work, creating a delicious side dish with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and weeknight dinners, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy texture and satisfying corn flavor.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Utilize simple, affordable ingredients to create a hearty dish that feels indulgent without breaking the bank, making it an ideal option for home cooks looking to stretch their meal budget.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy base for the casserole.
• Whole Kernel Corn: Adds texture and sweet corn flavor to the dish.
• Creamed Corn: Enhances the corn flavor and helps bind the casserole.
• Cornmeal: Adds a hearty texture and helps thicken the casserole.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy consistency and tangy flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure.
• Cheddar Cheese: Offers additional cheesy flavor and melty texture.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide essential seasoning and enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.
• Fresh Parsley: Serves as a fresh garnish to brighten the dish.

How to Bake Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Space

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F. Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or a light butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Base

• Softened cream cheese
• Melted butter
• Sour cream
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything until the mixture becomes silky smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Bring On The Corn Goodness

• Drained whole kernel corn
• Creamed corn
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cornmeal

Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mix.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Pour the corn mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center feels slightly firm when touched.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving. Dive in and savor the creamy, corny deliciousness!

Tips for Creamy and Cheesy Casserole

• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free mixing and better texture.
• Swap cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack, or gruyere for unique flavor variations.
• Don't overbake; check casserole at 35 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs on top before baking for a delightful textural contrast.
• Replace butter with olive oil and use plant-based cream cheese for a meat-free version.

Creative Twists on Corn Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Corn Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Herb-Infused Vegetarian Version: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornmeal or almond flour instead of regular muffin mix, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation.
• Lighter Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut milk instead of sour cream, and swap butter with olive oil for a healthier alternative.

Pairing Ideas for Corn Casserole

Pair this creamy corn casserole with tangy pulled pork or BBQ chicken for a mouthwatering combo that screams home-style deliciousness.

Select a crisp Chardonnay or slightly sweet Riesling to balance the rich, creamy texture and complement the corn’s natural sweetness.

Toss a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole’s richness and add a zesty, light counterpoint to the dense dish.

Serve alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken to create a hearty meal that highlights the corn casserole’s comforting, velvety profile.

Proper Storage of Corn Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to prevent drying.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Thaw and drain it completely before adding to the mixture to prevent excess moisture.

• Is cornmeal necessary for this recipe?

Cornmeal helps bind the casserole and adds texture. If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute with cornbread mix or skip it, though the texture might be slightly different.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if going from cold to oven.

Homestyle Corn Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic American cuisine in this hearty Corn Casserole, a soulful side dish that brings warmth to family dinners. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with golden corn kernels, you’ll savor each comforting spoonful of this irresistible Southern-style favorite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams each) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) creamed corn
• 1 package (8 ounces/227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters/100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters/115 grams) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters/57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten

Seasonings and Texture Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking lubricant.
2. Create a velvety base by whisking cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until completely integrated.
3. Gently incorporate whole kernel corn, creamed corn, shredded cheddar, and cornmeal into the creamy mixture, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
4. Transfer the corn fusion into the greased baking dish, smoothing the surface for even cooking.
5. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the top transforms into a golden-brown landscape and the center achieves a delicate firmness.
6. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the ingredients to settle and stabilize.
7. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley across the surface before serving warm.

Notes

• Softening cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Choose full-fat dairy products for richer, more indulgent flavor and creamier texture in the casserole.
• Consider swapping cornmeal with gluten-free cornmeal or muffin mix to make the dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add crispy bacon bits or jalapeños for extra flavor complexity and a personalized touch that elevates the classic corn casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg