Creamy Corn Casserole: Easy Side Dish for Potlucks & Thanksgiving

This creamy corn casserole is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights and a guaranteed hit at any potluck or holiday gathering.

It’s the kind of comforting, cheesy side dish that disappears quickly, leaving everyone asking for the recipe. Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s a versatile dish that fits seamlessly into any meal plan.

Whether you’re looking for an easy addition to your Thanksgiving feast or a quick side to round out a family dinner, this corn casserole delivers. Its rich, creamy texture and sweet corn flavor, combined with a hint of cheesiness, make it universally appealing. Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe rotation!

Creamy Corn Casserole

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• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy corn casserole is a comforting, cheesy side dish that is simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. It’s a versatile dish perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults with its rich texture and sweet corn flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pinch of salt, to taste (optional, as canned goods can be salty)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn and the can of cream-style corn. Stir them together until well mixed.

3. To the corn mixture, add the softened cream cheese and the melted butter. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and creamy.

4. Pour in the milk and add the black pepper. Mix everything until uniformly combined and smooth. Add a pinch of salt if desired, tasting first.

5. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.

6. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 2-quart baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle an additional generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.

8. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: side dish
• Method: baked
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: corn casserole, creamy, cheesy, side dish, comfort food, easy, potluck, holiday, vegetarian, quick

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This creamy corn casserole is a fantastic recipe for so many reasons, making it a staple in any busy kitchen. First off, it’s incredibly beginner-friendly. You don’t need any special cooking skills or fancy equipment to whip this up, which means less stress and more enjoyment in the kitchen. It’s perfect for new cooks, college students, or anyone who wants a delicious dish without a lot of fuss. The ingredient list is short and uses common pantry staples, so you likely won’t need to make a special trip to the grocery store.

This recipe is also a huge crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet corn, creamy sauce, and melted cheese is a comfort food classic that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s an ideal side dish for family dinners, adding a touch of warmth and heartiness to any meal. Where it truly shines, however, is at gatherings. Potlucks, holiday meals like Thanksgiving, barbecues, or even a casual backyard get-together are all perfect occasions for this casserole. It travels well, reheats beautifully, and is always one of the first dishes to be devoured. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian, making it a great option for guests with dietary preferences.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients before you start cooking is the easiest way to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. This recipe calls for simple, readily available items that combine to create a wonderfully rich and satisfying dish. You won’t find any exotic spices or hard-to-find produce here, just good old-fashioned comfort food components.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt, to taste (optional, as canned goods can be salty)

When it comes to substitutions, this recipe is quite forgiving. If you don’t have whole kernel corn, you can use frozen corn (no need to thaw, just add a few extra minutes to cooking time). For the cream cheese, full-fat is recommended for the best texture, but a reduced-fat version will work in a pinch. Any type of milk can be used, from whole to skim, though whole milk will yield a richer casserole. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend would also be delicious. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

One of the best features of this creamy corn casserole is how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy schedules.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

This fast turnaround means you can easily prepare it as a last-minute side dish or get it into the oven while you’re focusing on other parts of your meal. The hands-on time is minimal, allowing you to multitask or simply relax while it bakes to golden perfection.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making this creamy corn casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly golden and bubbly dish every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
2. Combine the Corns: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn and the can of cream-style corn. Stir them together until they are well mixed. The cream-style corn provides a lovely base for the casserole’s creamy texture.
3. Add Cream Cheese and Melted Butter: To the corn mixture, add the softened cream cheese and the melted butter. It’s important for the cream cheese to be softened so it blends smoothly without lumps. Use a spatula or a sturdy spoon to mix these ingredients thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and creamy.
4. Stir in Milk and Seasoning: Pour in the milk and add the black pepper. If you’re concerned about sodium, taste a small amount of the mixture before adding extra salt, as canned goods can vary in saltiness. Mix everything until it’s uniformly combined and smooth.
5. Fold in the Cheese: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. You want it evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This initial layer of cheese will melt into the casserole, adding to its rich flavor.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish and Top with More Cheese: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 2-quart baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle an additional generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This extra cheese will create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown. The exact baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven.
8. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This creamy corn casserole is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great canvas for simple variations and versatile serving ideas. For a little extra texture and a hint of savory crunch, consider adding 1/2 cup of crumbled cooked bacon or a sprinkle of chopped chives to the mixture before baking. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can be stirred in. If you want to make it even richer, a tablespoon or two of sour cream can be mixed in with the cream cheese.

When it comes to serving, this casserole is incredibly adaptable. It’s a perfect companion to roasted chicken, baked ham, or a simple meatloaf for a weeknight family dinner. For potlucks and buffets, it holds up well and can be easily scooped. Consider serving it alongside other classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or a fresh garden salad. For a kid-friendly twist, serve it with chicken nuggets or fish sticks – the creamy, cheesy goodness is usually a big hit with little ones. You can also offer a small bowl of extra shredded cheese or chopped fresh parsley on the side for guests to garnish their own portions.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have a few common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can help you achieve perfect results every time with your creamy corn casserole.

One common mistake is not softening the cream cheese enough. If your cream cheese is cold and hard, it won’t blend smoothly into the mixture, leaving you with lumps. To avoid this, take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to cook, or gently microwave it for 10-15 seconds until it’s pliable.

Another issue can be overbaking the casserole. While you want it bubbly and golden, baking it for too long can dry out the edges and make the texture less creamy. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking. Once the top is golden and the edges are bubbly, it’s done.

Forgetting to drain the whole kernel corn is another easy oversight. Excess liquid from the canned corn can make your casserole watery instead of thick and creamy. Always ensure you drain the can thoroughly before adding it to the mixture.

Finally, not seasoning properly can lead to a bland dish. While canned goods often contain sodium, a pinch of black pepper is essential for flavor, and a little salt might be needed to balance the sweetness of the corn. Always taste your mixture before baking and adjust seasonings as needed.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This creamy corn casserole is excellent for making ahead and storing, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or holiday planning.

To make it ahead, you can assemble the entire casserole mixture (up to the point of baking) and transfer it to your baking dish. Cover it tightly with

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.