Golden Cheesy Corn Delight Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheesy corn delight casserole that promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Golden kernels nestled in a creamy, rich sauce create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

The blend of melted cheese and sweet corn delivers an irresistible combination that feels like a warm embrace.

Every forkful brings a burst of savory goodness that makes this dish impossible to resist.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create something truly spectacular.

Weeknight dinners or potluck parties will never be the same once you serve this delectable casserole that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Cheesy Corn Casserole

• Corn: Sweet and juicy, choose fresh or frozen kernels for maximum flavor and texture.
• Crackers: Select buttery, crisp crackers that provide a satisfying crunch and golden base.
• Shredded Cheese: Opt for a melty variety like cheddar or monterey jack for rich, creamy consistency.

• Eggs: Crucial for binding and creating a smooth, custard-like texture in the casserole.
• Half-and-Half: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps create a silky, rich base.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of corn.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient that introduces a smoky, complex undertone.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spice for those who enjoy a gentle heat kick.

• Additional Crackers: Creates a crispy, golden-brown crust on top.
• Extra Cheese: Provides a melty, indulgent finish.
• Butter: Helps bind the topping and creates a rich, golden color.

Tools to Get Corn Casserole Creamy and Cheesy

• Food Processor or Blender: Essential for creating smooth corn mixture with texture.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Crucial for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Mixing Bowl: Helpful for combining ingredients and preparing the topping.
• Knife: Needed to check casserole doneness and serve the dish.
• Measuring Cups: Important for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring and spreading ingredients evenly.

How to Bake This Cheesy Corn Casserole Easily

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a cozy 350°F and lightly grease a spacious baking dish. This sets the stage for a mouthwatering corn adventure.

• Corn Base Layer

Scatter corn kernels across the dish, creating a delicious foundation. Sprinkle in some crumbly crackers and a generous handful of cheese to build a tasty landscape.

• Creamy Transformation

Blend corn with eggs and cream until it becomes a dreamy mixture with delightful corn chunks. This magical blend will give your casserole its signature silky texture.

• Baking Magic

Pour the creamy mixture over the corn base, stirring gently to create a harmonious blend. Let it bake until the edges look set and the center has a gentle wobble.

• Crispy Crown

While the casserole bakes, craft a crunchy topping by mixing crushed crackers, cheese, and melted butter. After the initial bake, crown your creation with this golden layer.

• Final Touch

Return the casserole to the oven, letting it transform into a golden, crispy masterpiece. When a knife slides out clean and the top looks irresistibly bronzed, your corn celebration is ready to dazzle.

Add-Ons and Tips for Cheesy Corn That Pops

• Swap regular crackers with buttery Ritz or spicy jalapeño crackers for extra crunch and flavor.
• Add cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform this side dish into a hearty main course.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices like fresh chives, thyme, or a dash of hot sauce to personalize the flavor profile and match your meal's theme.
• Replace half-and-half with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk, and use reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version of this comforting casserole without sacrificing taste.
• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through completely.

How to Serve Corn Casserole for Holidays

• Serve Alongside Protein Powerhouses: Pair this cheesy corn delight with grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or herb-crusted fish to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances the creamy casserole.
• Craft Fresh Side Companions: Complement the rich casserole with a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or roasted seasonal vegetables to add brightness and lightness to the plate.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Brunch Spread: Transform this dish into a weekend brunch star by serving alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a delightful morning gathering that will impress family and friends.
• Elevate Party Presentation: Serve in individual ramekins for elegant dinner parties, or as a warm, comforting side dish at potlucks and holiday gatherings where guests will appreciate its creamy, cheesy goodness.

Reheating and Storage Tips That Actually Work

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover casserole into airtight containers, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Refrigerate Quickly: Cool the dish completely at room temperature, then refrigerate within two hours of cooking to keep food safety standards high and prevent bacterial growth.
• Maximize Freshness: Consume refrigerated casserole within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, checking for any unusual odors or changes before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly and cheese melts evenly.

Golden Corn Delight Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Midwestern comfort shines through this cheesy corn delight casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty ingredients. Home cooks can savor this nostalgic dish that connects generations of family gatherings with simple, satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 32 oz (907 g) frozen corn, thawed
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 cups half-and-half
• 2 cups crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 1.5 tsps salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Base Layer: Blend corn kernels, cracker crumbs, and shredded cheese in the prepared baking dish, creating a foundational mixture.
3. Creamy Fusion: Combine remaining corn, whole eggs, half-and-half cream, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a food processor, pulsing until achieving a textured, slightly chunky liquid.
4. Blending Layers: Pour the processed corn mixture over the base ingredients, stirring to ensure a uniform consistency throughout the casserole.
5. Initial Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, observing as edges set firmly while the center remains slightly soft.
6. Crispy Topping: Prepare the garnish by mixing remaining cracker crumbs, shredded cheese, and melted unsalted butter during the initial baking period.
7. Final Touches: Remove the casserole, sprinkle the prepared topping evenly across the surface, then return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until a knife comes out clean and the top turns golden and crisp.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Keep ingredients at room temperature for smoother blending and more even cooking.
• Corn Kernel Care: Use fresh or frozen corn for the best texture and sweetest flavor; avoid canned corn to maintain recipe integrity.
• Baking Brilliance: Let the casserole rest 10-15 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
• Spice It Right: Adjust cayenne and smoked paprika to personal heat preference, starting with small amounts and tasting as you go.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg