The Side Dish That Steals the Spotlight
Forget the green bean casserole. This year, the undisputed star of the holiday table is a golden, bubbling, creamy masterpiece.
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is the rich, decadent, soul-satisfying side dish that everyone—from picky kids to seasoned food lovers—will fight over for seconds. Sweet corn kernels are folded into a luxuriously tangy cream cheese sauce, then topped with a crispy, buttery cracker crust that bakes into pure perfection.
This isn’t just corn with melted cheese. This is a transformative, crave-worthy experience where simple pantry staples become something magical in the oven. Sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy—it’s comfort food that feels special enough for Thanksgiving, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Why This Casserole Is a Game-Changer
The secret weapon? A full block of cream cheese.
Unlike butter or milk alone, cream cheese adds a rich tang and velvety texture that elevates the entire dish. Combined with naturally sweet corn and a salty, buttery topping, this casserole delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes it nearly impossible to stop at one spoonful.
Ingredients for Corn Casserole Perfection
The Creamy Corn Filling
- Canned corn:
- 2 cans (15.25 oz each) whole kernel corn, well-drained
- 1 can cream-style corn, undrained
- Cream cheese: 8 oz block, softened (non-negotiable)
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika
The Crispy Topping
- Buttery crackers: 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
- Shredded cheddar cheese: ½ cup (optional, but recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Creamy Corn Filling
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add melted butter, sour cream, and sugar, mixing until creamy and well combined.
Stir in the drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, salt, pepper, and paprika until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Assemble and Top
Spread the corn mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the casserole. Add shredded cheddar cheese if using.
Step 3: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping is deep golden brown.
Step 4: Rest Before Serving
Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes scooping easier.
Pro Tips for the Best Corn Casserole
- Soften the cream cheese fully for a silky, lump-free texture
- Drain whole kernel corn thoroughly to avoid excess moisture
- Toast crackers lightly before crushing for extra crunch
- For fresh corn: Use 3 cups frozen corn (thawed and drained) and add ¼ cup extra sour cream
Flavor Add-Ins (Optional)
- ½ cup diced green chiles
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped jalapeños
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Assemble without topping up to 24 hours in advance. Refrigerate, then add topping before baking.
- Refrigerate leftovers: Up to 4 days, covered
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat covered in a 350°F oven
- Freeze: Assemble without topping, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, top, and bake
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes. Use 4 cups frozen corn, thawed and drained. Add an extra ¼ cup sour cream or 4 oz cream cheese.
Can I lighten this recipe?
You can use low-fat dairy, but the texture and richness will be reduced. Full-fat is recommended.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Club crackers, buttered panko breadcrumbs, or French fried onions all work beautifully.
Why is my casserole runny?
Most often, the corn wasn’t drained well enough, or it wasn’t baked until bubbling.
Is this the same as corn pudding?
Similar, but richer and thicker with a crisp topping. This is a savory casserole rather than a custard-style pudding.
Final Thoughts
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is destined to become a new holiday tradition. With its ultra-creamy filling, sweet corn flavor, and buttery crunch, it delivers everything a standout side dish should.
Remember the winning formula:
Cream cheese + sour cream + corn + buttery crunch.
Master this dish once, and you’ll be handing out the recipe for years to come. Now preheat that oven—because this casserole might just steal the show from the turkey 🧡🌽
