- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Prepare the corn mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained corn (or thawed frozen corn), softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Add cheese (optional). If you like a cheesy casserole, add the shredded cheddar cheese into the corn mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
Stage 2: Assembling the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Pour the prepared corn mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add the topping. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Stage 3: Baking the Casserole
- Bake the casserole. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
Stage 4: Serving
- Garnish and serve. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve and enjoy! Serve the creamy corn casserole as a side dish with your favorite mains, such as roasted meats, chicken, or holiday meals.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Corn Casserole:
- Use fresh corn: If fresh corn is in season, you can use about 4 cups of fresh corn kernels instead of canned or frozen corn for a fresher flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the sugar in the recipe. For a more savory dish, reduce or omit the sugar.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Add extra flavor: Experiment with ingredients like diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts:
This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors in a dish that’s sure to please everyone. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that pairs wonderfully with any meal, making it a staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts. Enjoy!