Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

Name: Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups corn kernels; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Author: Tessa

Published: September 30, 2025

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No heading needs to be written for the introduction. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy corn casserole with cream cheese to make any meal feel like a hug on a plate. This recipe has been my go-to for years—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a last-minute potluck dish. The secret? That luscious cream cheese that melts into every bite, turning simple corn into something downright magical. And the best part? It comes together in minutes with ingredients you probably already have. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s the star of every gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

This isn’t just any corn casserole—it’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds (and the recipe!). Here’s why it’s my absolute favorite:

Creamy dreamy texture: That cream cheese works magic, creating a rich, velvety base that makes every bite insanely comforting.
Effortless to make: Just mix, bake, and boom—you’ve got a showstopper side dish with minimal fuss.
Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: From picky kids to fancy dinner parties, I’ve never met anyone who didn’t go back for more.
Endlessly versatile: Dress it up with jalapeños for heat, or keep it classic—it works with everything from holiday hams to weeknight chicken.

Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese - detail 1

Ingredients for Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy dream come true:

2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned—your choice!)
8 oz cream cheese, softened (trust me, softened is key!)
1/2 cup butter, melted (go for the real stuff, no margarine here)
1/4 cup sugar (I like it sweet, but you can adjust to taste)
1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra rich)
1/2 tsp salt (balances the sweetness perfectly)
1/4 tsp black pepper (just a pinch for depth)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything better)

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

No worries if you need to tweak things—this recipe is super flexible:

Heat lovers: Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Cream cheese swap: Greek yogurt works in a pinch, but it’ll be less creamy.
Gluten-free: You’re good to go—no flour here!
Corn options: Fresh, frozen, or canned all work. Just drain canned corn well.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this one—just the basics:

A large mixing bowl (big enough to handle all that creamy goodness)
A 9×13 baking dish (perfect size for even baking)
Measuring cups and spoons (for precision without the stress)

How to Make Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Okay, let’s get to the fun part—making this creamy, dreamy casserole. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a big mixing bowl and toss in the corn, softened cream cheese, melted butter, sugar, milk, salt, and pepper. Now, here’s my secret: mix it until it’s super smooth. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a wooden spoon works too if you’re feeling old-school. Once everything’s creamy and combined, pour it into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top—don’t skimp! Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes before diving in. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Corn Casserole

Here’s how to nail this casserole every single time:

Soft cream cheese is key: Let it sit out for at least an hour before mixing. Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly.
Let it rest: Give it 5 minutes after baking so it sets up perfectly.
Taste as you go: Adjust the sugar if you like it sweeter or less sweet—it’s your casserole, after all!

Serving Suggestions for Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

This casserole is the ultimate team player—it makes everything it touches better! I love it alongside holiday hams or turkey (it’s practically mandatory at our Thanksgiving table), but honestly? It’s just as perfect with weeknight grilled chicken or piled on your plate as a cozy standalone dish. For summer BBQs, serve it warm next to smoky ribs or burgers—the creamy corn cuts through the richness perfectly. And don’t even get me started on breakfast leftovers (yes, I’ve eaten it cold straight from the fridge with a fork).

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? Ha! That rarely happens in my house—but if you’re lucky enough to have some, here’s how to keep it tasty. Store it airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds, or pop the whole dish back in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 10 minutes). Just be warned—it disappears fast!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each creamy serving—but remember, these are just estimates! Actual numbers can vary depending on your specific ingredients and brands. One serving (about 1/6 of the casserole) has roughly 320 calories, 25g of fat (15g saturated), and 8g of protein. Not bad for pure comfort food!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about this corn casserole all the time—here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often:

Can I freeze it? Honestly? I wouldn’t. The cream cheese tends to separate when frozen and thawed, leaving you with a grainy texture. It’s best fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Can I use canned corn? Absolutely! Just drain it well first. I’ve used all three—fresh, frozen, and canned—and they all work beautifully in this recipe.
How can I add some heat? Toss in diced jalapeños (about 1/4 cup) or a pinch of cayenne pepper when mixing. My husband loves it with both!
Can I make it ahead? You bet! Mix everything (except the cheddar topping) and refrigerate overnight. Just add the cheese right before baking.

Rate & Share This Recipe!

Did you love this corn casserole as much as we do? Drop a rating below and share it with your fellow comfort food lovers—nothing makes me happier than seeing this recipe become part of your family traditions too!