Elevate your holiday table or weeknight dinner with this incredibly rich and irresistibly delicious Cheddar Corn Casserole. Bursting with savory cheese, crispy bacon, and a subtle kick from fresh jalapeños, this creamy corn bake is a true crowd-pleaser that takes mere minutes to prepare. Whether you’re planning a festive Christmas or Easter feast or simply seeking a comforting side, this recipe promises to be a standout addition to any meal.
Originally inspired by a classic from Del Monte’s recipe collection, this Cheddar Corn Casserole has been perfected to ensure it becomes a permanent fixture in your culinary repertoire. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s an experience of comforting flavors that evoke warmth and togetherness. Its versatility makes it suitable for grand holiday gatherings and simple family meals alike. Imagine the sweet crunch of corn combined with the gooey texture of melted cheese, all complemented by the salty notes of bacon and a gentle, exciting heat from pickled jalapeños. This is not just food; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.
Incredibly Quick Prep Time for a Flavorful Dish
One of the most appealing aspects of this Cheddar Corn Casserole is its minimal preparation time. Featuring high-quality ingredients such as Del Monte® Whole Kernel Corn, rich shredded cheddar cheese, creamy cream cheese, fresh green onions, and savory bacon, this recipe is designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor. You’ll spend only about 10 minutes on prep, allowing you to quickly assemble the ingredients. The casserole then bakes to golden perfection in just 35 minutes, resulting in a total active time of less than an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules or when you need a delicious yet effortless dish on a weeknight.
Versatile Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
This Cheddar Corn Casserole is remarkably versatile, making it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of main courses. It truly shines as a holiday side dish, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of a Christmas or Easter ham. Its hearty and comforting profile also makes it a superb addition to your Thanksgiving spread, providing a wonderful alternative or complement to traditional stuffing. But don’t relegate this deliciousness to just holidays! It’s quick and easy enough to prepare for a simple weeknight dinner, pairing beautifully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a casual barbecue. This casserole is also a fantastic option for potlucks, family gatherings, or game day parties, where it’s sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit.
For many families, including mine, the holidays are often defined by the array of delectable side dishes. This Cheddar Corn Casserole stands out as a memorable component of any festive meal. Del Monte® offers a range of “10-Minute Wow” recipes that require minimal prep time, allowing you to effortlessly create a diverse selection of favorites. Consider pairing this corn casserole with other speedy sides like Sweet & Spicy Carrots, elegant Sweet Pea Deviled Eggs, or the comforting Golden Sweet Cornbread. With such simple and delicious options, it’s incredibly easy to whip up two or three complementary dishes, ensuring there’s a beloved favorite for every guest at your table.
Why This Cheddar Corn Casserole is a Must-Try
The delightful combination of the natural sweetness and crisp texture of yellow corn, paired with an abundance of creamy, melted cheesiness, creates a flavor profile that is truly hard to resist. This casserole achieves a perfect balance between comfort food and gourmet delight. The gentle heat from the chopped pickled jalapeños adds an exciting dimension, cutting through the richness without overpowering the dish. Beyond its incredible taste, this casserole offers practical advantages: it’s super quick to assemble, minimizing your time in the kitchen, and it yields a generous quantity. This makes it an ideal choice for feeding your entire extended family, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a hearty and satisfying serving.
Every spoonful offers a symphony of textures and flavors. You’ll appreciate the tender bite of whole kernel corn, enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce where sharp cheddar and smooth cream cheese mingle. The crispy bits of bacon crumbled over the top provide a delightful crunch and a salty counterpoint that enhances every other ingredient. This dish is designed to bring smiles to faces, making it a guaranteed hit whether it’s the centerpiece of a holiday meal or a comforting addition to a casual get-together.
Convenient Prep Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the many benefits of this Cheddar Corn Casserole is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the entire casserole dish in advance, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply allow it to come closer to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. Keep in mind that a chilled casserole may require a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.
For leftovers, which are always a treat with this dish, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheating is a breeze: simply portion out servings and warm them in the microwave until hot, or cover and reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until thoroughly warmed. This make-ahead and easy storage capability ensures you can enjoy this delightful casserole long after the initial meal, reducing food waste and making meal planning simpler.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Explore More Delicious Side Dish Casseroles
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting appeal of this Cheddar Corn Casserole, you’ll be delighted to explore other fantastic casserole recipes that promise to elevate your mealtime. Casseroles are the quintessential comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or providing hearty leftovers. Here are some more irresistible side dish casseroles that offer warmth, flavor, and ease of preparation:
- Southern Broccoli Casserole: A creamy, cheesy take on a classic vegetable, perfect for any occasion.
- Pineapple Casserole: A unique sweet and savory blend that surprisingly pairs well with savory mains.
- Lima Bean Casserole: A hearty and flavorful dish that might just convert even the pickiest eaters to lima beans.
- Old-Fashioned Cabbage Casserole: A soulful, traditional recipe that brings out the best in humble cabbage.
- Yellow Squash Casserole: A vibrant and comforting dish, ideal for using up garden-fresh squash.
- Vidalia Onion Casserole: Sweet Vidalia onions baked to perfection in a rich, creamy sauce.
- Crock Pot Corn Casserole: An incredibly easy, hands-off version of a corn casserole, perfect for busy days.
Cheddar Corn Casserole
By Christin Mahrlig
10 mins
35 mins
45 mins
12
Equipment
-
9×13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cups sliced green onions, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapenos
- 4 (15.25-ounce) cans Del Monte® Whole Kernel Corn, well drained
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
-
In a medium bowl, toss together 2 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping), flour, and black pepper until well combined. This step helps prevent the cheese from clumping and ensures it melts evenly into the casserole.
-
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, stir together the milk, softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup of the sliced green onions (reserve the remaining 1/3 cup for topping), and chopped pickled jalapenos until smooth. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing.
-
Add the well-drained corn and the cheese mixture to the baking dish. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated.
-
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Covering prevents the top from browning too quickly and allows the casserole to heat through evenly and become wonderfully creamy.
-
After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the remaining 1/3 cup of green onions, and the cooked, crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. This final bake gives it a beautiful golden crust and crispy toppings.
Video
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 33g |
Protein: 14g |
Fat: 18g |
Saturated Fat: 9g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g |
Trans Fat: 0.01g |
Cholesterol: 44mg |
Sodium: 318mg |
Potassium: 404mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 8g |
Vitamin A: 914IU |
Vitamin C: 9mg |
Calcium: 237mg |
Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this?
Leave a comment below and tag us @spicysouthernkitchen on social media!
Originally posted March 14, 2016.
This Cheddar Corn Casserole is also a fantastic way to utilize leftover Easter ham. Simply chop about 2 cups of cooked ham and add it to the ingredient list when you’re mixing everything together. The ham adds an extra layer of savory flavor and makes the casserole even heartier, transforming it into a complete meal or a more substantial side dish. This ensures nothing goes to waste and your holiday leftovers get a delicious second life.
This content was inspired by a partnership with Del Monte. All opinions and the presented text are entirely my own, reflecting my genuine love for this versatile and delicious recipe.