Pin it
Mixing sweet corn with creamy cheese gives you a crowd-pleasing cheesy side that's always a big hit. It comes together fast—about half an hour from start to finish—so it's great when you need something delicious in a hurry. It's super convenient and only takes a few kitchen basics, so you'll want to make this easy comfort food again and again.
Why Give This a Try
There's never a wrong time for this dish, whether it's a summer potluck or a Christmas gathering. That creamy cheese makes it extra smooth, and you can toss in jalapeños if you like things spicy. Make it the night before and bake it whenever—perfect for busy days. It travels easily for parties, warms up like a dream, and calls for stuff you probably already have in your pantry.
What Goes In
- Optional: Toss in a spoon or two of chopped pickled jalapeños if you want a little spice
- Cheese: A cup of sharp cheddar, shredded, goes on top for that cheesy finish
- Seasonings: Salt (half a teaspoon) and as much black pepper as you'd like
- Corn: Eighteen ounces of frozen sweet corn—make sure it's thawed
- Milk: A third cup of whole milk to make everything silky
- Butter: Four tablespoons for that rich flavor
- Cream Cheese: Use 8 ounces and let it soften—this makes it extra luscious
Simple Steps to Make It
- Bake and Finish
- Put it in your 8x8 pan, sprinkle cheddar all over, and bake for about 20 minutes so the cheese’s all bubbly and melted.
- Add in the Corn
- Dump in thawed corn, plus jalapeños if you’ve got them, and toss so everything’s covered with that creamy sauce.
- Whip Up the Sauce
- Melt the butter and cream cheese together in a pot on low, then pour in the milk, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Start It Off
- Heat your oven to 350°F, soften the cream cheese, and let the corn thaw out completely.
Pin it
Perfect for Any Big Meal
Making holiday cooking a little less stressful, you can throw this together the night before and keep it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready—super easy. It goes great next to ham, turkey, or whatever else you love. If you're cooking for a crowd, just use a bigger 9x13 dish and bump up bake time by about 5-10 minutes.
Mix It Up Your Way
Switch up the flavors however you want. Bell peppers give a pop of color, green chiles add gentle heat, or sprinkle crispy bacon crumbs over the top. Feeling adventurous? Try pepper jack instead of cheddar, or toss in some taco spice for a fun twist. The creamy cheese base keeps everything smooth no matter what you add.
Awesome for Taking Along
This dish is perfect when you need something to bring to a potluck or a family get-together. The cream cheese keeps it nice and moist, whether it’s warm or just sitting out. Carry it right in the pan with some foil on top. If you need to, just stick it back in the oven at your friend's place for 10 minutes to heat it up.
Slow Cooker Option
When the oven's already packed, just use your slow cooker. Dump in everything except the cheddar cheese and let it cook on low for a couple of hours, stirring about halfway through. Add the cheddar for the last half hour so it melts. Leave it on warm during the party—stays smooth and creamy all night.
How to Store
Pop your leftovers in the fridge, covered, and they’ll be good for three days. Reheat a portion at a time in the microwave and give it a stir halfway. If it seems thick, splash in a little milk. There’s no need to heat the whole thing at once, and freezing doesn’t work so great, so just enjoy it soon.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What about canned corn?
Drain a couple of 15-oz cans really well. Frozen tastes closer to fresh, but canned works in a pinch. Some people mix both for texture. About 4 cups of fresh corn (off the cob) works too. Keep it dry to avoid soupiness!
- → How can I make it spicy?
Start with a spoonful of chopped pickled jalapeños. Dial it up as you like! Fresh jalapeños (seeds removed) work great too. For deeper heat, add cayenne or hot sauce. Milder? Green chiles do the job nicely.
- → Can I prep it beforehand?
Mix the whole thing the night before and chill it, covered tight. Let it sit at room temp a bit before baking to ensure even cooking. Some folks prep ingredients separately and mix them right before baking. Double batches freeze well but add the topping fresh!
- → Any dairy-free swaps?
Dairy-free cream cheese and cheese substitutes work fine. The texture will vary a little. Coconut milk adds a creamy vibe. You could even blend cashews for richness. Double-check labels since dairy can sneak into unexpected places!
Conclusion
If creamy sides make you happy, try a corn-stuffed quiche one morning. Feeling spicy? Jalapeño dip is a winner. Or take grilled corn up a notch with buttery seasoning blends.