My Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Story
Okay, grab your aprons, friends! Let’s chat about something that’s been a staple in my kitchen for years – my Cream Cheese Corn Casserole. I remember the first time I made it; it was Thanksgiving, and I was determined to bring something other than my usual slightly-burnt dinner rolls (we’ve all been there, right?).
I stumbled upon a corn casserole recipe that sounded promising, but it was missing that certain je ne sais quoi. After a few attempts, a little inspiration from my love of cream cheese, and a few tweaks, I finally landed on this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole recipe, and it’s been a hit ever since!
The aroma of this cheesy corn casserole baking is pure comfort. The sweet corn mingled with the creamy richness… oh, it just makes everyone feel right at home. It’s a simple dish, but it’s packed with flavor, and honestly, it’s the dish that gets requested the most at potlucks and holiday gatherings.
There was a time when I added too much sugar, and it tasted more like dessert than a side dish. My kids, of course, loved it! But my husband gave me that look, and I knew I had to adjust the recipe. Now, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It perfectly combines as a sweet corn casserole and pairs well with all sorts of main dishes.
This recipe is a lifesaver when I’m juggling work, school runs, and everything else life throws my way. It’s easy, relatively quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. I originally perfected this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole for a church potluck where everyone brings their A-game, and it quickly became a family staple.
My cooking philosophy is all about making delicious, approachable food that brings people together. And this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole embodies that perfectly. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet special enough for holidays. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug.
So, are you ready to add this easy corn casserole to your recipe box? Trust me; it’s a game-changer!
What You’ll Need for This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Cream Cheese Corn Casserole.
- 1 (15-ounce) can of Cream Style Corn: I always go for the store brand here; it works just as well and saves a few pennies.
- 1 (15-ounce) can of Whole Kernel Corn, drained: Make sure it’s well-drained, or your casserole might be a bit too watery.
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: This is the star of the show! Full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream: Adds a lovely tang and helps keep the casserole moist.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter, melted: I use unsalted so I can control the saltiness of the dish.
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: For a touch of sweetness. Adjust to your preference – some folks like it sweeter!
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Brings out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a little warmth.
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions: Adds a pop of color and a bit of freshness, but it’s totally optional.

When making Cream Cheese Corn Casserole, you can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. If you’re in a pinch, you can even order most of them online! Here’s a Cream Cheese Corn Casserole trick I learned: always check the expiration dates, especially on the dairy products. Trust me, nobody wants a sour Cream Cheese Corn Casserole!
For ingredient prep shortcuts when making Cream Cheese Corn Casserole, I like to soften the cream cheese in the microwave for a few seconds – just be careful not to melt it! If you want to save on costs, look for store brands, especially for the canned corn. And speaking of storage, leftover cream cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.
Craving another creamy, cheesy side? You should check out my recipe for Broccoli Cheese Casserole.
Let’s Make This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Together
Now for the fun part – let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious Cream Cheese Corn Casserole in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a little butter to grease the dish; it adds a nice flavor.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; they’ll melt in the oven.
- Add the cream-style corn, drained whole kernel corn, sugar, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Make sure you scrape the bottom of the bowl to get all the flour mixed in.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set. The top should be nicely browned, and the casserole should be set in the middle.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the casserole time to set up a bit more.
- Garnish with fresh chives or green onions (optional). Adds a pop of color and freshness.
I learned the hard way with Cream Cheese Corn Casserole that it’s best to not overbake it, or it can become dry. In my kitchen, Cream Cheese Corn Casserole usually takes about 35 minutes. Remember, oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on it.
While the Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or start prepping the rest of the meal. Your Cream Cheese Corn Casserole should smell like sweet corn and creamy goodness.
Here’s a family-tested Cream Cheese Corn Casserole shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can mix all the ingredients in a food processor. Just be careful not to over-process! And if you want to add a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce. It really livens up the taste!
If you’re looking for a Halloween-themed twist on cream cheese, check out my Loaded Cream Cheese Halloween Brownies!
How I Love to Serve This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Okay, so the Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is ready; now what? Well, my family loves this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole when I serve it alongside roasted chicken or ham. It’s also a fantastic side dish for BBQ. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory meats perfectly.
My go-to side dishes that pair with Cream Cheese Corn Casserole are green beans, a simple salad, or mashed potatoes. The green beans add a nice contrast in color and texture, while the salad provides a refreshing element. Mashed potatoes are just pure comfort food!
This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any potluck or gathering. It’s always a hit! For presentation tips, I like to sprinkle a little paprika on top before serving. It adds a nice touch of color.
If you have extra Cream Cheese Corn Casserole, it’s great reheated the next day. You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or even mix it into scrambled eggs!
For seasonal variations, try adding roasted red peppers in the summer or butternut squash in the fall. Friends always ask for this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole recipe; it’s that good! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try topping it with a little crumbled bacon before baking. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Your Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Questions Answered
Let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole recipe. I want you to feel confident and ready to bake!
- Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
- You know what I do when my Cream Cheese Corn Casserole needs frozen corn? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water.
- Can I make this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Can I freeze Cream Cheese Corn Casserole?
- While you can, the texture might change a bit. Cream cheese doesn’t always freeze perfectly. I recommend baking it fresh if possible.
- My Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is too watery. What did I do wrong?
- You might not have drained the whole kernel corn well enough. Make sure to get rid of all that excess liquid.
- Can I make this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole without sugar?
- Yes, you can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. However, the sweetness does balance out the flavors, so keep that in mind.
- My Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is browning too quickly. What should I do?
- Tent the dish with foil to prevent it from browning too much.
- Can I add cheese to this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole?
- Oh, you bet! A little shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack would be delicious. Just sprinkle it on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Looking for more ways to get festive in the kitchen? These Halloween Swirl Oreo Cream Cheese Brownies are a sure-fire treat!
My Final Thoughts on This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that everyone enjoys. It’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it reminds me of all the wonderful gatherings and celebrations we’ve shared as a family. I hope it becomes a staple in your home too!
Here are my Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Pro Tips:
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overbake the casserole, or it will become dry.
- Add a little hot sauce or nutmeg for a flavor boost.
Here are a few Cream Cheese Corn Casserole variations we’ve tried:
- Spicy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole: Add a diced jalapeño for a little kick.
- Bacon Cream Cheese Corn Casserole: Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top before baking.
- Cheesy Cream Cheese Corn Casserole: Add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
My husband loves the spicy version, while the kids prefer the cheesy version. I, of course, love them all!
I encourage you to make this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole your own. Add your favorite ingredients, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and have fun with it! I hope your Cream Cheese Corn Casserole cooking experience is joyful and that you create many happy memories with this dish.

Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy the process! I am confident this will be a new family favorite. Happy cooking, friends! Be sure to check out this recipe for Cream Cheese Corn Casserole (Creamy, Cheesy, Easy to Make …) if you are looking for more inspiration!
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish perfect for holidays or potlucks. It combines sweet corn with tangy cream cheese for a deliciously rich and flavorful experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 (14.75 ounce) cans cream-style corn, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine cream-style corn, whole kernel corn, softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try using a flavored cream cheese, such as chive and onion. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking for extra cheesy goodness.

