Cream Cheese Corn Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish
This Cream Cheese Corn Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast, a summer BBQ, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With sweet corn, rich cream cheese, butter, and a touch of seasoning, it’s comfort food at its finest. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients 🛒
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, cubed & at room temperature 🧀
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) butter (adds rich, buttery goodness!) 🧈
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk (for a silky texture!) 🥛
- ½ teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors!) 🧂
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🌶️
- 18 ounces (510 g) frozen sweet corn, thawed 🌽
Optional Add-Ins (For Extra Flavor!):
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (adds a savory kick!) 🧄
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a warm, smoky depth!)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a mild heat!) 🌶️
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra cheesiness!) 🧀
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish 🌿
Step-by-Step Instructions 👨🍳
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar oven-safe dish.
2️⃣ Melt & Mix the Creamy Base
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the cubed cream cheese, stirring until smooth and melted.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, salt, and black pepper, stirring continuously until combined.
3️⃣ Combine with Corn
- Add the thawed sweet corn to the creamy mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
- If using garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, or shredded cheese, mix them in now.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- If adding extra cheese on top, sprinkle it on in the last 5 minutes of baking.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. 🌿
- Serve warm as a side dish for any meal!
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- BBQ Feast: Perfect with BBQ ribs or grilled chicken. 🍖🔥
- Holiday Meals: Pairs well with Thanksgiving turkey or holiday ham. 🦃🥩
- Southern Comfort: Serve with cornbread for a hearty meal. 🍞
- Savory Crunch: Top with crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor. 🥓
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes, or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
- Freeze? Not recommended—dairy-based dishes like this can separate when thawed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Ultra Creamy & Buttery: So rich, it melts in your mouth!
- Super Easy to Make: Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: A great side dish for holidays, BBQs, and family dinners!
- Customizable: Add cheese, bacon, jalapeños, or seasonings to make it your own!
Final Thoughts
This Ooey-Gooey Cream Cheese Corn Bake is the ultimate comfort food side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🌽🧀🔥 It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress.
💬 Tried it? Let me know how it turned out! ⬇️✨
