Buttery Crackers (1 sleeve): Ritz crackers crushed, or use saltines for a slightly less sweet option.
Butter (4 tbsp), melted: For coating the crumbs.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (½ cup, optional): For a cheesy, golden-brown crust.
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Step-by-Step: Building Your Crowd-Pleasing Masterpiece
Step 1: Make the Creamy Corn Filling
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a very large bowl, ensure your cream cheese is very soft. Use a hand mixer to beat it until smooth.
Add the melted butter, sour cream, and sugar to the cream cheese. Beat again until combined and creamy.
By hand, stir in the drained whole kernel corn, the can of cream-style corn, and seasonings. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Step 2: Assemble & Add the Topping
Pour the creamy corn mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the 4 tbsp of melted butter until all the crumbs are moistened. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the casserole. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese if using.
Step 3: Bake to Golden-Bubbly Perfection
Bake, uncovered, for 35-45 minutes. The casserole is done when the filling is hot and bubbling vigorously around the edges and the topping is a deep, golden brown.
Step 4: The Essential Rest
Let the casserole stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve beautiful portions.
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Pro-Tips for Casserole Mastery
Soften Your Cream Cheese: This is critical for a lump-free, silky filling. Leave it out for 2 hours, or microwave (without foil) for 15-second intervals.
Drain Well: Be sure to drain the whole kernel corn thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
Customize Your Corn: For a fresher twist, use 3 cups of frozen sweet corn (thawed and drained) and increase the sour cream by ¼ cup.
Add-Ins for the Adventurous: Stir in ½ cup of diced green chiles, 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese, or ¼ cup of chopped jalapeños for a kick.
Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add the topping right before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it will be cold.
Serving & Storing Your Masterpiece
Serve: Hot from the oven as the ultimate side dish to roasted turkey, ham, or grilled chicken.
Store: Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or re-crisp the whole dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot (20-30 mins).
Freeze: It's best frozen before baking. Assemble without the topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add topping, and bake as directed.
FAQ: Your Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Questions, Answered
Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
A: Yes! Use 4 cups of frozen sweet corn, thawed and well-drained. You'll also need to add an extra ¼ cup of sour cream or a 4 oz block of cream cheese to compensate for the missing liquid from the cream-style corn.
Q: Can I make this lighter?
A: You can use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, but the texture and richness will be different. The full-fat version is highly recommended for the classic, indulgent experience.
Q: What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
A: Crushed butter crackers (like Club), panko breadcrumbs tossed in butter, or even French fried onions make a great crunchy topping.
Q: My casserole is too runny.
A: This is almost always due to not draining the canned corn well enough. Make sure to shake the cans in a colander and let them drain fully. Also, ensure you bake it until the edges are actively bubbling.
Q: Is this like a corn pudding?
A: It's similar but denser and richer due to the cream cheese and sour cream, with a distinct crispy topping. It’s more of a savory casserole than a custardy pudding.
The Final Scoop: The New Holiday Tradition
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is destined to become a new family favorite. It delivers unmatched creaminess, incredible flavor, and that perfect textural contrast that makes a side dish unforgettable.
Remember the winning combo: Cream cheese + sour cream + corn + buttery cracker crunch. Master this simple formula, and you'll have a guaranteed showstopper that earns recipe requests year after year. Now, preheat that oven—it's time to make a side dish that could upstage the turkey
