Name: Corn Casserole With Green Chilies And Cream Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 ounces (2 -12 ounce bags) frozen corn kernels (see Top Tips); 4 tablespoons butter; 6 to 8 green scallions - chopped; 1 fresh garlic clove - minced; 1 package (8 ounce) of cream cheese (see Top Tips); 2/3 cup milk; 1 can (4 ounce) diced green chilies - drained; 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese - shredded; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt - to taste; Nonstick cooking spray

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If you’re looking for a comforting side dish with jus the right amount of kick, this corn casserole with green chilies and cream cheese is it. Creamy, cheesy, and a little bit spicy, it’s the kind of easy-bake recipe that fits right for any holiday dinner, taco night, or gathering.

There is a small brown bowl with corn kernels in a white cream sauce. There is crumbled white cheese and chopped green onions on top. There is a white cloth napkin in the back ground. Items are on a white and black terrazzo surface.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Prep Level: Beginner +

What You’ll Love

Creamy with a kick – The rich cream cheese sauce bakes up to make a thick and creamy corn casserole with a little heat that is seriously hard to resist!
Quick prep – Everything mixes up in one pan and bakes in one dish. This easy recipe is ready to bake in 10 minutes.
Easy to customize – Add shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or even crumbled bacon. Adjust the heat to your level.
Crowd favorite – It’s the kind of side dish that disappears fast. Everyone goes back for seconds.

Ingredient Notes

There is a large white bowl with yellow corn kernels in it, a medium white bowl with yellow shredded cheese in it. There are two small white bowls. One has chopped green chilies in it, the other has milk in it. There are two small clear ramekins in front of the other bowls. One has black ground pepper in it and the other has red ground pepper in it. There are six green long stemmed onions and a garlic clove laying next to the bowls. There is a white rectangular plate with a block of white cream cheese and a small stick of butter on it next to the bowls. Items are on a white and black terrazzo surface.

Corn: I use frozen sweet corn for this recipe. Canned corn (yellow or white corn) can be used. Make sure you drain it really well. If you wanted to take the time to remove the husks and cut the kernels off the cob, fresh corn would taste great in this recipe.
Butter: Salted or unsalted will work.
Green onions: I like the mild flavor scallions for this dish. However, you can substitute them with a little white onion or shallots.
Fresh garlic clove: If you don’t have any fresh garlic in the kitchen, jarred minced garlic or garlic powder can be used.
Cream cheese: You can use full-fat cream cheese or reduced-fat Neufchatel.
Milk: To keep this a creamy corn casserole, whole milk or half-and-half is preferable. Lower fat content milk tends to make the casserole a little runny.
Green chiles: Store bought canned diced chilies are great for the casserole.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Fresh is always best. Pre- packaged shredded cheese is convenient and can be used. You can substitute Monterey jack cheese, Colby jack, or for a little heat, use pepper jack cheese.
Black pepper: Adds a little depth and spice to any dish.
Cayenne pepper: Just a bit of spicy ground chile peppers compliments the sweetness of the corn. It’s completely optional.

Step-by-Step Instructions

A pan filled with chopped onions and garlic.

Lightly spray baking dish with non stick cooking spray
Melt butter in a large skillet pan over medium high heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté. Reduce heat.
Add the cream cheese and milk and stir until smooth.

The ingredients for corn casserole in a skillet.

A pan filled with corn and cream cheese with a wooden spoon.

Add the chiles, seasonings, and cheese (keep some of the shredded cheese for the top of the casserole). Stir to combine everything.
Add the corn and stir until blended.

A baking dish with corn and cheese on top.

A white dish with baked cheese and corn in it.

Pour into greased baking dish and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.
Bake in preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown. Optional – sprinkle the top with cotija cheese and chopped green onions.

See the recipe card below for complete measurements and bake times.

Laura Belle’s Tips

Soften the cream cheese – Let the cream cheese come to room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump free casserole. You can soften cream cheese in the microwave if you’re in a pinch – Cut it up into chunks, place it in a microwaveable dish and soften at 50% power level.
Bake until golden and set – The edges should be lightly golden and the center just set. Don’t overbake or it could dry out.
Let it rest – A 5 to 10 minute rest after baking helps the casserole firm up and easier to serve.

Make Ahead

This cheesy corn casserole can be made 1 to 2 days ahead of time which is great when preparing holiday meals. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Sprinkle the cheese on top just before baking.

What to Serve with Corn Casserole

Pair this tasty side dish with:

Tex-Mex Tacos: Shrimp, Pork, or Fish Tacos
Sheet pan chicken
Salmon Patties
Beef Pinwheels
Holiday meals: It’s a great addition to a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter spread, especially next to ham or roasted turkey.

Storing and Reheating

Once cooled, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat to serve: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a 300°F oven until heated through,

There is a small brown bowl and a large white round baking dish with corn kernels in a cream sauce. There is white crumbled cheese and chopped green onions on top of both. There is a metal serving spoon in the white baking dish. There is a white cloth napkin laying next to the bowls. Items are on a white and black terrazzo surface.

More Delicious Casseroles

Broccoli Cheese Casserole Better Than Cheddars
Easy Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
Creamed Spinach Casserole
French’s (Durkee) Original Green Bean Casserole
Summer Squash Casserole from The Kitchen Is My Playground

Yield: 8 servings