Description
Mexican-inspired cheesy fiesta corn casserole delivers creamy comfort with zesty southwestern flavors. Southern-style side dish combines sweet corn, melted cheese, and green chiles for a crowd-pleasing accompaniment you’ll crave at potlucks and family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
Main Ingredients:
- 2 (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) cans whole kernel corn, well drained
- 2 (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) cans whole kernel Mexicorn or Fiesta Corn with red & green peppers, drained
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 2/3 cup sliced green onion, divided
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapeno (about 4 to 6 slices)
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a zesty cheese blend by mixing cheddar, Monterey Jack, flour, and black pepper in a small bowl, creating a seasoned coating for the corn.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, whisk milk, cream cheese, two-thirds of the green onions, hot sauce, and chopped jalapenos into a creamy base.
- Fold in drained corn and the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated and evenly distributed.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and corn to become tender.
- Uncover the casserole, scatter remaining green onions across the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp surface.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving to add a bright, herbal note to the rich, cheesy corn casserole.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar and mild Monterey Jack for complex, layered flavor profiles that elevate the casserole’s taste.
- Spice Control Adjust hot sauce and jalapeños according to personal heat tolerance, creating a customizable dish for mild or spicy preference lovers.
- Vegetarian Adaptation Replace milk with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese to transform this recipe into a vegetarian-friendly comfort food.
- Make-Ahead Strategy Prepare the casserole up to one day in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator and baking just before serving to save time during meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg