Sizzling Mexican Corn Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Comfort food takes center stage with this mouthwatering Mexican corn casserole that promises to delight every taste bud.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with vibrant flavors, this dish brings warmth to your dinner table.

Golden kernels of corn blend seamlessly with rich, melted cheese and zesty spices.

Each spoonful delivers a satisfying combination of textures and bold southwestern notes.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

The casserole serves as a perfect side dish or standalone meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Prepare to savor a classic recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Storing Mexican Corn Casserole with Ease

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Wrap casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute fresh corn kernels. Simply remove kernels from cob and follow the same cooking instructions in the recipe.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always check your cheese and seasonings to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients.

• What type of Mexican cheese works best?

Monterey Jack, Queso Fresco, or a pre-shredded Mexican cheese blend are excellent choices. Each adds a unique flavor and melting quality to the casserole.

• How spicy is this corn casserole?

This recipe is mild. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the seasoning step.

Mexican Corn Casserole Why It’s a Family Favorite

• Minimal prep steps make this recipe super simple for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Perfect companion for multiple main courses like grilled meats, tacos, or as a standalone vegetarian option.
• Loaded with melted cream cheese and Mexican cheese blend, creating an irresistibly creamy and rich texture that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Combines sweet corn with bold seasonings like paprika and bell peppers, delivering a zesty southwestern-inspired taste experience.

Mexican Corn Casserole Ingredient Essentials

• Corn: Sweet and tender vegetable that forms the base of this delicious casserole.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that adds rich texture and tangy flavor to the dish.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese: Melty cheese that provides a delightful topping and extra cheesy goodness.

• Bell Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Colorful vegetables and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture in the corn mixture.

Gear for Baking Corn Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking corn and creating creamy base.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• 2-Quart Casserole Dish: Needed for baking and serving the corn casserole.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure cheese and other ingredients.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Used to grease the casserole dish for easy serving.
• Oven: Required for baking the casserole until cheese melts and bubbles.

Simple Directions for Mexican Corn Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and give your 2-quart casserole dish a generous spray of nonstick magic.

Step 2: Awaken The Corn

Toss those frozen corn kernels into a large skillet without letting them thaw out completely.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Diced bell peppers
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Goodness

• Butter
• Cubed cream cheese

Step 5: Dance With The Heat

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring like you’re conducting a delicious symphony.

Keep going until the corn is thoroughly warmed.

Step 6: Create The Magical Sauce

Continue cooking, watching the cream cheese transform and melt into a velvety smooth sauce.

Step 7: Take A Pause

Remove the skillet from the heat once the cream cheese has completely surrendered and blended.

Step 8: Cheese Lover’s Delight

Stir in a generous helping of shredded Mexican cheese, watching it mingle with the corn mixture.

Step 9: Settle Into The Dish

Transfer the corn creation into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly like a delicious blanket.

Step 10: Crown With Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, creating a golden, melty crown.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for that magical moment when the cheese melts and starts to bubble with excitement.

Chef Tips for Flavorful Corn Casserole

• Use frozen corn directly without thawing to maintain optimal moisture and texture in the casserole.
• Choose high-quality shredded Mexican cheese blend for rich, smooth melting and authentic flavor profile.
• Adjust paprika and black pepper quantities to personalize heat intensity without overwhelming the dish's creamy base.
• Use unsalted butter to manage sodium levels and control overall seasoning more precisely during cooking.
• Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to fully develop before serving.

Corn Casserole Mix In Inspirations

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace cream cheese and Mexican cheese with cashew cream and nutritional yeast, using plant-based butter and dairy-free alternatives for a completely vegan version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and cayenne pepper to increase heat level, incorporating chorizo-style plant protein for extra flavor and protein boost.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute corn with riced cauliflower, maintaining creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content and creating a keto-friendly option.
• Gluten-Free Garden Medley: Use fresh seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach instead of corn, ensuring recipe remains gluten-free and packed with nutrients.

Ways to Serve Mexican Corn Casserole at Meals

• Fiesta Feast Pairings: Fresh southwestern salad adds crisp contrast to creamy casserole, balancing rich flavors with zesty greens and tangy vinaigrette.
• Protein Power-Up: Grilled chicken or pulled pork make excellent protein companions, transforming this side dish into a hearty main course with southwestern flair.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Warm cornbread or crusty garlic toast perfectly complement the casserole's cheesy texture, soaking up delicious corn sauce and adding delightful crunch.
• Movie Night Magic: Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer during game day or movie gatherings, offering guests a comforting and delicious shared dish that sparks conversation.

Mexican Corn Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican corn casserole combines creamy textures with zesty southwestern flavors. Cheesy layers and hearty ingredients promise a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 (340 grams) packages frozen corn
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Place frozen corn directly into a large skillet without thawing, maintaining its fresh texture.
3. Enhance the corn’s flavor by adding diced bell pepper, salt, black pepper, and paprika, creating a vibrant base.
4. Introduce butter and cubed cream cheese to the vegetable mixture, preparing for a rich and creamy consistency.
5. Cook the ingredients over medium heat, stirring consistently to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
6. Continue cooking until cream cheese melts completely, forming a smooth and integrated sauce with the vegetables.
7. Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
8. Fold one cup of shredded Mexican cheese into the hot corn mixture, distributing it evenly throughout.
9. Carefully transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it uniformly for consistent baking.
10. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese over the top, creating a golden, bubbling surface.
11. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, watching for melted cheese and slight browning as indicators of doneness.

Notes

• Freeze corn slightly before cooking to maintain better texture and prevent mushiness during heating.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Use fresh corn kernels during summer season for more vibrant and sweet taste compared to frozen corn.
• Customize recipe for dietary needs by substituting dairy-free cream cheese and using plant-based cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg