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