Simple Fiesta Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese
I’m always looking for unique side dishes for parties and holiday gatherings. And since corn is such a kid-friendly vegetable, it’s one of my favorites to include in a side dish. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly side dish for dinner tonight or a simple holiday side, you’re going to love this fiesta corn casserole with cream cheese.
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This easy corn casserole has everything you need in a delicious side dish — vegetables and cheese. But the best part about this yummy side is that you can quickly toss all the ingredients together and cook it in a flash– making it perfect for a busy school day or even as a great Christmas dinner side dish!
The combination of corn, red peppers, and two types of cheese is so delicious! And I’m sure even the pickiest eaters in your family will love it!
How to Make Fiesta Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese
If you have never had fiesta corn, you’re missing out! Fiesta corn is simply corn and red peppers combined into one delicious side. And the bright red pop of color the peppers add to this side dish make it perfect for Christmas dinner or a 4th of July BBQ!
So, the first step to making this cheesy casserole is to saute the corn and red peppers together in a large skillet. If you’re cooking this dish in the winter, frozen corn and peppers is fine. But if you’re preparing this side for a summer BBQ, make this dish extra delicious by using fresh-from-the-garden corn and red peppers!
After the corn and red peppers have softened, mix in the butter and cream cheese. Cook the ingredients over medium low heat until the cheese is melted. Be sure to stir often to keep the cream cheese from burning as it cooks.
After the cream cheese is fully melted, remove the pan from the heat and add half the shredded cheese. Stir to mix the cheese throughout the dish and give it a chance to melt.
Then, pour the ingredients into a casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25 minutes.
You’ll know your casserole is ready when the top layer of cheese is melted and the cream cheese layer is creamy and bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Questions About This Corn Casserole
This easy corn casserole with cream cheese is so simple to make! If you have questions about this recipe, keep reading. You might just find the answer here!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Sure! To premake this casserole, simply follow the instructions up to the point where you put it in the oven. Instead, cover the casserole and place it in the fridge. About 30 minutes before you plan to cook the casserole, remove it from the fridge and place it on the counter to allow it to come to room temperature. Then, place it in the oven and bake. You may need to increase the bake time slightly to allow the casserole to fully cook through.
Can I add more veggies?
I love the combination of corn and red peppers in this corn casserole with cream cheese, but there are other veggies that would taste great in this casserole! Here are a few additions I think would be amazing:
- Diced potatoes
- Green peppers
- Jalapeno peppers
- Onions
- Zucchini
Can I add meat?
Transform this corn casserole with cream cheese from a side into a full dinner by adding meat to the mix! Stir in some diced ham, chopped bacon, or cooked chicken to make this casserole an easy weeknight dinner.
When can I serve this side dish?
This yummy casserole really is versatile! There are a variety of place you can serve this delicious cheesy dish. Here are a few ideas:
- Christmas dinner
- Holiday potlucks
- Backyard BBQ
- 4th of July dinner
- Memorial Day dinner
- Easter lunch
- Dinner tonight
Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese
This delicious corn casserole with cream cheese is the perfect side dish for any occasion -- whether you're heading to a holiday dinner or a family BBQ!
Ingredients
- 2 12-ounce packages frozen corn
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar Jack cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 2-quart casserole dish by greasing with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add frozen corn, bell pepper, salt, pepper, paprika, butter, and cream cheese to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until corn is cooked through and cream cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Pour ingredients into prepared baking pan and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1/2 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 342Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 588mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 12g
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Emily is a midwestern mom of two boys. She loves all things DIY — from home renovations to kids birthday party planning. Whether she’s making a new farmhouse craft for her home or helping her kids with a cool activity, you can bet she’s in the middle of some kind of DIY project (or three) right now!
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