Description
Hearty Southern crack corn casserole delivers comfort with creamy, cheesy goodness straight from grandma’s kitchen. Loaded with sweet corn kernels and rich textures, this dish promises to become a family favorite you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 500 g (4 cups) frozen corn (or 2 cans (400 g) whole kernel corn, drained)
- 1 can (400 g) creamed corn
- 225 g (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 200 g (1 cup) sour cream
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 100 g (1 cup) crushed Ritz crackers or butter crackers
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fire up the oven to a toasty 180C (350F) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking vessel with a light coating of non-stick spray.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium warmth, introducing chopped onions and allowing them to soften and become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Gather a spacious mixing bowl and unite all core ingredients: both varieties of corn, caramelized onions, velvety cream cheese, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, crisp bacon fragments, aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, smoky paprika, and essential seasoning components.
- Whisk the mixture thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient melds seamlessly and creates a harmonious flavor profile.
- Carefully transfer the consolidated mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth, appetizing surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to mingle and transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece of comfort cuisine.
- Bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden-brown and the edges exhibit a slight crispy texture, indicating the perfect melding of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of smoked paprika or adding a dash of cayenne pepper for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
- Lighten up the dish by using low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, which maintains the creamy texture while reducing overall calorie content.
- Vegetarian option can be achieved by replacing bacon with crispy vegetable chips or smoked sun-dried tomatoes to maintain a similar smoky flavor profile.
- Make-ahead strategy involves preparing the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and storing it covered in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to meld and makes meal preparation easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg