Garlic Butter Corn Cheese: Creamy Baked Corn Side Dish Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Butter Corn Cheese is a creamy, cheesy side dish that combines fresh corn with rich butter, garlic, and three types of cheese. This comforting recipe is perfect as a warm side or a dip for your favorite snacks.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6-8 ears of corn) or 2 cans of corn, drained
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: If using fresh corn, shuck the corn and remove the husks and silk. Rinse under cold water.
- Step 2: Cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife, placing the ear upright in a bowl to catch the kernels. If using canned corn, drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Step 4: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 5: Stir in the corn kernels and cook for 5-7 minutes (fresh corn) or 3-4 minutes (canned corn) until heated through.
- Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise.
- Step 7: Add chili powder if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 8: Remove the skillet from heat and let the corn cool for a minute.
- Step 9: Add the corn mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 11: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 12: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle more mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Step 13: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 14: Let cool for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Step 15: Serve warm as a side dish or dip with tortilla chips, bread, or fresh veggies.
Tips & Variations
- Use frozen corn if fresh or canned is unavailable; thaw and drain well before cooking.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Swap mayonnaise for sour cream for a tangier taste.
- For a spicier version, include diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the corn and cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake right before serving to keep it fresh and hot.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of blue cheese can add unique flavors to this dish. Adjust quantities to your preference.
PrintGarlic Butter Corn Cheese: Creamy Baked Corn Side Dish Recipe
Garlic Butter Corn Cheese is a creamy, cheesy side dish featuring fresh or canned corn sautéed with garlic and butter, then combined with a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and mayonnaise. Baked to bubbly golden perfection and garnished with fresh herbs, it’s the perfect comforting accompaniment or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (sautéing) + 25 minutes (baking)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Corn
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6–8 ears of corn) or 2 cans of corn, drained
Butter and Garlic
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the corn: If using fresh corn, shuck the ears by removing husks and silk. Rinse under cold water thoroughly.
- Cut kernels from cob: Stand each ear upright in a bowl and carefully slice off the kernels using a sharp knife. If using canned corn, simply drain it well and set aside.
- Melt butter and sauté garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn.
- Cook the corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes if fresh, or 3-4 minutes if canned, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Mix cheese ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and mayonnaise. Blend these together until smooth and creamy.
- Season cheese mixture: Stir in chili powder if using, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust flavors as needed.
- Combine corn and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the cooked corn to cool slightly for about a minute. Add the corn to the cheese mixture and stir well until fully combined.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour in the corn and cheese mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Add extra cheese topping: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the dish.
- Bake the dish: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish.
- Serve: Enjoy warm as a side dish or as a creamy dip with tortilla chips, bread, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or canned corn based on your convenience; fresh corn provides a sweeter, fresher flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Corn Cheese, cheesy corn casserole, creamy corn side dish, baked cheese corn, side dish recipe
