With only 10 minutes of prep, this ultra-creamy Jalapeno Corn Casserole is the perfect side dish for holiday meals or potlucks. Bonus! It doubles as a Jalapeno Corn Dip, too!
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Why You Should Make This Jalapeno Corn Dip
- Cheesy and Creamy— A spicy twist on traditional corn casserole, packed with cheddar cheese and a hot and creamy sauce, the perfect side dish.
- Easy—This cheesy jalapeno corn casserole requires a 10-minute prep time. It’s a great side dish for busy weekdays, last-minute gatherings, or a holiday dinner.
- Versatile Side—The perfect side dish or serve as a hot dip. Plus it’s gluten-free and vegetarian too!
Creamy side casseroles rock! After all who doesn’t love a good casserole like this green bean casserole, this Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole crockpot or this Chile Relleno Casserole recipe.
Simple Ingredients for Jalapeno Corn Casserole
- Whole kernel corn | While I prefer fresh whole-kernel corn, you can also use frozen corn kernels. If necessary, drained canned corn will also do the trick.
- Cream cheese | Bind the ingredients and add creamy richness to the casserole with block cream cheese softened to room temperature.
- Heavy cream | Cut the heat of the fresh jalapenos with heavy cream adding to the overall creaminess of the dish.
- Cheese | I like to freshly grate sharp cheddar cheese, an 8 ounce block will yield about 2 cups shredded.
- Jalapeños | Seed and dice fresh jalapeño peppers for a hint of heat. In a pinch, canned jalapenos may also be used.
- Sour cream | Bring creamy, tangy notes to the dish with sour cream.
- Seasoning | Add amazing flavor with garlic powder, onion powder and a touch of smoked paprika to make it sing!
- Salt and pepper | I always add a little kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
BONUS
This corn jalapeno casserole doubles as a delicious dip!
How to Make Cheesy Corn Casserole with Jalapeno
Step 1 | Preheat and prep
First, set the oven to 375°F (190° C) and prepare an 8 x 8 baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray or, my preference, spray oil. You may also brush the dish with melted butter.
Step 2 | Make the creamy goodness
Next, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring as the ingredients melt together. Once the sauce mixture is smooth and combined well, remove it from the heat and set aside.
Fresh Tips
- Allow at least 30 minutes for the cream cheese to soften at room temperature, it will mix smoother and creamier.
Step 3 | Mix the corn mixture
Now, combine the diced jalapeno peppers, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and sweet corn in a large bowl and toss well.
Step 4 | Combine the sauce and corn mixture
Then, carefully add the melted cream cheese mixture to the corn, peppers, and cheese. Mix gently to combine the ingredients.
Step 5 | Transfer to Baking Dish
Spoon the jalapeno corn dip mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it with a wooden spoon or spatula until evenly covering the pan from edge to edge.
Step 6 | Add Cheese Topping and Bake
Then, sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
Remove the casserole dish from the oven to cool for five minutes before serving; that way, it has a few minutes to set up. Then dig in and enjoy this creamy and spicy side dish!
Fresh Tips
- I used full-fat ingredients when testing this recipe; if you use other lower-fat percentages, your results might not be as creamy.
If you’re looking for similar spicy and cheesy casserole recipes, try my Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe with Cornmeal Crust and Hatch Green Chile Relleno Casserole.
They are delish! And just so you know, this is not the same as corn pudding. This is a cheesy, gooey, creamy pan of goodness. You can also try my Corn Casserole without Jiffy mix and this Crock Pot Corn Casserole, too!
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegan Jalapeno Corn Casserole: Use vegan cream cheese, plant-based shredded cheese, and a non-dairy heavy cream substitute or milk alternative.
- Light Corn Casserole: Lighten this rich casserole a little by using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, Neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. However, your results might be different, as the fat helps to bring the dish together.
- Cheese Alternatives: For this easy side dish, you can use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a combination of cheeses instead of cheddar. Try sharp white cheddar as well.
- Adjust the Heat: Removing the membranes and seeds of the fresh jalapeños helps reduce the heat. However, you can keep them whole for extra spiciness or reduce the amount of peppers to lower the heat. You can also have a milder corn casserole by substituting the jalapenos with canned green chiles, diced bell pepper, poblano peppers, or other mild peppers.
- Fresh Ingredients: Replace the garlic and onion powder with minced garlic cloves and chopped fresh onions; saute in a tablespoon of butter for 5-7 minutes before adding the other liquid ingredients.
- Extra Creamy Casserole: Use a combination of cream-style corn and corn kernels for extra creaminess!
Thicker Jalapeno Corn Casserole
This dish is juicy and creamy, which is why it doubles great as a dip! If you prefer a firmer casserole, add a well-beaten egg to the corn mixture before adding the warmed ingredients. You may also need to add up to ¼ cups of flour.
Recommended Tools
- 8×8 Pyrex dish
- Sharp knife, this is my favorite – a kitchen workhorse
Storage Tips
Refrigerate – Cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for up to four days.
Freezing – I do not recommend freezing this recipe due to the sour cream. If you do as you thaw, it will impact the texture, and while it won’t hurt you, it might not look so nice.
Reheating – Reheat the jalapeno casserole in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring halfway through. Or add it to a casserole dish and bake in a 350° F (175° C) oven until the ingredients are heated through.
Make ahead corn casserole with jalapenos
Prepare the jalapeno corn dip according to the recipe; do not bake. Cover and refrigerate it in an airtight container or baking dish for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature while you preheat your oven, then bake as directed until bubbly.
Can I serve jalapeno corn dip cold?
Yes! Instead of heating the mixture on the stove, mix using a hand mixer until creamy and smooth. Then combine with the corn jalapeno mixture and serve with tortilla chips, corn chips, carrot chips, or your favorite dippers. This is similar to my Cowboy Crack Dip!
Frequently Asked Questions
I prefer fresh corn kernels for the crunch and sweetness. However, creamed corn, canned corn, or frozen corn also work, providing different flavors and textures. If using frozen corn do not thaw, but add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Absolutely! Start with a small amount of jalapenos and add more to your taste.
Cornbread is a crumbly Southern staple made from cornmeal, while corn casserole is a creamy pudding-like dish made with corn and other ingredients like sour cream and cheese. Cornbread is typically served as a bread side dish, while corn casserole is often served at holiday meals or potlucks.
Can I make Jalapeno Corn Casserole in a slow cooker?
- Sure! Add the corn, then 1 cup of the cheese, jalapenos, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir.
- Pour heavy cream and cut the cream cheese into cubes to place on top. Do not add sour cream.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 3-4 hours, stirring halfway.
- When done, stir in the sour cream until a creamy sauce forms. Stir in or top with additional shredded cheddar, cover until melted, and top with sliced jalapenos.
What to serve with Corn Jalapeno Casserole
Best Main Dishes to Serve with Corn Casserole with Jalapeno
I’m glad you asked, this versatile dish is great all year. Serve it with your favorite Spiral ham recipe for the holidays, with this juicy air fryer pork tenderloin, or even as a side with these Steak and Cheese Sliders.
Best Drinks to Serve with Jalapeno Corn Casserole
Wash down the creamy Jalapeño corn casserole with one of our favorite drinks, like this classic 4 Ingredient Margarita or this Strawberry Refresher or this heat-quenching McDonald’s Eggnog Milkshake.
Easily adjust the heat of this creamy corn casserole recipe by adding more or less jalapenos. You could even serve with chopped jalapenos on the side for those who love it super spicy!
More of our favorite dip and casserole recipes
- Costco Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
- Tamale Pie recipe
- Cowboy Crack Dip
- Vegetarian Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Chile Relleno Casserole
- Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn kernels fresh or frozen, do not thaw (may alos use drained canned corn in a pinch)
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup heavy cream I used organic
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated and divided
- ¼ – ½ cup jalapeño peppers fresh, seeded and diced, to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ -¼ teaspoon smoked paprika more will change the color of your sauce
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and then grease an 8X8 baking dish with nonstick oil spray or brush with melted butter.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese (4 oz), sour cream (1 cup), heavy cream (¼ cup), salt (½ tsp), pepper (¼ tsp), onion powder (1 tsp), paprika (¼ tsp) and garlic powder (1 tsp). Stir the ingredients until they are smooth and well combined. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside.
- Combine the sweet corn (4 cups), diced jalapeno peppers (¼ -½ cup), and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
- Pour the melted cream cheese mixture over the corn mixture that’s in the bowl and stir the ingredients until they are well combined.
- Transfer your mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole and place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake it for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the cheesy corn casserole is heated through.
- Once cooked, carefully remove your creamy corn casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate – Cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freezing – I do not recommend freezing this recipe due to the sour cream. If you do as you thaw, it will impact the texture, and while it won’t hurt you, it might not look so nice.
- Reheating – Reheat the jalapeno casserole in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring halfway through. Or add it to a casserole dish and bake in a 350° F (175° C) oven until the ingredients are heated through.
Can I make Jalapeno Corn Casserole in a slow cooker?
- Sure! Add the corn, then 1 cup of the cheese, jalapenos, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir.
- Pour heavy cream and cut the cream cheese into cubes to place on top. Do not add sour cream.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 3-4 hours, stirring halfway.
- When done, stir in the sour cream until a creamy sauce forms. Stir in or top with additional shredded cheddar, cover until melted, and top with sliced jalapenos.
Make ahead corn casserole with jalapenos
Prepare the jalapeno corn dip according to the recipe; do not bake. Cover and refrigerate it in an airtight container or baking dish for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature while you preheat your oven, then bake as directed until bubbly.Can I serve jalapeno corn dip cold?
Yes! Instead of heating the mixture on the stove, mix using a hand mixer until creamy and smooth. Then combine with the corn jalapeno mixture and serve with tortilla chips, corn chips, carrot chips, or your favorite dippers. This is similar to my Cowboy Crack Dip!Nutrition
Holly
I love this corn casserole! It’s so easy to make and so good!
Thank you, so glad you loved it Holly!
Paula
I love the way the sweet corn and the spicy jalapenos go together in this casserole. Delish!
That is so true!!
Erik
Everyone loved how super creamy this was! Flavors were on point and so easy to make.
So glad to hear that Erik, it’s a great one!
Cathleen
I have got to try this out this weekend! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Hope you love it!!