Pioneer Woman Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a rich, satisfying side dish that perfectly blends sweet corn, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice. This recipe, reminiscent of classic comfort food and perhaps inspired by the hearty dishes you’d find on Pioneer Woman’s cooking shows, is destined to become a staple at your holiday gatherings and family meals. If you’re searching for the only corn casserole recipe you’ll ever need, look no further!

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole with text overlay.

Have you ever found yourself craving a side dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious? Do you adore cream cheese and constantly seek out crowd-pleasing recipes for holidays and potlucks? Then this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is your answer. This recipe, shared by a mother-in-law and loved at first bite, has become a cherished favorite. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at any gathering, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.

This creamy corn casserole is more than just a holiday side; it’s a versatile dish perfect for any occasion. From Easter to Thanksgiving to Christmas, it graces the holiday table multiple times a year. It’s also a go-to when bringing a meal to someone in need, whether they’re recovering from illness or celebrating a new baby. Its universal appeal and comforting flavors make it an instant hit every single time.

Corn casserole in baking dish and bowl.

Simple Ingredients for an Unforgettable Corn Casserole

The beauty of this Pioneer Woman-style corn casserole lies in its simplicity. The ingredient list is short, and you likely have most, if not all, of these items in your pantry and refrigerator already.

Labeled ingredients to make Cream Cheese Corn Casserole.

Cream Cheese: The heart of this recipe! It provides the signature creamy texture and rich flavor that makes this corn casserole so irresistible. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy blending.
Butter: Butter adds richness and helps create a silky smooth sauce. You can use salted or unsalted butter, adjusting the salt in the recipe accordingly.
Milk: Milk is essential for transforming the melted cream cheese and butter into a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every kernel of corn.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the corn and cheese. A touch of sugar can also be added if you prefer a sweeter corn casserole.
Sweet Corn: Frozen sweet corn, thawed, is the preferred choice for this recipe. It offers a balance of convenience and fresh flavor. Fresh roasted corn or drained canned corn can also be used as alternatives.
Pickled Jalapeños: Minced pickled jalapeños are optional but highly recommended. They add a subtle kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter, creating a more complex and delicious flavor profile.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese provides a wonderful cheesy topping that melts beautifully in the oven, adding another layer of flavor and texture.

Close-up of corn casserole recipe with missing scoop.

How to Bake Pioneer Woman Cream Cheese Corn Casserole: Easy Steps

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and easy side dish for a holiday meal. The steps are so simple, it almost feels too easy for how delicious the final result is!

(For detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this post.)

Melt Cream Cheese and Butter: In a saucepan, melt the cubed cream cheese and butter together over low heat. Stir continuously until smooth and fully combined.

Cream cheese and butter in pot.

Stirring ingredients in pot for Cream Cheese Corn Casserole.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Gradually stir in the milk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps for the perfect texture.

Cream cheese and butter mixture combined.
Add Corn and Seasoning: Stir in the thawed or drained corn, salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasoning evenly.

Adding corn to mixture for corn casserole recipe.
Incorporate Jalapeños (Optional): If desired, add the minced pickled jalapeños for a touch of heat and flavor.

Optional jalapenos for corn casserole.
Combine All Ingredients: Stir all ingredients together until everything is thoroughly combined and the corn is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Corn casserole mixture ready for baking dish.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the corn mixture into a baking dish and spread it evenly.

Corn casserole with cream cheese in baking dish.
Top with Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.

Cheesy corn casserole in baking dish.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and bubbly. This usually takes about 20 minutes.

Cheesy corn casserole baked in dish.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is ready to be served! Enjoy this warm, comforting side dish.

Corn casserole with cream cheese in serving bowl.

Variations to Spice Up Your Corn Casserole

While this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is perfect as is, there are many ways to customize it to your taste preferences. Consider these delicious variations:

Jalapeño Heat: As mentioned, pickled jalapeños add a mild kick. For more heat, use fresh, diced jalapeños or a hotter variety of pickled peppers.
Green Chiles: A 7-ounce can of diced green chiles provides a different kind of flavor and mild heat that complements the creamy corn beautifully.
Rotel Tomatoes: For added color and flavor, stir in a can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. This adds a Southwestern flair to the casserole.
Bacon Bliss: Crispy, crumbled bacon is a fantastic addition, either stirred into the casserole or sprinkled on top. Bacon and cream cheese are always a winning combination.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme can be added to brighten the flavor and add a touch of freshness. Stir them in before baking or sprinkle on top as a garnish.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheddar and Gruyere would all be delicious.

Aerial view of corn casserole with cream cheese.

Make-Ahead Magic for Stress-Free Holidays

One of the best things about this Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is that it can be prepared ahead of time, making it a lifesaver during busy holiday cooking.

Assemble and Refrigerate: Prepare the casserole as directed, up to the point of baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
Bring to Room Temperature: Before baking, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take the chill off.
Bake as Usual: Bake uncovered as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole in bowls.

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Corn Casserole for Easy Convenience

If oven space is limited, or you prefer the ease of slow cooking, this recipe can also be adapted for a crock pot! For a simplified, hands-off approach, try the slow cooker version.

Find the Slow Cooker Creamy Cheesy Corn recipe HERE >>> Slow Cooker Creamy Cheesy Corn.

Corn Casserole with cream cheese in bowl and in baking dish with spoon.

This Pioneer Woman-inspired Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from holidays to potlucks to weeknight dinners. Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can come together to create such a delightful and crowd-pleasing dish!

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole in dish with spoon.

More Holiday Side Dish Recipes

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole (Creamy, Cheesy, and So Easy!)

This Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a decadent and comforting side dish, combining sweet corn with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and optional diced jalapeños for a touch of spice. It’s truly the only corn casserole recipe you’ll ever need!

By Samantha Skaggs

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 274kcal

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Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
4 tablespoons butter, salted OR unsalted
⅓ cup milk
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (18-ounce) bag frozen sweet corn, thawed
Diced pickled jalapeños, to taste (OPTIONAL)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan, melt cream cheese and butter over low heat. Stir until smooth.
Stir in milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Add thawed corn and jalapeños (if using). Mix well.
Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment Needed

Saucepan
9×13 inch Baking Dish
Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

An 18-ounce bag of frozen corn is about 4 cups. Two 15-ounce cans of drained corn can be substituted. Frozen corn is recommended for best flavor.
The mixture may appear lumpy initially, but will smooth out once milk is added.

Nutrition

Made this recipe? Share your photos on Instagram! Mention @FiveHeartHome or tag #FiveHeartHome!

Originally published November 18, 2013, updated October 19, 2023.