Description
This easy cheesy corn recipe is a comforting side dish that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, savory, and undeniably comforting dish, boasting irresistible cheesy goodness. It’s perfect for busy families and home cooks seeking delicious shortcuts for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (15-ounce) cans sweet corn, drained (or 900 g / 6 cups thawed frozen)
- 8 ounces (0.5 cup) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup (30 g) unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup (120 mL) whole milk
- 2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
- 0.5 teaspoon (5 g) fine sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Ensure corn is thoroughly drained. Verify cream cheese is softened (leave on counter for 1 hour or microwave for 15 seconds) for a lump-free sauce.
- Melt Base: In a large saucepan (or sturdy 10-inch skillet) over medium heat, melt 0.25 cup unsalted butter. Add softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup milk. Stir continuously with a whisk or spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no visible lumps.
- Combine Corn and Seasonings: Stir in the drained sweet corn, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Heat through, stirring occasionally, until the corn is warmed and the mixture is simmering gently around the edges. The sauce will slightly thicken.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese to the pan, stirring constantly until it has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and homogenous. (If cheese clumps or separates, remove pan from burner briefly while stirring vigorously to bring it back together.) The sauce should appear thick and velvety.
Notes
For best results, shred cheddar cheese from a block. Reduced-fat or plant-based cream cheese can be substituted. Consider using organic sweet corn for freshness, or fresh corn on the cob in season.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.75 cup (180 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: easy, cheesy, corn, side dish, comfort food, weeknight, family meal, quick, stovetop