Creamy Dreamy Cornbread Casserole

Cream Cheese Cornbread Casserole My Familys Fave

By Elara MaeveAugust 23, 2025

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4.55 (11 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving something comforting, yet a bit fancy? This corn and cream cheese cornbread casserole recipe is exactly that.

It's got a lovely blend of sweet and savory. I promise that everyone will want some of this cream cheese corn casserole

Brief Overview

This Southern Cornbread Casserole isn't just a side dish. It's a hug in a pan! Its origins are from the good ol' US of A.

This easy corn side dish will take about an hour from start to finish. It makes roughly 8-10 servings.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best part? This recipe is super easy. You can also enjoy the health benefit of it having a high protein count.

This comfort food casserole is perfect for any potluck, you know? It's a total showstopper! This corn casserole recipe is unique because of the tangy cream cheese swirl.

Want to get started making this delicious Creamy Dreamy Cornbread Casserole? Here's what you'll need.

Ingredients for a Corn and Cream Cheese Dream

Here is what you will need.

For the Cornbread Batter:

Grab one cup (120g) all-purpose flour.
You'll need one cup (120g) yellow cornmeal.
Get half a cup (100g) granulated sugar.
Then add one tablespoon of baking powder.
Don't forget half a teaspoon of baking soda.
A quarter teaspoon of salt is also needed.
Then you will need one cup (240ml) buttermilk.
You will also need half a cup (120ml) vegetable oil.
Two large eggs are also needed.
Finally, you will need one cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels (approximately 2 ears, or 150g), thawed.

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

Start with 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened.
Add a quarter cup (50g) granulated sugar.
Then put in one large egg yolk.
Finish it off with one teaspoon of vanilla extract.

For the Optional Glaze:

Start with 2 tablespoons butter, melted.
Then put in one teaspoon honey.

I will tell you what equipment you will need!

Ingredients & Equipment

Creamy Dreamy Cornbread Casserole presentation

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing Cream Cheese Corn Casserole . It's easier than you think.

Trust me, if I can do it (and I've had some kitchen disasters ), you totally can too!

Main Ingredients

First, let's gather the main players. Don't worry, you probably have most of this stuff already.

All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g)
Yellow cornmeal (stone ground preferred): 1 cup (120g) . Stone ground really adds a nice texture, you know?
Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
Baking powder: 1 tablespoon
Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) . If you don't have buttermilk, just add a tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk. Boom, instant buttermilk!
Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120ml)
Large eggs: 2
Fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed): 1 cup (approximately 2 ears, or 150g) . Fresh corn is the best of course.

And for the magic cream cheese swirl:

Cream cheese (softened): 8 ounces (225g) . Seriously, make sure it's soft. Otherwise, it'll be lumpy!
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g)
Large egg yolk: 1
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Optional, but highly recommended, glaze:

Butter (melted): 2 tablespoons
Honey: 1 teaspoon

Seasoning Notes

This recipe is pretty straightforward, but here are some things to keep in mind. We are trying to create a Sweet Corn Cream Cheese Bake

Essential spice combinations: The balance of sweet and savory is key. That's where the salt comes in. Don't skip it!
Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Vanilla extract in the cream cheese is super important. It adds a lovely warmth.
Quick substitution options: No vanilla extract? A tiny pinch of nutmeg works in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Okay, now let's talk tools. Easy Corn Side Dish recipes require basic equipment only!

9x13 inch baking dish . If you don't have one, a slightly smaller dish will work. Just adjust the baking time a bit.
Two mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) optional, but helpful for the cream cheese mixture. Honestly, I've done it by hand. It's a bit of a workout, but totally doable.
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Spatula

Creamy Dreamy Cornbread Casserole

This isn't your nan's cornbread. Unless your nan was secretly a culinary genius, obviously! This Creamy Dreamy Cornbread Casserole takes that classic Southern dish and gives it a little something extra, with a ribbon of tangy cream cheese.

Honestly, it's a taste explosion. Sweet, savoury, moist the lot. Ideal for a potluck, a barbecue, or even just chilling out watching "The Great British Bake Off" in your PJs.

What could be better?

Ease of peaziness: Easy. Don't worry, this Corn Casserole Recipe is dead simple. Even if you're just starting out, you'll impress everyone. Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Essential Mise en Place : Get everything ready, you know? Measure out 1 cup (120g) of flour, 1 cup (120g) of cornmeal, 1/2 cup (100g) of sugar. Soften that 8 ounces (225g) of cream cheese, too!
Time Saving Organization Tips : I always get my dry stuff together in one bowl and my wet stuff in another. It makes life so much easier.
Safety First : Mind that oven! We're preheating to 350° F ( 175° C) . Don't burn yourself pulling that casserole out.

step-by-step to Cornbread Bliss

Prep Dish : Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. No one likes stuck cornbread.
Dry Mix : Whisk 1 cup flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt.
Wet Mix : Whisk 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup oil, and 2 eggs in another bowl.
Combine : Pour the wet stuff into the dry stuff. Stir gently until just mixed. Don't overdo it! Fold in 1 cup of corn.
Cream Cheese Time : Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tsp vanilla. You want it smooth.
Layer Up : Half the cornbread batter goes in the dish. Dollop the cream cheese on top. Then, the rest of the cornbread. Swirl it all together with a knife.
Bake : Bake for 35- 40 minutes . A skewer should come out clean.
Glaze It : Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 teaspoon of honey, then brush that over the top of the casserole!

Pro Tips for a Perfect Bake

Don't go crazy with the mixing. Overmixing makes tough Moist Cornbread Recipe .
Soft cream cheese is essential. You want it to swirl like a dream.
If you want a bit of a kick, throw in some jalapeños! You can change it with a Honey Sweetened and Replace the granulated sugar in the cornbread batter with honey for a more natural sweetness Want a dairy-free alternative? Substitute the buttermilk with a plant based milk! This Easy Corn Side Dish goes great with chili!
If you do not have Buttermilk you can use regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly. Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a winner every time. Give it a go, you won't regret it!

Honestly, this Southern Cornbread Casserole recipe has become a firm favourite. My family asks for it all the time! You know? The corn and cream cheese combo is surprisingly amazing!

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Dreamy Cornbread Casserole

Honestly, this Creamy Dreamy Cornbread Casserole is pretty foolproof. But here are a few extra bits of wisdom to make it sing .

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation

Ok, so plating. Forget fancy. This is comfort food! Serve it straight from the baking dish. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives? Chef's kiss.

Think family style, where everyone can dig in. It screams "home"! For drinks, sweet tea or even a crisp apple cider would go down a treat.

This Easy Corn Side Dish is super satisfying!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. They'll be good for about 3-4 days. Want to freeze it? Cut into squares, wrap them individually, and freeze for up to a month.

Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. I've even microwaved it in a pinch.

Tastes amazing still.

Variations: Make it Your Own

Want to get creative? For a dietary twist, try using almond milk and a dairy-free cream cheese . Nobody will notice.

Honestly! Alternatively, swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free blend if you need to. You can use this recipe any time of year! Why not add some roasted butternut squash to the batter for a seasonal twist in the autumn? It's so delicious.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Everything

Let's be real, this isn't a health food. But hey, it's got corn! Corn is high in fiber! Each serving is roughly 350-400 calories.

This Comfort Food Casserole offers a little bit of protein, fat, and carbs. This recipe is perfect if you want a Southern Cornbread Casserole .

So there you have it. A few extra notes to make your cream cheese corn casserole a total hit. Don't be scared to experiment.

Honestly, baking is all about having fun. Get in that kitchen, get baking, and get ready to bask in the glory of your delicious Cream Cheese Corn Casserole .

You got this!

Cream Cheese Corn Casserole The Ultimate Comfort Food

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make corn and cream cheese casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the corn and cream cheese casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it into the oven to ensure it bakes evenly.

It's like prepping your Sunday roast on Saturday saves you time when you need it!

How do I store leftover corn and cream cheese cornbread casserole?

Store any leftover corn and cream cheese cornbread casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or even enjoy it cold (it's surprisingly tasty!). It's a bit like leftover pizza always a welcome treat.

What can I substitute if I don't have buttermilk for my corn and cream cheese cornbread casserole?

No buttermilk? No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly.

This provides the same tangy flavour and tender crumb as traditional buttermilk, meaning your corn and cream cheese casserole will still be a winner, just like a contestant on MasterChef who nails their substitution!

Can I add anything extra to my corn and cream cheese to give it more flavor?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative and jazz it up. Consider adding some chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat, crispy bacon bits for a salty crunch, or even some herbs like chives or thyme for an earthy flavour. It's your dish, so make it sing! A little bit of cheddar cheese is very welcome in this party too.

Is using fresh corn better than frozen for corn and cream cheese casserole?

Fresh corn will give you a slightly sweeter and fresher flavour, plus a satisfying "pop" with each bite. But don't fret if you only have frozen corn on hand it works perfectly well and is super convenient! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water before adding it to the batter.

Think of it as using fresh strawberries versus frozen in your summer pudding both delicious, just slightly different textures.

Is this corn and cream cheese casserole a healthy dish?

While this corn and cream cheese casserole is undeniably delicious, it's more of a treat than a health food. It contains sugar, fat, and carbohydrates, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.

For a slightly healthier twist, you could reduce the amount of sugar, use a lighter cream cheese, or add some extra veggies to the batter to boost the nutritional value. As Mary Berry would say, "Everything in moderation, darling!"