This creamy corn bake is a rich, comforting side dish featuring sweet corn kernels in a velvety cream sauce topped with golden Parmesan breadcrumbs. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy weeknight meals, this easy corn casserole combines simple ingredients to create an indulgent dish that’s ready in under an hour. With its crispy topping and creamy interior, this versatile recipe pairs beautifully with any main course.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6-8
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Corn Bake
This creamy corn bake delivers restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort. The combination of sweet corn and rich heavy cream creates a luscious texture, while the Parmesan breadcrumb topping adds satisfying crunch. With straightforward instructions and minimal prep time, you can have this dish in the oven within minutes. It’s versatile enough to serve as a hearty side dish, a satisfying main course, or even a comforting snack for any occasion.
What makes this recipe special:
- Rich, velvety texture in every bite
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation
- Crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping
- Versatile for any meal or occasion
- Make-ahead friendly for easy entertaining
- Kid-friendly comfort food
Ingredients for Creamy Corn Bake
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (can use frozen or cut from cobs)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus 1 tablespoon for breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
How to Make Creamy Corn Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown top.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Cook Corn
In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch as it becomes bubbly and fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Add the fresh corn kernels to the melted butter and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the corn to soften slightly while absorbing the buttery flavor. The vibrant yellow kernels will become even more golden and appetizing.
Step 3: Add Heavy Cream
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. As the cream warms up, it will begin to thicken slightly, creating a luxurious base for your corn bake. The cream should coat the corn kernels evenly.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring the corn’s natural sweetness is complemented by the savory notes. The seasoning should enhance, not overpower, the sweet corn flavor.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the warm mixture, creating a creamy, cheesy consistency that’s utterly irresistible. Stir gently until the cheese is fully incorporated.
Step 6: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Mix thoroughly to coat all the breadcrumbs. This ensures the breadcrumbs will toast nicely in the oven, providing that necessary crunch and golden color.
Step 7: Assemble in Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the creamy corn mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Step 8: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the corn bake, making sure to cover the entire surface for a consistent crispy layer. Finish by sprinkling the chopped green onions over the breadcrumbs. This adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
Step 9: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The corn bake is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. A slight jiggle in the center is normal—it will set up as it cools.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the creamy filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Scoop out generous portions and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Corn Bake
Use fresh corn when possible. Fresh corn kernels provide the best sweet flavor and texture. Frozen corn works well too—just thaw and drain excess moisture.
Don’t skip the butter in breadcrumbs. Coating breadcrumbs with melted butter ensures they toast golden and crispy instead of staying pale and soft.
Stir cream continuously. When adding cream to the corn, stir constantly to prevent scorching and ensure smooth, even heating.
Let it rest before serving. The 5-minute cooling period helps the dish set, making it easier to serve neat portions.
Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan creates a creamier texture.
Adjust consistency as needed. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash more cream. If too thin, let it simmer an extra minute or two.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Salt levels can vary depending on your Parmesan cheese, so always taste before baking.
Make-Ahead Instructions
1 day ahead: Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes if needed.
Before baking only: Prepare through Step 7, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add toppings just before baking.
Freeze before baking: Wrap the assembled, unbaked dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. The oven method maintains the crispy topping better than the microwave. If using the microwave, heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Freezer: Baked corn casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Variations
Spicy corn bake: Add diced jalapeños or roasted red peppers for a smoky, spicy kick.
Herbed version: Incorporate fresh thyme, parsley, or basil into the creamy filling for aromatic depth.
Mixed cheese: Use a combination of cheddar, Gruyère, or Gouda for different flavor profiles.
Veggie-packed: Add sautéed zucchini, spinach, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Gluten-free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Complete meal: Add cooked quinoa or rice to the corn mixture to transform it into a satisfying main course.
Sweet and savory: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top before baking for a delightful sweet-savory contrast.
Bacon corn bake: Fold in 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon for smoky richness.
Mexican-inspired: Add cumin, chili powder, and diced green chiles, then top with pepper jack cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned corn? Fresh or frozen corn works best for texture and flavor. If using canned, drain thoroughly and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
How do I know when it’s done? The top should be golden brown and the edges bubbly. A slight jiggle in the center is normal—it sets as it cools.
Can I make this dairy-free? Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use dairy-free butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What can I serve with this corn bake? It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, baked fish, hearty salads, or roasted vegetables.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes! Freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I prevent a soggy topping? Make sure to toss breadcrumbs with melted butter before adding. Don’t cover the dish while baking.
Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for a doubled recipe. The baking time may need to increase by 5-10 minutes.
What if I don’t have green onions? Substitute with chives, regular onions (sautéed), or simply omit them. Fresh parsley also works as a garnish.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy corn bake pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken or fish for weeknight dinners
- Holiday roasted turkey or ham
- BBQ ribs or brisket for summer gatherings
- Roasted vegetables and salad for a vegetarian meal
- Steak or pork chops for hearty dinners
- As part of a potluck or buffet spread
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 240-260
- Protein: 6-7g
- Fat: 16-18g
- Carbohydrates: 20-22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3-4g
- Sodium: 420-450mg
Creamy Corn Bake Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Side Dish
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add corn kernels and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened and golden.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and mix well to coat evenly.
- Transfer the corn mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with buttered breadcrumbs and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
This creamy corn bake is the ultimate comfort food side dish that combines rich, velvety corn in cream sauce with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and impressive results, this versatile recipe works for casual family dinners or special holiday gatherings. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian main, this corn casserole delivers satisfying flavor and texture in every bite. Make it ahead for stress-free entertaining, or whip it up quickly for a cozy weeknight meal that the whole family will love!