Description
This Cheesy Corn Bake is a comforting, creamy casserole featuring sweet corn combined with sharp cheddar and smooth cream cheese. Rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals and is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 cup milk
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Main Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups corn (fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen)
- 4 ounces diced turkey sausage
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to heat while you prepare the casserole, ensuring it’s ready for baking once the dish is assembled.
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of salted butter to start forming the base for your sauce.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle in 4 teaspoons of all-purpose flour and 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder, whisking constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until a smooth roux forms; this will thicken your sauce.
- Add milk: Gradually pour in 3/4 cup of milk while whisking continuously, then cook until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, creating a creamy sauce base.
- Incorporate cheeses: Add 6 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese and 4 ounces of cubed cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until both cheeses melt completely into a smooth, cheesy sauce.
- Combine corn and sausage: Fold in 3 3/4 cups of corn and 4 ounces of diced turkey sausage, mixing thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the cheesy sauce.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and cover it with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the casserole is hot, creamy, and bubbling.
- Rest and serve: Remove the foil and let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set before serving, enhancing flavors and making it easier to portion.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn depending on availability; if using frozen, be sure to thaw it beforehand.
- Diced turkey sausage adds a savory depth, but you can substitute with cooked bacon or leave out for a vegetarian version.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
