Recipe: Hot Corn Casserole
Serves6 to 8
As soon as those ears of sweet corn hit the market, take a night to enjoy them as they are, piping-hot with lots of butter. Then immediately move onto this warm and creamy corn casserole, because it is the most irresistible way to use up a few ears of sweet corn. It’s cheesy and indulgent, although the mix of tender kernels of corn, veggies, fresh herbs, and a pop of heat keep it in check so it’s not too heavy for summer.
The Side Dish, Condiment, and Dip That Can Go Anywhere
Like all the best casseroles, this one is a crowd-pleaser that comes with the promise of ease and can be pulled together in under 30 minutes. But unlike most casseroles, this version has no limit on what it can do. Pair it with a bowl of tortilla or pita chips and it’s a hot corn dip for a crowd and the appetizer that will keep people talking. Slide it onto the table with dinner, and it’s the side dish that pairs with everything from grilled chicken to burgers. It even works as a condiment for tacos, grilled sausages, and nachos.
Hot Corn Casserole
Serves 6 to 8
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons
unsalted butter
- 1 medium
red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
- 1/2
medium onion, diced
- 4 cups
fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
- 2 cloves
garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons
sweet paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon
kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces
cream cheese, cut into chunks and at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup
diced pickled jalapeños
- 2
scallions, green part only, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons
chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F.
Melt the butter in a 9- or 10-inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add the bell pepper and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the corn, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 1 minute more.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Scatter the cream cheese, cheddar, pickled jalapeños, and scallions evenly over the corn and stir until all the cheese is thoroughly melted.
Bake until hot and bubbly, about 15 minutes. Top with the cilantro and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
Grilling instructions: This casserole can be made entirely on an outdoor grill. Heat the grill to medium (about 350°F). Place the butter in the skillet and heat covered on the grill for 3 minutes. Proceed with the recipe, cooking the casserole covered the entire time except for the occasional stirring.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.