Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Smoke Stack Cheesy Corn Bake, a decadent twist on classic corn casserole. Bursting with the natural sweetness of tender corn kernels and layered with the creamy richness of melted cream cheese and sharp cheddar, this dish is elevated with the smoky warmth of paprika and a hint of garlic. Perfectly complemented by optional crunchy panko breadcrumbs and the gentle kick of diced jalapeño for spice lovers, this hearty bake is baked to golden perfection in under 30 minutes. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing holiday side dish or a weeknight comfort classic, it’s irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Don't forget the fresh parsley garnish for that perfect finishing touch! Keywords: cheesy corn bake, smoky corn casserole, creamy corn recipe, comfort food side dish, holiday casserole recipe.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish and set aside.
If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, thaw and drain. For canned corn, drain thoroughly.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the heavy cream, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the corn, cheddar cheese, and optional diced jalapeño. Mix until the corn and cheese are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
If using panko breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top for a crispy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the bake sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Calories |
3216 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 227.8 g | 292% | |
| Saturated Fat | 133.8 g | 669% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 653 mg | 218% | |
| Sodium | 5096 mg | 222% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 221.5 g | 81% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.4 g | 91% | |
| Total Sugars | 61.4 g | ||
| Protein | 103.5 g | 207% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1909 mg | 147% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 2714 mg | 58% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.