Get ready to discover the most requested Thanksgiving corn recipe you’ll ever make. This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible corn bake that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Forget boring canned corn—this dish is the perfect blend of sweet corn, a rich, savory cream sauce, and a golden, buttery cracker topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food to complete your holiday table.
We’ve created a Thanksgiving corn recipe that is incredibly easy to prepare, freeing up your valuable time on the big day. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will disappear from the table in minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or it’s your first time hosting, this recipe is designed to be foolproof and delicious.
Why This is the Best Thanksgiving Corn Recipe You’ll Ever Make
This dish stands out from other holiday sides for a few simple reasons. First, the flavor is phenomenal. We combine sweet corn with a rich sauce made from cream cheese, sour cream, and a hint of garlic for a tangy, savory depth that’s simply addictive. Second, the texture is perfect. The creamy interior is perfectly complemented by a crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker topping. Finally, it’s incredibly versatile and can be made ahead to save you stress on Thanksgiving day.
- Incredibly Creamy: A blend of cream cheese and sour cream creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Perfectly Sweet & Savory: Balances the natural sweetness of corn with savory herbs and cheese.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: This is the kind of side dish that both kids and adults love.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Assemble it a day in advance and just bake before dinner!
Ingredients for the Perfect Holiday Corn
The magic of this Thanksgiving corn recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this unforgettable side dish.
For the Corn Bake:
- Corn: A combination of whole kernel sweet corn and creamed-style corn creates the perfect texture.
- Cream Cheese: The secret to an ultra-creamy, tangy base. Make sure it’s softened.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a pleasant tang that cuts through the richness.
- Butter: Melted butter enriches the filling and is essential for the crunchy topping.
- Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These provide a foundational savory flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, cheesy element that melts beautifully into the bake.
For the Topping:
- Ritz Crackers: Their buttery flavor and flaky texture make for the perfect crunchy topping.
- Melted Butter: Helps the cracker crumbs turn golden brown and delicious.
How to Make this Thanksgiving Corn Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate creamy corn bake. It’s a straightforward process that delivers a spectacular result, making it a perfect easy Thanksgiving corn dish.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and the cream cheese is smooth. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the corn mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate small bowl, crush the Ritz crackers. You can do this by hand or by placing them in a zip-top bag and gently rolling over them with a rolling pin. Pour the melted butter over the cracker crumbs and toss to combine.
- Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the cheese layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the corn bake rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Creamy Corn Bake
A few simple tips can elevate this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the richest flavor and creamiest texture, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake just until the center is hot and the topping is golden. Overbaking can cause the sauce to separate.
- Fresh is Best: If you have fresh parsley or chives, a sprinkle on top before serving adds a wonderful freshness.
Looking for a perfect main course to go with this? Our classic roast turkey recipe is a guaranteed showstopper.
Fun Variations to Try
While this Thanksgiving corn recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to your liking!
- Add Some Spice: Mix in a finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Bacon Makes Everything Better: Add a half cup of crispy, crumbled bacon to the filling for a smoky, savory twist.
- Different Cheeses: Try swapping the cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
For another cheesy holiday favorite, don’t miss our famous Jiffy corn casserole.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best things about this recipe. You can assemble the entire casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then prepare and add the cracker topping right before it goes into the oven. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Corn
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can place it in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or simply microwave individual portions. The topping will lose some of its crispness but the flavor will still be fantastic. This makes it a great side dish alongside other holiday leftovers, like this creamy mashed potato recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the corn filling, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the fresh cracker topping right before you bake it to ensure it stays crispy.
Absolutely. If using frozen corn, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture.
This recipe uses cream cheese as a natural thickener, which creates a rich and creamy sauce without needing a flour or cornstarch slurry. As it bakes and then rests, it sets up to the perfect consistency.
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
You can elevate canned corn by adding cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder. Topping it with buttered cracker crumbs before baking creates a delicious Thanksgiving corn bake.
The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish Awaits
This Thanksgiving corn recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a delicious tradition in the making. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy that will have your guests coming back for seconds. We know you’ll love it as much as we do. If you make this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below and don’t forget to share it on Pinterest!
Thanksgiving Corn Recipe: Creamy Corn Bake
Thanksgiving Corn Recipe: The Ultimate Creamy Corn Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1/4 cup melted butter, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Toss to coat.
- Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the corn bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
