Description
Garlic Butter Corn Cheese is a creamy, cheesy side dish that combines fresh or canned corn with a rich blend of garlic, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and mayo. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh herbs, this dish makes a comforting and delicious accompaniment or a tasty dip for chips and veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6-8 ears of corn) or 2 cans of corn, drained
Cheese and Dairy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Seasonings and Garnish
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, shuck the ears, remove husks and silk, and rinse under cold water. Then use a sharp knife to cut the kernels off the cob, placing the ear upright in a bowl to catch them. For canned corn, simply drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn.
- Cook Corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet. For fresh corn, cook 5-7 minutes until heated through; for canned corn, cook 3-4 minutes.
- Mix Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
- Season the Mixture: Add chili powder if desired, then season with salt and pepper. Blend well again to combine the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat, let the corn cool slightly, then stir the corn into the cheese mixture until thoroughly combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the corn and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add Extra Cheese: For a cheesy crust, sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and serve warm as a side dish or a dip alongside tortilla chips, bread, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Using fresh corn provides the best flavor and texture, but canned corn works well as a convenient alternative.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
- For a richer dish, use full-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise.
- This dish can be made ahead, stored refrigerated, and reheated before serving.
- Customize toppings by adding breadcrumbs or extra cheese for crunch.
