Cheesy Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese and Ham

This easy stovetop corn and ham casserole comes together in 15 minutes and makes a super creamy side dish you’re going to love. Made with fresh or frozen corn, cream cheese, plenty of cheddar, and savory ham, this casserole cooks quickly on the stove. Then, it broils in the oven to give you a golden brown, cheesy topping.

 

Make a Creamy Corn Casserole

It’s nothing like a classic corn pudding or a corn pudding with cornbread. Instead, this corn casserole is made up of whole corn and a little ham which are smothered in a creamy cheesy sauce. It’s kind of like mac and cheese but with corn instead of pasta.

This is a side dish that comes together so quickly, you can make it last minute. You’ll just dump everything together on the stove and then pour it into a baking dish and put it under the broiler for a couple of minutes. A little ham makes it a heartier side dish, too rich to eat as a meal, but add it as a side to whatever meat dish you’re serving and dinner just got a whole lot better!

It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight with pan seared steaks, apple stuffed pork, chops, or carnitas. But it’s also scrumptious as part of your holiday meal. Think of serving this with any simple meat that needs a creamy vegetable side.

It’s quick and easy, and is mouthwateringly yummy. The best thing? It’s ready in minutes and doesn’t take up oven space. 

Dishes made with corn are some of my favorites, like skillet fried charred corn and cornbread (of course). I even tuck corn on the cob into my seafood boil. Sweet corn is filling and complements so many main dishes.

Of course, you can serve this recipe as part of a holiday meal, but cheesy corn casserole is ideal to serve all year round. Try it with pork tenderloin or pork cutlets. Any comfort food dishes will do, like slow cooker ribs or even a burger.

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

• Cheesy, Creamy Goodness: I can’t emphasize how creamy and delish this recipe is. Cream cheese and plenty of cheddar give this recipe so much creamy flavor! This also guarantees just about anyone will love it.
• Easy to Make: This corn casserole is super simple to make with just a few ingredients. You don’t have to bake it – you just cook it on the stove until everything melts together, then set it under the broiler. It takes only a few minutes.
• Use up Leftovers – This is a great way to use up some leftover ham, I always have some in the freezer leftover from the holidays.

What kind of corn is best for this recipe?

Fresh or frozen corn are needed for this recipe. Canned corn will not give it the texture you need to go with the creamy sauce. Freshly cut corn can be used as-is, and frozen corn should be at room temperature. You can let it sit out for an hour, or you can microwave it for a minute or so, just until it’s thawed.

Corn and Ham Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Frozen or fresh corn – You’ll need three cups of whole corn kernels.

• Cooked ham – This is a great time to use up that leftover holiday ham you have in your freezer. You can also buy a ham steak from the deli. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.

• Cream cheese – Use full-fat for the creamiest texture and flavor. Cut your block into smaller chunks before adding it to the sauce.

• Cheddar cheese – You’ll need about 1 ½ cups shredded. Use a block of cheese that you hand grate. The pre-packaged shredded cheese will not melt as well.
  
• Pantry Staples – Milk, salt & black pepper, hot sauce, garlic powder.

Easy Steps to Make a Creamed Corn Casserole with Ham

This is such an easy corn casserole recipe.

Step 1: Prepare your sauce.

Set a saucepan over medium heat and add the milk, cream cheese chunks, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cream cheese has melted.

Step 2: Add the corn and ham.

Pour the corn and diced ham into the mixture and cook until it starts to get bubbly. Remove it from the heat. Add in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and whisk until it melts into the sauce. Pour everything into a baking dish and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.

Step 3: Broil.

Set the casserole in the oven about 6 inches below the broiler. Cook until the top is golden brown. This should only take 2-3 minutes. Watch it carefully the entire time so you don’t accidentally burn it! Remove from the oven and serve hot.

A Few Recipe Notes for Making a Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

• To help your sauce come together easier, let your cream cheese, milk, and cheddar come to room temperature before you begin. Just let them sit out on the counter for about 20 minutes.
• You can make this in a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation. Go ahead and cook your dish in the skillet, then set it right into the oven to broil.

Can I make this with bacon?

Of course! I have tried this recipe both ways, with and without bacon, and actually prefer it without. While bacon is delicious in everything, it’s not noticeable enough in this dish to go to the trouble of cooking the bacon. But if you have extra cooked, chopped bacon pieces throw them in.

Additions to try

Here are a few ideas to beef up this corn casserole.

• Add sauteed onion. Cook them in a bit of oil until soft in the saucepan first then add the rest of the ingredients.
• For a bit of heat, add in some chopped jalapeno peppers or green chiles.
• Add some Panko bread crumbs on top with the cheddar before you broil it.
• Add a can of drained Rotel to give it some extra color and a zesty flavor.

More Southern Side Dish Recipes

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