This Creamy Cheddar Baked Corn is rich, comforting, and full of cozy flavor; the kind of side dish that quietly becomes everyone’s favorite. Sweet corn is folded into a creamy, cheese-forward sauce with tender peppers and shallots, then finished with a bubbly layer of fontina that melts into pure indulgence. The aroma alone; buttery, cheesy, and slightly sweet; makes it hard to wait until it hits the table.
What I love about this recipe is how it balances richness with freshness. The peppers and shallots add just enough texture and flavor to keep things interesting, while a splash of white wine brightens the sauce so it never feels heavy. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for holidays, and it pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a simple salad.
This dish has become a go-to whenever I need a warm, reliable side that feels just a little elevated. Love this recipe? Pin it to your holiday side dishes board on Pinterest so you don’t lose it!
Creamy Cheddar Baked Corn
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutes320
kcalSweet corn baked in a creamy cheddar sauce with peppers, shallots, and a bubbly fontina topping.
Ingredients
5 cups sweet corn, thawed and well-drained
1 bell pepper, diced
¼ cup shallots, chopped
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp white wine
1½ cups milk
¼ tsp salt
adobo seasoning, to taste
½ tsp sugar
4 to 6 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
2 to 3 oz fontina cheese, shredded
Directions
- Thaw the corn completely and drain well to prevent a watery sauce. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.
- Dice the bell pepper and chop the shallots.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the peppers and shallots and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Whisk in the white wine, then slowly add the milk a little at a time, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Season with salt, a dash of adobo seasoning, and sugar. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Place the corn in an oven-safe baking dish or cast iron skillet. Pour the cheese sauce over the corn and stir to combine.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbling and the peppers are tender.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle the fontina cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven for 10 minutes, or until melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Cooking Notes
- Fully thawing and draining the corn is essential for a thick, creamy sauce.
- Whisk continuously when adding milk to avoid lumps.
- Fontina melts smoothly; substitute mozzarella if needed.
Nutrition
Estimated Nutrition per Serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Carb: 30 g
- Protein: 11 g
Yields: 6 servings
Recipe Science
This dish is built on a classic roux-based cheese sauce, where butter and flour form a thickening base that stabilizes added liquid. Gradual milk incorporation allows starch granules to hydrate evenly, creating a smooth sauce without separation.
Cheddar provides sharp flavor but can become grainy if overheated, which is why it’s melted gently in the sauce rather than baked alone. Fontina is added at the end due to its high moisture and excellent melting properties, producing a glossy, stretchy finish.
From a nutrition standpoint, saturated fat exceeds 20 percent of FDA daily values per serving due to butter and cheese. For a lighter version, reduced-fat milk and a modest reduction in cheese can be used with minimal impact on texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Holiday-Ready: Rich and special enough for celebrations.
- Ultra Creamy: Smooth, cheesy sauce in every bite.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: Reheats well for gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Sweet corn with savory depth.
FAQ
- Can I use fresh corn?
Yes; cut kernels from cooked cobs before using. - Can this be made ahead?
Yes; assemble, refrigerate, and bake before serving. - Is the wine necessary?
No; substitute broth if preferred. - Can I add heat?
A pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño works well.
Conclusion
This creamy cheddar baked corn is the kind of side dish that brings comfort and a little bit of indulgence to the table. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and share it with people you love. What holiday meal would you serve this cheesy corn alongside?
