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Close-up of a creamy Jalapeno-Corn Casserole in a dark ceramic bowl, garnished with fresh green onions and red spice.
Daniel

Creamy Jalapeño Corn Casserole with Crispy Topping

A comforting and vibrant casserole featuring sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and a crunchy panko topping. Perfect as a flavorful side dish for any meal, bringing a touch of Southern warmth with a kick.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Casserole, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole Base
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2-3 medium jalapeños seeded and minced (adjust to heat preference)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 (15 oz) cans whole kernel corn drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
For the Crispy Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Casserole Base
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  3. Heat the 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Add the diced yellow onion and minced jalapeños. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir the sautéed onion, jalapeño, and garlic mixture into the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Add both cans of drained whole kernel corn and the can of cream-style corn to the bowl. Fold in 1.5 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until just combined.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Prepare the Crispy Topping
  1. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and garlic powder. Stir until the panko is evenly coated.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then sprinkle the panko mixture over the cheese.
Bake the Casserole
  1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
  2. Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly.

Notes

For extra heat, leave some seeds in one of the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the casserole mixture. This casserole can be assembled a day ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.