Creamy Bacon Corn Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish

When it comes to indulgent comfort food, few dishes deliver the rich, savory satisfaction of a good casserole. And if you’re a fan of corn, cheese, and bacon (who isn’t?), then this Creamy Bacon Corn Casserole will quickly become a family favorite. It’s the perfect blend of sweet corn, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a creamy base that’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

Casseroles like this are beloved for their simplicity and versatility. According to Taste of Home, creamy casseroles rank among the most cherished family dinners because they’re hearty, make-ahead friendly, and crowd-pleasing. This particular dish shines as a side for barbecues, potlucks, holiday dinners, or just a cozy weeknight meal.

What is Creamy Bacon Corn Casserole?

Creamy Bacon Corn Casserole is a warm, baked dish consisting of:

Sweet corn kernels
Crispy, savory bacon
A creamy mixture of cheeses and sour cream
Seasonings that bring all the flavors together

It’s layered into a casserole dish and baked until golden and bubbly. The texture is slightly firm, yet creamy enough to melt in your mouth. With crispy bacon pieces scattered throughout and on top, every bite delivers big flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish uses simple pantry staples and is totally customizable to your taste!

Creamy Bacon Corn Casserole

Main Ingredients:

4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

Diced green onions or chives
Diced jalapeños for a spicy kick
1/2 tsp smoked paprika for a smoky undertone
1/4 cup grated parmesan for extra cheesiness

‍ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish (around 9×9 inches or equivalent).

2. Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Cream cheese
Sour cream
Milk
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper

Whisk or stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. Add the Corn and Cheese

Fold in the corn and cheddar cheese. Stir to evenly coat every kernel with the creamy mixture.

4. Add the Bacon

Stir in half of the chopped bacon, reserving the rest for the topping.

5. Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and the top begins to turn golden brown.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Why This Recipe Works

This casserole has everything going for it:

✅ Creaminess from sour cream and cream cheese
✅ Boldness from bacon and cheddar
✅ Sweetness from corn to balance the richness
✅ No complicated prep or cooking techniques

Plus, it reheats beautifully and can be made ahead, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.

Storage & Reheating

Creamy Bacon Corn Casserole stores well, which means leftovers are always welcome!

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezer:

Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
Store for up to 2 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Reheating Tips:

Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes
Reheat in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through

️ Serving Suggestions

This casserole is so versatile, you can serve it alongside nearly anything!

Perfect Pairings:

Grilled or roasted chicken
BBQ ribs or pulled pork
Meatloaf
Holiday ham
Thanksgiving turkey

Make It a Meal:

Serve over a baked potato
Add grilled sausage or diced ham for a one-dish dinner
Pair with a crisp green salad and warm rolls

Tips for Success

Here are some expert tricks to take your casserole to the next level:

Use block cheese and shred it yourself for better melting
Don’t skip the bacon fat — use a tablespoon in the mix for more flavor
For a crispy top, broil the last 2–3 minutes after baking
Double the batch and freeze one for later

Flavor Variations

Want to change things up? Try these fun twists:

️ Spicy Jalapeño Corn Casserole

Add:

1–2 finely diced jalapeños
A pinch of cayenne
Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar

Loaded Ranch Corn Casserole