Description
Corn Casserole is a comforting and quick dish blending creamy (plant-based) cheese with the natural sweetness of corn. This versatile casserole is perfect as a side or wholesome main, made with simple pantry staples and finished with a golden crust. Ready in under an hour, it offers mild, family-friendly flavors that everyone will adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned and drained, or frozen)
- 1 cup creamy (plant-based) cheese
- 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons grape juice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter, plus extra for greasing
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Variations
- 1 diced jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (for spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs such as thyme or chives (herb infusion)
- 1/4 cup cornmeal (for sweet cornbread twist)
- 1/2 cup roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini (roasted veggies)
- 1 cup cooked chicken or cooked shrimp (protein boost)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with plant-based butter to prevent sticking and ensure a golden crust.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together creamy (plant-based) cheese, plant-based milk, grape juice (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and plant-based butter until smooth and creamy, forming the base of the casserole.
- Add Corn and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the corn kernels, all-purpose flour, natural gelling agent, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir carefully to combine while preserving some of the corn’s texture.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and set. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean but moist.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn for natural sweetness and vibrant texture.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the casserole light and avoid density.
- Bake until just set to keep moisture; overbaking can dry out the casserole.
- Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving to firm up and ease slicing.
- Select a quality creamy (plant-based) cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: corn casserole, plant-based cheese, vegetarian side dish, creamy corn bake, gluten-free casserole
