Green Chili Corn Casserole

Green chili corn casserole puts a spicy twist on a classic side dish. This casserole is filled with corn, chilies, garlic, eggs, cheese, and more. It’s a side dish that’s been transformed into a full meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or anything in between.

Corn casserole is a classic side dish that’s been around since the first European settlers came to North America. These days, it can be filled with almost anything you can think of, and that’s a good thing. It’s an incredibly versatile dish that can be made simply as a side or stuffed full of delicious ingredients and turned into a full stand-alone meal. You can serve up this green chili corn casserole as a hearty breakfast, a game day dish, a welcome addition to a potluck, and even for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the like. However and wherever you choose to serve it up, everyone will be thrilled that you brought it along!

And let’s not forget how easy it is to make. The entire recipe is simply a matter of mixing and baking. That’s it. It’s the easiest casserole you’ll ever make in your life. It’s so simple, you can make it for a weeknight dinner as easily as you can for a special occasion.

History of Corn Casserole

Also called corn pudding in the south, corn casserole has been around for a long, long time. Food historians believe that what we call corn casserole today originated with Native Americans who then shared corn and this dish with English settlers. Native Americans cooked corn and water together to create corn pone. It’s likely that they introduced corn and corn pone to early European settlers who began to put their own spin on corn pone by adding milk, eggs, and butter.

Corn casserole, or corn pudding, isn’t the only descendant of Native American corn pone. A few other dishes that are routinely enjoyed today also have their roots in corn pone. Cornbread, spoon bread, corn fritters, and hush puppies were all born from corn pone.

Corn Casserole vs. Corn Pudding

While corn casserole and corn pudding are two terms that are often used interchangeably, they are, in fact, different types of dishes.

Corn casserole is drier and more savory. Corn casserole traditionally uses sour cream or heavy cream, butter, cheese, eggs, and other savory ingredients to create a dish that acts as a side to almost anything in southern cooking.

Conversely, corn pudding is a sweeter dish. Also called pudding corn, hoppy glop, country pudding, corn mash, and in some areas, yellow jello, this dish is sweeter and has much more liquid in it. Stewed corn and water are added to cornbread and some sort of thickening agent to make a pudding. It usually contains milk, sour cream, butter, and sugar.

What Kind of Corn is Used in Corn Casserole

This green chili corn casserole, like all corn casseroles, uses both kernel corn and creamed corn. The creamed corn adds richness and moisture, while the kernel corn adds a nice firm texture to every bite. You can use any kind of canned cream corn you like. Either frozen or canned kernel corn can be used, as well. I prefer canned corn, as it’s easier to get all the excess moisture out before cooking. Using frozen corn can lead to a more runny casserole if you aren’t careful.

What Kind of Cheese Works in Corn Casserole

You can use any kind of cheese you like in your corn casserole, although classically, yellow cheese tends to be used the most. This southwest-inspired corn casserole uses both sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese, but any cheese can work. Changing the type of cheese you use can change the flavor of the casserole a bit, and it’s a great way to create different spins on your casseroles.

What Can Be Added to Corn Casserole

You can add all kinds of ingredients to corn casserole to change the flavor and texture of the dish. In my green chili corn casserole, I’ve added chilis, cilantro, cumin, Cajun seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to create a Southwestern-inspired dish that packs a spicy punch, but there’s so much more to do with it.

Create a one-pot meal by adding ham or crispy bacon to corn casserole. Change up the cheeses to create a different flavor profile. Try adding pork cracklings for a crunchy texture. There are all kinds of possibilities. Because it’s a casserole, there’s almost no end to what you can put into it. While some purists may not think your final product is “true” corn casserole, that doesn’t matter. Taste is what matters!

Serving Green Chili Corn Casserole

This green chili corn casserole is so hearty, you can serve it as a full meal or a side dish. For a meal, simply spoon out a healthy portion of this casserole into a bowl. If you’re feeling creative, top it with some sour cream and crumbled bacon for a super delicious meal. If you’re going with the classic side route, serve it up with any kind of meat. This casserole is especially good around the holidays, as it pairs so well with the classic ham that most of us enjoy during that time.

Storing Green Chili Corn Casserole

You can store this green chili corn casserole in the refrigerator for up to five days in an air-tight container. Allow the casserole to cool completely and then transfer it to an air-tight container. For longer storage, you can freeze this casserole for up to three months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container. It freezes well, which makes it easy to prepare this casserole in advance for special occasions.

Give This Green Chili Corn Casserole a Try

This green chili corn casserole is so good and so versatile. It makes the perfect side dish or main meal for dinners at home, and it’s always a welcome addition to any potluck or holiday table. It’s so easy to make, as well. All you have to do to create this delicious dish is mix and bake! With a recipe this easy and delicious, there’s no reason not to give it a try.

Ingredients Needed to Make Green Chili Corn Casserole

• Frozen or canned corn
• Cream corn
• Green onions
• Cilantro
• Garlic
• Diced green chilies
• Eggs
• Cumin
• Cajun seasoning
• Black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Heavy cream
• Pepper Jack cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Tortilla chips
• Sour cream

How to Make Green Chili Corn Casserole

Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Making the Casserole

In a large bowl, add ingredients except tortilla chips and ½ cup of cheese. Add contents to prepared baking dish and top with cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes until hot and bubble. Remove foil, add crushed tortilla chips, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, uncovered. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Try This Delicious Green Chili Corn Casserole

Looking For More Delicious Side Dish Recipes?

• Bow Tie Pasta Salad
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Cajun Buttered Corn on the Cob
• Macaroni Salad
• and, Crock Pot Spicy Beans from Great Grub, Delicious Treats

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