When comfort food calls, few dishes answer with the creamy, savory goodness of Cream Cheese Corn Casserole with Ritz Crackers. This rich, satisfying side is a family favorite that brings together the sweetness of corn, the tang of cream cheese, and the irresistible buttery crunch of a golden Ritz cracker topping. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a Sunday dinner, or a potluck contribution, this casserole is guaranteed to be the dish everyone remembers—and requests again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Corn Casserole with Ritz Crackers
- Ultra Creamy Texture – Thanks to the addition of cream cheese, this casserole is velvety smooth and indulgent without being heavy.
- Sweet and Savory Flavors – Whole kernel corn and creamed corn deliver a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the saltiness of the cracker topping.
- Crispy Cracker Crunch – Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with butter form a golden, crisp crust that contrasts the creamy filling underneath.
- Quick and Easy – Made with pantry staples, this dish comes together in under 10 minutes of prep time.
- Versatile – Perfect as a holiday side dish, Thanksgiving must-have, or weeknight comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cans whole kernel corn (15 oz each, drained)
- 1 can creamed corn (15 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- Optional Add-ins: diced jalapeños, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, or bacon bits
How to Make Cream Cheese Corn Casserole with Ritz Crackers
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, cubed cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter (for the filling), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. If the cream cheese isn’t fully incorporated yet, that’s fine—it will melt during baking and create pockets of creamy goodness.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the corn mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
4. Make the Ritz Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the second portion of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated.
5. Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
6. Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking to firm up before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Corn Casserole
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps it melt evenly and blend into the corn mixture without clumping.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.
- Double for a Crowd: Easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish for holiday meals or large gatherings.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños for a subtle heat.
What to Serve With Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Serve it alongside:
- Roast chicken, turkey, or ham
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- Meatloaf or baked pork chops
- Southern classics like fried chicken or collard greens
It’s especially popular as a Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish, holding its own next to stuffing, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before adding the cracker topping and baking.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings):
- Calories: ~290
- Carbohydrates: ~24g
- Protein: ~5g
- Fat: ~20g
- Saturated Fat: ~11g
- Cholesterol: ~50mg
- Sodium: ~450mg
- Sugar: ~6g
- Fiber: ~1g
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, no-fail side dish, Cream Cheese Corn Casserole with Ritz Crackers hits every note—creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple enough for everyday dinners but special enough for holiday spreads. And let’s be honest—who can resist a buttery Ritz cracker crust?
More recipes:
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and 1/4 cup melted butter until smooth. You can microwave them together in 15–20 second intervals to help them blend.
- Stir in both cans of corn, garlic powder (if using), and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can add shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup) into the mix for a cheesier casserole.
- For a spicy kick, mix in a few diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Easily double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch dish for larger gatherings.
- This dish reheats well in the oven or microwave — great for leftovers!
- Substitute crushed buttery club crackers if Ritz are unavailable.