Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Bake: A Spicy, Creamy Crowd Favorite

Name: Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Bake: A Spicy, Creamy Crowd Favorite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix (like Jiffy); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained; 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn; 2 large eggs; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup sour cream; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat); ½ cup chopped green onions (optional)

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Looking for a show-stopping side dish that brings bold flavor and cheesy comfort to the table? Say hello to Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Bake—the ultimate combination of sweet corn, gooey cheese, and spicy jalapeños baked into one creamy, golden casserole. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, planning a backyard BBQ, or prepping for the holidays, this easy dish is sure to steal the spotlight.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every detail: ingredients, instructions, tips, variations, nutrition, and answers to the most common questions. By the end, you’ll be ready to serve up this spicy-sweet sensation like a pro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-bowl prep with minimal cleanup
Perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and sweet
Feeds a crowd—great for potlucks, BBQs, and family dinners
Customizable with extra heat, different cheeses, or add-ins
Bakes up golden and bubbly every time

Ingredients for Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful and creamy side dish:

Dry Ingredients:

1 box (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
2 large eggs
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sour cream

Add-Ins:

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
½ cup chopped green onions (optional)

How to Make Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a deep 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, sour cream, whole corn, and creamed corn.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the corn muffin mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 4: Stir in Jalapeños and Cheese

Fold in the chopped jalapeños, shredded cheese, and green onions if using. Reserve a handful of cheese for topping.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheesy center to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 12 Servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	280
Carbohydrates	25g
Protein	6g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	55mg
Sodium	400mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	5g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on cheese type and jalapeño amount.

Pro Tips for Success

Use fresh jalapeños for the best texture and flavor. For extra spice, leave in some seeds.
Cheese it up. Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend all work great.
Let it rest. Cooling for 5–10 minutes after baking helps it slice cleanly.
Double the batch. This dish is a crowd favorite and disappears fast—consider making two!
Make it ahead. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake before serving.

Delicious Variations

This cheesy corn bake is super versatile! Try one of these creative spins:

1. Extra Spicy Jalapeño Corn Bake

Add a diced serrano pepper or a pinch of cayenne for a fiery twist.

2. Bacon Jalapeño Corn Bake

Fold in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky richness.

3. Tex-Mex Style

Add ½ teaspoon cumin and a handful of chopped cilantro. Top with avocado or hot sauce before serving.

4. Vegetarian Mexican Corn Bake

Mix in black beans, chopped red bell pepper, and top with Cotija cheese for a meatless version with flair.

5. Mini Muffin Bites

Spoon batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20–25 minutes for perfect party bites!

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Bake makes a stellar side dish for:

Grilled chicken or steak
Pulled pork sandwiches
Chili or soup nights
Thanksgiving and holiday meals
Summer BBQs or potlucks

Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned?

Absolutely! Use 1 cup of fresh or thawed frozen corn in place of the canned whole kernel corn.

What if I don’t have corn muffin mix?

You can make a DIY mix using ¾ cup cornmeal, ¾ cup flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick. Remove the jalapeño seeds for less heat or add an extra pepper for more.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.

How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, bake and cool the dish, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 325°F until warm.

Conclusion: A Side Dish That Steals the Show

Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Bake is the perfect marriage of comfort food and bold flavor. It’s rich, creamy, slightly spicy, and oh-so satisfying. The best part? It’s effortless to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner, this corn casserole is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Go ahead and bookmark this one—you won’t regret it!