Description
This Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese (plant-based) offers a creamy, rich, and comforting dish that combines tender corn kernels with smooth plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and a hint of sweetness. Easy to prepare and bake, it is perfect as a versatile side or main dish suitable for family meals, potlucks, and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 8 oz cream cheese (plant-based), softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream (plant-based)
- 1/4 cup butter (plant-based), softened
- 1 cup milk (plant-based)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese (plant-based), sour cream (plant-based), and butter (plant-based). Beat the mixture until completely smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps for a silky base.
- Add the Flavor Ingredients: Stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), sugar, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the plant-based milk, mixing well so that all ingredients blend into a smooth and flavorful batter.
- Incorporate the Corn and Flour: Gently fold in the corn kernels, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter. Then sprinkle in the flour and the natural gelling agent, mixing carefully to maintain a light texture without overworking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period deepens the flavors and helps with easier serving and cutting.
Notes
- Use fresh corn when possible for the best texture and natural sweetness; frozen corn works well too.
- Ensure cream cheese (plant-based) and butter (plant-based) are softened to achieve a smoother mixture.
- Fold ingredients gently to keep the casserole light and airy instead of dense.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Use natural gelling agents like pectin, agar, or carrageenan to set the casserole perfectly.
- Canned corn can be used if well drained to avoid excess moisture.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend.
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator before baking.
- For less sweetness, reduce or omit the sugar; the natural sweetness of corn will balance the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: corn casserole, plant-based cream cheese, vegetarian side dish, gluten free casserole, creamy corn casserole, dairy-free, vegan casserole