Name: Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole: 3 Secrets Revealed
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces thick cut turkey bacon, diced; ½ cup onions, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups half n half; 3 cups frozen corn or canned, drained; 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes; 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 roll of Ritz crackers

Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

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Okay, let’s talk casseroles! Seriously, is there anything better, especially when the holidays roll around? I’m a total sucker for anything baked in a dish, bubbling with cheese, and topped with something crunchy. And let me tell you, this Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers? It’s my absolute *favorite*.

It’s just pure comfort food, ya know? Sweet corn, salty bacon, creamy cheese… then that buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping? Ugh, it’s heaven. Plus, it’s so darn easy to throw together. Seriously, even *I* can’t mess it up! I’ve made this for so many family gatherings, and it’s always the first thing to disappear. Everyone always asks for the recipe, and honestly, I’m always happy to share. It’s just too good not to!

This cheesy creamed corn casserole is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or honestly, any old Tuesday when you need a little something special. You gotta try it. Trust me on this one!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Quick and Easy Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Seriously, you can whip this up in no time! Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something yummy but don’t wanna spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also a lifesaver during the holidays when you’ve got a million other things going on!

The Ultimate Comfort Food Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Think creamy, cheesy, bacony goodness all in one dish! The textures are amazing – the soft corn, the crispy bacon, and that crunchy Ritz topping? It’s like a warm hug in food form. I’m telling ya, it’s the BEST!

Perfect for Holidays and Gatherings: Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

This casserole is always a hit at potlucks and family dinners. It’s easy to transport, feeds a crowd, and everyone loves it! Plus, it goes with pretty much everything. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Flavor-Packed Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Oh my gosh, the flavors! The sweetness of the corn, the saltiness of the bacon, and the creamy, cheesy sauce… it’s a party in your mouth! And that buttery Ritz cracker topping? It just takes it over the top. You’ve gotta try it to believe it!

Ingredients for Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

The Essentials You’ll Need for Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need:

4 pieces thick cut turkey bacon, diced – I like turkey bacon, but hey, use whatever bacon makes you happy!
½ cup onions, diced – yellow or white, whatever you’ve got!
2 cloves garlic, minced – go for fresh, it makes a difference, trust me!
¼ teaspoon salt – just a pinch!
1/8 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is always best!
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – this helps thicken things up.
1 1/4 cups half n half – nice and creamy!
3 cups frozen corn or canned, drained – I usually use frozen ’cause it’s easy.
8 ounce package cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes – gotta be softened, or it won’t mix right!
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – freshly shredded melts the best!
3 tablespoons butter, melted – unsalted is my go-to.
1 roll of Ritz crackers – the *real* star of the show!

How to Make Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Bacon and Onions for Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Alright, first things first, let’s get that bacon cookin’! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Now, grab a large oven-safe skillet (trust me, this makes life SO much easier later) and put it over medium-high heat. Toss in that diced bacon and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. Mmm, bacon! Take it out and let it drain on some paper towels. But don’t you DARE get rid of all that bacon fat! Leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan – that’s liquid gold right there!

Next, add your diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them, stirring now and then, until they’re soft and fragrant – about 2-3 minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!

Creating the Creamy Corn Base for Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Okay, time to get creamy! Sprinkle in the flour and cook it for about a minute. This helps thicken everything up, ya know? Now, turn the heat down to low and, *stirring constantly* (this is important, folks!), slowly pour in the half n half. Then, add in those cream cheese cubes. Keep stirring until the cream cheese is all melted and smooth. Don’t worry if it takes a few minutes, just be patient!

Assembling the Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Almost there! Now, dump in the corn, most of the cheddar cheese (save a little for topping!), and most of the cooked bacon (again, save a little for garnish – presentation matters!). Mix it all together until it’s nicely combined. Looking good, right?

The Ritz Cracker Topping for Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

This is the *best* part, if you ask me! In a small bowl, crush up those Ritz crackers. You can use your hands, a fork, or even put them in a bag and whack them with a rolling pin – whatever works! Then, pour in the melted butter and mix it all together until the crackers are coated. It should look like coarse crumbs. Yum!

Baking Your Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers to Perfection

Alright, now, evenly spread that buttery Ritz cracker mixture over the top of the casserole. Sprinkle with the reserved cheddar cheese. Pop the whole skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the crackers are golden brown. Keep an eye on it so the crackers don’t burn! When it’s done, take it out of the oven and sprinkle with the reserved bacon. If you’re feeling fancy, add a little chopped parsley for color. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving… and then dig in!

Tips for the Best Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Choosing the Right Corn for Your Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Okay, corn time! Fresh corn is amazing if you can get it, but honestly, frozen works just as well and it’s SO easy. Canned corn? It’s okay in a pinch, but just make sure you drain it really well, or your casserole might get a little watery. Nobody wants a watery casserole!

Getting the Perfect Cheese Pull in Your Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Want that super melty, stretchy cheese? Then, for the love of all that is holy, shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese has cellulose in it to keep it from clumping, and that also keeps it from melting as nicely. Trust me on this one, it makes a HUGE difference!

Adding Extra Flavor to Your Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Wanna kick things up a notch? Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the cream sauce. Or maybe a little garlic powder? Some chopped fresh chives would be amazing too! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Swapping Out Ingredients in Your Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Okay, so maybe you don’t have bacon on hand? No worries! Diced ham or even some crispy fried onions would be yummy substitutes. For cheese, you can use any kind of cheddar you like – mild, medium, sharp… it’s all good! And if you’re gluten-free, just swap out the Ritz crackers for your favorite gluten-free cracker. Easy peasy!

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

What to Serve with Your Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing casserole… what do you serve it with? Well, honestly, it goes with just about anything! But my personal faves are roasted chicken, a juicy baked ham, or even a simple grilled pork tenderloin. Yum! It’s also great alongside some BBQ ribs. Seriously, you can’t go wrong!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Can I Make Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers Ahead of Time?

Totally! You can assemble the whole casserole (without the Ritz topping) a day ahead, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Then, just add the Ritz topping right before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven, just to make sure it’s heated through.

How Do I Store Leftover Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers?

Leftovers are the BEST! Just let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s nice and warm.

Can I Freeze Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers?

Yep, you sure can! Let it cool completely, then wrap it really well in plastic wrap, then in foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake it as directed. The Ritz topping might not be quite as crispy after freezing, but it’ll still be delicious!

Nutritional Information for Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers

Okay, so let’s talk numbers! Now, I gotta give you the ol’ disclaimer here: nutritional info can vary *wildly* depending on the brands you use, the exact amounts, and all that jazz. So, these are just estimates, okay? Don’t come yellin’ at me if your Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers comes out a *little* different!

Generally speaking, one serving is gonna run you around 400 calories. You’re also looking at roughly 30 grams of carbs, 15 grams of protein, and a good 25 grams of fat. Hey, it’s comfort food! Just enjoy it. Everything in moderation, right?

Ready to Bake Your Cheesy Creamed Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ritz Crackers?

Alright, what are you waiting for?! Seriously, go make this! I promise you won’t regret it. And hey, if you do try it, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you guys! Oh, and don’t forget to snap a pic and share it on social media! Tag me so I can see your cheesy creation!