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Lighter Cheesy Corn Casserole with Buttery Cracker Topping

lighter cheesy corn casserole - featured image

A lighter version of a classic diner-style cheesy corn casserole with a crunchy buttery cracker topping. Creamy, sweet, and salty, this crowd-pleasing side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or any comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15.25 oz each) whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 can (14.75 oz) cream-style corn
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 sleeve (about 40 crackers) buttery round crackers, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Drain the whole kernel corn in a colander for a minute or two. Do not rinse.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, Greek yogurt, and beaten eggs. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack, 2 tablespoons melted butter, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Fold until evenly distributed.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Tap the dish gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  6. Place the sleeve of buttery crackers in a Ziploc bag, seal, and crush into coarse crumbs. Pour into a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar. Stir with a fork until coated.
  7. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Do not press down.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until edges are bubbly and topping is golden brown. The center should be set but slightly jiggly. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil after 25 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve warm, scooping generous portions to include the crunchy topping.

Notes

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set properly. For extra crunch, double the topping. Use room temperature eggs and yogurt for a smoother texture. Do not overmix the batter. The casserole can be assembled (without topping) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy corn casserole, lighter corn casserole, buttery cracker topping, corn casserole, Thanksgiving side dish, potluck recipe, easy corn casserole