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Lightened-Up Sweet Corn Casserole with Jalapeño & Cheddar

lightened-up sweet corn casserole - featured image

A lighter, fluffier take on classic corn casserole, featuring sweet corn, spicy jalapeño, and sharp cheddar. Greek yogurt replaces heavy cream and butter for a creamy, satisfying dish that feels like comfort food without the guilt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups frozen sweet corn, thawed
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Puree half the corn: Take 2 cups of the thawed corn and add it to a blender. Pulse 5-6 times until it forms a chunky puree.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, beaten eggs, melted butter, and honey until smooth.
  4. Add the dry ingredients: Sprinkle in the cornmeal, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined.
  5. Fold in the corn and cheese: Add the pureed corn, whole corn kernels, and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar. Fold until evenly distributed. Then fold in the diced jalapeño and cilantro (if using).
  6. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking.
  7. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar over the top, followed by the sliced green onions.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are pulling away from the dish. The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle.
  9. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking for a more tender texture. Shred your own cheese for better melting. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free Greek yogurt and vegan cheddar. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free cornmeal.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn casserole, lightened-up, Greek yogurt, jalapeño, cheddar, sweet corn, comfort food, side dish, vegetarian, gluten-free option