Christmas Corn
Christmas Corn is a creamy, cheesy casserole bursting with sweet corn, green chilies, and pimientos. Its rich flavors and bubbly top make it a festive favorite, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners that crave a comforting, savory side dish with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix melted margarine and softened cream cheese until well combined.
- Add drained corn, drained green chilies, and chopped drained pimientos to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F until bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cream cheese instead of the low-fat version. You can also substitute the margarine with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. To add some heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or using spicy green chilies. This dish can easily be made vegetarian by ensuring all ingredients are meat-free. Serve it alongside American recipes like Country Fried Apples for a delightful holiday spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Christmas Corn as a warm side dish during holiday gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian spread. Consider adding a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. This dish also complements festive desserts like Pineapple Cream Pie for a perfect holiday feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the casserole dish with foil to prevent it from drying out, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This way, the dish retains its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Corn contains roughly 1204 calories, with 14g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (160% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1297mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it right before serving to enjoy the bubbly texture. If you bake it ahead of time, reheat it gently in the oven to keep it creamy.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh corn, you'll need about 4 cups of cooked corn kernels. Blanch the corn first to enhance its sweetness and tenderness, then mix it in as you would the canned corn for a fresh twist.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of canned products like corn and green chilies to ensure they haven't been processed with gluten-containing ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).