Spicy Corn Casserole
A creamy, spicy corn casserole with smoky tomatoes and sweet corn, perfect for make-ahead gatherings and comfort food lovers craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, sauté the chopped onion in light margarine until tender.
- Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, whole kernel yellow corn, Shoe Peg white corn, and cream-style yellow corn. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass baking dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Place the dish in a cold oven and bake at 325°F for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mix. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, ensure the margarine is plant-based. You can also substitute regular canned corn with frozen corn if fresh is unavailable. Sauté the onion just until fragrant to maintain some crunch in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Corn Casserole pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as a hearty side for a vegetarian meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad, like Lemon Lime Nut Salad, for a balanced meal. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, and you can top it with shredded cheese before baking for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Corn Casserole contains roughly 593 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 680mg per serving (30% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What can I use instead of margarine?
You can substitute butter or olive oil for margarine in this recipe. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well too, giving a subtle flavor that complements the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, use diced tomatoes without green chilies or omit any additional spicy ingredients like jalapeños. You can also add more cream-style corn to balance out the heat.
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).