Tamale Corn
Tamale Corn is a hearty, cheesy casserole featuring sweet creamed corn, spicy green chilies, and sharp cheddar. Its comforting flavor profile and layered textures make it perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a taste of Southern comfort with a Latin-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the green chili peppers and grated Cheddar cheese together.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add creamed corn, cornmeal, garlic salt, baking powder, and Wesson oil. Mix well.
- Pour the corn mixture into a baking dish.
- Layer the cheese mixture over the corn mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to the cheese mixture. You can also substitute the sharp Cheddar with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. If you're looking to reduce calories, use egg substitutes and a lighter oil. To enhance the dish, add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tamale Corn hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. It pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican Style Eggs for breakfast or as a filling side dish at dinner. For a complete meal, consider serving with a fresh salad or nacho salad for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but baking will keep the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale Corn contains roughly 215 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 465mg per serving (20% 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 corn mixture and cheese layer a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the creamed corn?
If you don't have creamed corn, you can use regular corn and mix it with a bit of heavy cream or milk to achieve a similar consistency. Alternatively, pureed corn can also work well, providing a smoother texture while still maintaining the dish's flavor.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Tamale Corn recipe is vegetarian-friendly! With no meat ingredients, it's perfect for those following a vegetarian diet. You can also browse more vegetarian recipes to complement this dish, such as a refreshing salsa and cheese dip.
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).