Are you ready to transform ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds? This Corn and Rice Casserole is not just a side dish – it's a creamy, cheesy sensation that combines the heartiness of rice, the sweetness of corn, and the irresistible allure of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's so delicious, it'll make you forget about all other side dishes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, drained corn kernels, and finely chopped onions. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Pour the milk into the rice and corn mixture, stirring gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined and moistened.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences. Mix well to distribute the seasonings throughout.
- Transfer half of the rice and corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the first layer, creating a uniform cheese coverage.
- Add the remaining rice and corn mixture on top of the cheese layer, creating a second even layer.
- Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use day-old rice for the best texture – slightly dried rice absorbs flavors better and prevents a mushy consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider sautéing the onions before adding them to the mixture to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Experiment with cheese varieties – while cheddar is classic, try mixing in some monterey jack or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- Make sure to drain the corn completely to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated – just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- For a protein boost, consider adding diced cooked chicken or crumbled bacon to the mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
