If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a delightful crunch, look no further than the classic Ritz Corn Casserole. This recipe has been a favorite at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings for decades, thanks to its perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a satisfying crispness that contrasts beautifully with the warm, tender corn mixture beneath. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and uses simple pantry staples, making it an ideal go-to dish for both novice and experienced cooks.
Whether you want to bring a nostalgic dish to your next dinner party or simply crave a warm, hearty side to accompany your main course, this Ritz Corn Casserole recipe will not disappoint. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with everything from roasted chicken to vegetarian mains.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and creamy with just the right amount of crunch. Here are a few reasons why this dish stands out:
- Easy to make: Minimal prep and common ingredients make it a quick and hassle-free dish.
- Versatile side: Goes with a variety of mains like roasted meats, vegetarian entrees, and holiday feasts.
- Deliciously textured: Creamy corn baked under a buttery Ritz cracker crust delivers a mouthwatering contrast.
- Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or extras like jalapeños or cheese for a twist.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
- 1 package (8.5 oz) Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin (for crushing crackers)
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Crush the Ritz crackers: Place the crackers in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, put them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until finely ground. Set aside.
- Prepare the corn mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green bell pepper, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers</strong evenly over the top of the corn mixture, pressing lightly to help them adhere.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of flavor, try mixing in a cup of diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the corn mixture. You can also swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist!”
- Make it vegetarian-friendly: This casserole is already vegetarian, but if you want to veganize it, check out some delicious dairy substitutes in our Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals post.
- Add protein: Fold in cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for a heartier version.
- Mix up the topping: Try crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers for a different crunch.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add topping just before baking.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
Serving Suggestions
This Ritz Corn Casserole shines as a side dish, pairing beautifully with a variety of main courses. Consider serving it alongside:
- Roasted or grilled chicken: The creamy corn complements smoky poultry flavors perfectly.
- Vegetarian mains: Try it with a hearty lentil loaf or veggie burgers. For more great vegetarian ideas, check out our Cooking Light Vegetarian Casserole Recipes for Easy Meals.
- Holiday dinners: A fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table, offering a nostalgic and comforting taste.
- Simple weeknight meals: Serve it alongside a fresh salad like our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
The Ritz Corn Casserole is a timeless dish that never goes out of style. Its creamy corn base, combined with the buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping, creates a harmony of flavors and textures that delight every bite.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or contributing to a festive feast, this casserole is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
This recipe’s simplicity and versatility make it a must-have in your recipe collection. Plus, with easy variations and the ability to adapt it for vegetarian or more indulgent tastes, the possibilities are endless.
Don’t forget to explore other delicious and wholesome recipes on our site such as Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide to continue your culinary journey.
📖 Recipe Card: Ritz Corn Casserole Recipe
Description: A creamy, cheesy corn casserole topped with buttery Ritz crackers for a crunchy finish. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix corn muffin mix, whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, cheese, onions, sugar, and salt.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top evenly with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 30 g
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