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Lighter Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Casserole

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A lighter, healthier twist on classic corn casserole, featuring creamy corn, sharp cheddar, and a gentle kick from fresh jalapeños. Ready in under 40 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any day you crave comfort food without the guilt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
  • 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
  • 2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup milk (any kind works)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease lightly with butter. Set aside.
  2. Drain the whole kernel corn in a fine-mesh strainer and let sit for a minute to remove excess liquid. Pat dry with a paper towel if desired.
  3. Prep the jalapeños: cut off stems, slice in half lengthwise, scrape out seeds and white membranes, then dice finely (about 1/4-inch pieces).
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy corn muffin mix, drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, Greek yogurt, melted butter, beaten egg, milk, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until just combined (a few lumps are fine).
  5. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños, reserving about 1/4 cup of cheese for topping. Stir gently until evenly distributed.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture. Adjust heat by removing jalapeño seeds for milder flavor or leaving some in for extra kick. Let the casserole rest before slicing for cleaner pieces. For deeper flavor, sauté diced jalapeños in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes before adding. Use room temperature ingredients if possible for even baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn casserole, jalapeño corn casserole, lighter corn casserole, cheesy corn casserole, Jiffy corn casserole, easy corn casserole, healthy corn casserole

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/lighter-cheesy-jalape-n-o-corn-casserole-easy-recipe/