Welcome to the delightful world of Southwestern Spicy Corn Casserole! This dish is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of heat. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress.
Cornmeal is the star of this dish, providing a hearty base and classic cornbread texture. All-purpose flour helps bind the mixture, ensuring a perfect casserole consistency. A blend of baking powder and baking soda adds lift, making the casserole light and fluffy. Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors, while unsalted butter adds richness. Sour cream and milk introduce creaminess and tang, creating a smooth batter. Eggs provide structure, helping the casserole hold together. Cream-style corn and frozen corn kernels offer sweetness and texture, while sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese melt into gooey perfection. Jalapeños add a kick, but can be adjusted for heat. Finally, cilantro and scallions bring a fresh, vibrant note to the dish.
This casserole pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as chicken or steak. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a fresh avocado and tomato salad. It’s also delightful as part of a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and doesn't stick. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. This dry mixture forms the foundation of your casserole.
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, sour cream, milk, and eggs until they're well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just mixed. Be careful not to over-mix; you just want everything to come together.
Now, fold in the cream-style corn, thawed corn kernels, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeños, cilantro, and scallions. Gently stir until these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set properly.
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