Looking for a side dish that walks the line between comfort food and bold, spicy flavor? This jalapeño creamed corn recipe delivers both. It’s creamy, cheesy, and rich — everything you love about traditional creamed corn — but with a lively jalapeño twist that adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, making a weeknight family dinner, or rounding out your holiday spread, this recipe turns humble corn into a standout dish.
Why jalapeño creamed corn works so well
Classic creamed corn is pure comfort — buttery, rich, and satisfying. With cream cheese and cheddar in the mix, it’s indulgent in all the right ways. But adding fresh jalapeño peppers transforms it into something special.
The mild heat and grassy brightness of jalapeños cut through the richness, giving every bite balance and a hint of adventure. It’s just spicy enough to please heat lovers but not so fiery that it scares off anyone at the table.
For those craving more intensity, try serrano peppers instead. They have a similar flavor but roughly double the heat. Because serranos are smaller, you’ll need an extra pepper or two to match the amount used in the recipe. Finely dice them to spread the heat evenly.
Perfect pairings for jalapeño creamed corn
This spicy side dish fits into all kinds of meals — from smoky barbecue to Tex-Mex feasts and Southern comfort classics. Here are some great ways to serve it:
- Smoky BBQ mains: Try it with smoked brisket, pulled pork, or barbecue chicken. The creaminess cools smoky, tangy sauces and rubs.
- Tex-Mex favorites: It’s a natural next to tacos, enchiladas, or carne asada. The mild heat complements bold spices perfectly.
- Southern comfort staples: Serve alongside fried chicken, catfish, or country-style meatloaf for a modern twist on traditional sides.
- Vegetarian pairings: Add richness to a veggie plate — it pairs beautifully with grilled zucchini, poblano peppers, or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Some of our favorite pairings among PepperScale recipes:
Easy adaptations and flavor twists
This dish is endlessly flexible. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Extra cheesy goodness: Add shredded pepper jack or Monterey Jack for more melt and chili flavor.
- Make it a dip: Bake in a shallow dish with extra cheddar on top and serve hot with tortilla chips. Perfect for parties or game days.
- Add smoky richness: Stir in bacon crumbles or chorizo for a heartier flavor.
- Lighten it up: Replace part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or use half-and-half for a slightly lighter texture.
- Use fresh corn: When it’s in season, skip the canned corn and cut kernels straight from the cob. Lightly sauté them before adding for extra sweetness and pop.
More quick tips
- Control your spice level: Remove the jalapeño seeds and membranes for a milder version — or keep them for that extra zing. A lot of the pepper’s heat is in the membrane, so removing it is a quick and easy way to make this side more family friendly.
- Make it ahead: Cook it a day early, store it covered in the fridge, and reheat gently over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the texture.
- Double it up: This dish goes fast! Double the recipe for potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings.
Like this recipe? You’ll love these too:
- Jalapeño Corn Casserole: This recipe works well either as a side or as a full meal.
- Easy Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins: One of our favorite “grab and go” BBQ sides. So much fun for gatherings.
- Spicy Corn on the Cob: Cayenne provides heat and cumin adds some earthiness. Very tasty!
Jalapeño Creamed Corn
Ingredients
- 3 cans whole kernel corn 11 ounce cans
- 3 jalapeño peppers seeded and stemmed, minced
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 stick butter softened
- 1 package cream cheese 8 ounce package, softened
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and stir well.
- Spoon the corn mix into a medium-sized baking pan (11×7 or 13×9 for instance) and spread evenly.
- Place the baking pan into the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the creamed corn from the oven, and stir well once more.
- Serve.
How many servings does this make?
a great taste, but the cream cheese didn’t want to dissolve until I stirred it up after baking. Not sure why 45 minutes and not just 30