Cheddar Sweet Corn Pie – A Comforting, Cheesy, and Corn-Filled Delight

Looking for a dish that brings together the sweetness of corn, the creaminess of cheddar, and the savory crunch of panko breadcrumbs? Look no further than this Cheddar Sweet Corn Pie, a golden, bubbly masterpiece that combines fresh corn kernels with a cheesy, custard-like filling, all baked under a crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s the perfect side dish or even a stand-alone meal when you’re craving something comforting and wholesome. Each slice delivers a blend of sweet and savory flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more, making it a perfect addition to family dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts.

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Cheddar Sweet Corn Pie

Corn is the unsung hero of so many delicious dishes, and this Cheddar Sweet Corn Pie is no exception. While it’s inspired by the classic flavors of a corn casserole, this pie takes it up a notch with its blend of cheddar and fontina cheeses, creamy custard filling, and crunchy breadcrumb topping. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—basic ingredients like fresh corn, eggs, and cheese are transformed into something spectacular when combined. The flavors are rich and balanced, with the natural sweetness of the corn shining through, complemented by the sharpness of cheddar and the earthiness of garlic and onions. Whether you’re serving it with a roast chicken or enjoying it as a vegetarian main dish, this pie is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Why Cheddar Sweet Corn Pie Will Be a Crowd Pleaser

This Cheddar Sweet Corn Pie has all the elements of a comfort food classic: creamy, cheesy goodness paired with the sweet pop of fresh corn, all topped with a crunchy, golden panko breadcrumb crust. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and reheats beautifully. The combination of cheeses (cheddar and fontina) creates a rich, savory layer that’s offset by the sweetness of the corn. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a dish that looks impressive and tastes even better. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a side dish or as a main course!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 10g
• Sodium: 530mg
• Fiber: 2g

Cheddar Sweet Corn Pie makes a filling, hearty dish that’s perfect for pairing with lighter sides like a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Cheddar Sweet Corn Pie is a versatile dish that can be served as a side to a wide range of meals or enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian main. For a well-rounded meal, serve it alongside roasted or grilled meats like chicken, pork, or steak. It’s also a great complement to seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or baked salmon. If you’re looking for a lighter pairing, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the cheese and custard, creating a balanced meal.

For a fun twist, serve it at brunch with a side of scrambled eggs or fresh fruit. You can also make this pie ahead of time and bring it to potlucks or family gatherings—it’s sure to be a hit no matter the occasion.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave, or place the entire pie in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. The pie also freezes well—simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven.

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Fun Fact: The Origin of Corn Pies and Casseroles

Corn has been a staple of American cooking for centuries, with dishes like corn pudding and corn casserole appearing in regional cuisines across the U.S. Corn pies, in particular, have roots in Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, where they often combined fresh summer corn with eggs and cream to create a simple yet satisfying dish. Over time, cooks have added their own spins on the recipe, incorporating everything from cheese to breadcrumbs, making corn pies a beloved comfort food across many cultures.

Cooking Tips

• Use Fresh or Frozen Corn: Fresh corn adds the best texture and flavor, but if corn isn’t in season, frozen kernels work just as well.
• Get Creative with the Cheese: While cheddar and fontina are delicious in this recipe, you can mix it up by using other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
• Make it Extra Crispy: If you love a crispy topping, broil the pie for the last minute or two of baking. Just keep an eye on it so the breadcrumbs don’t burn!

Optional Variations

• Cheesy Overload: For an even cheesier pie, add an extra cup of shredded cheese to the mixture or sprinkle more on top before baking.
• Bacon Lovers: For a smoky flavor, mix in some cooked, crumbled bacon with the corn mixture before baking.
• Vegetable Boost: Add some diced bell peppers or chopped spinach to the corn mixture for added color, flavor, and nutrients.

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Cheddar Sweet Corn Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for the dish)
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 4 cups fresh or thawed corn kernels (about 6 large ears)
• 2/3 cup milk (you can use half plant-based milk and half dairy milk, or just half and half)
• 2 cups (about 8 oz.) grated soft cheese (use half mild cheddar and half fontina)
• ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
• ¾ teaspoon ground white pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
• 3 eggs
• Paprika (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and adjust the rack to just above the middle position. Lightly butter a standard-sized pie plate or a shallow baking dish.
2. Cook the onions and garlic: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 ½ tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for about 4 minutes until they are soft and beginning to brown at the edges. Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3. Combine the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic mixture with the corn, milk, 1 ½ cups of grated cheese, ½ cup of panko bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and optional chives. Stir to mix everything together.
4. Add the eggs: Once the mixture is well-combined, stir in the eggs until fully incorporated.
5. Prepare the pie: Pour the corn mixture into your buttered pie plate, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Make the topping: Melt the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter and let it cool slightly. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the remaining ¼ cup panko, ½ cup grated cheese, ½ tablespoon chives (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pie.
7. Bake: Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet for easier handling, and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the pie is slightly puffed, set in the middle, and golden brown on top.
8. Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and additional chives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Cheddar Sweet Corn Pie is a delicious, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor, texture, and warmth. The combination of fresh sweet corn, melted cheese, and crunchy panko makes it a standout on any table. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a big family meal or enjoying it on its own, this pie is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try, and see how quickly it becomes a requested dish at your gatherings!