Cheddar Corn Casserole

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

That's my motto in many areas of life.  Including cooking.  If I find a flavor combination I like, I stick with it.  Today is no exception.

I love macaroni and cheese.  No matter what I add to flavor it, I always start with the same basic flavors if possible.  Extra sharp cheddar.  Onions.  It's not always everyone's favorite cup of tea, but it sure is mine.

So when I went hunting for a good corn casserole recipe, I was surprised to discover that most are mac & cheese recipes without the mac.  Well... that sounds easy enough.

I took my favorite macaroni and cheese recipe and restructured it to utilize corn.  It's not the healthiest corn casserole, I'm sure.  But it's got to be better for you than the pasta version, right?

Plus, since you know I'm a big fan of cheddar cheese and jalapeno, I created a souped up version with the spicy kick of jalapenos at the bottom.

Oh my...





Corn & Cheese Casserole
(inspired by Saveur)

1/2 white onion, finely diced
2 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 cup flour
3 cups milk
2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
4 10oz. cans of corn
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp tabasco sauce
Salt & Pepper to taste

Topping:
1 cup crushed cornbread croutons
1 tbsp melted butter
2 tsp dried parsley


Preheat oven 350F.

Saute onions in 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.  Add garlic and saute an additional minute.

Add the rest of the butter and flour.  Stir to form a roux.

Add milk and bring to a boil.  Stir to thicken.  Reduce to a simmer and add cheddar, tabasco, and paprika.  Stir until smooth.

Remove from heat and stir in corn.

Pour mixture into a 9x13 pan.

For the topping, combine crushed cornbread croutons, butter and parsley in a bowl.  Sprinkle topping over the corn mixture.

Bake 40 minutes, or until top is bubbly and browned.

Let cool.




Variation:

Cheddar Jalapeno Corn Casserole - Add 1/3 cup diced jalapenos in with the onions to saute.  You can also save 1 tsp jalapeno juice and stir it into the melted butter when making the bread crumb topping.  Omit the tabasco as it's unnecessary.





Listening to:   Kelly Clarkson - Dark Side