This baked corn casserole is a great substitute for the unhealthy recipes typically served at family functions or on holidays. You know, the recipe with tons of butter and cheese. This version has a Southwest influence by using mild green chilies, salsa or enchilada sauce, avocado, and a sprinkling of cilantro. If you want to add another layer of flavor you could throw in some black beans.
I have designed this recipe to be served as an appetizer with freshly baked chips (especially corn chips) see my recipe for the baked version. It’s delicious and so flavorful as a dip and would be perfect for any kind of party or gathering.
We use tofu in this recipe. Tofu is a great source of protein. See my post, “The Safety of Soy,” if you have concerns about eating soy.
Check out these other hearty and healthy casserole dishes:
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Scalloped Potato and Cabbage Casserole
- Vegan Green Bean Casserole
- Baked Vegan Mac & Cheese
It also uses corn, and while I state you can use canned, the fresher corn is so much better. If you feel intimidated about cutting fresh corn off the cob, here’s an easy tutorial. If you’re still not sure you want to do it that method…. no problem; there are some handy kitchen tools you can use that make cutting fresh corn a breeze!
You don’t have to just pigeonhole this recipe for appetizers. It is hearty and delicious enough to have as a side dish or complete meal. You can serve this with a nice salad, crunchy slaw, or even fruit salad.
It would make a yummy meal, and it’s quick and easy enough to serve on a weeknight. It doesn’t take long to prepare so busy moms and wives can appreciate this recipe.
I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below for this Baked Corn Casserole Recipe! If you have a photo, post it on my Instagram page, tag me using the hashtag #plantbasedcooking in your caption, and I won’t miss it!
Inspired by Chez Cayenne’s recipe
Baked Corn Casserole with Spinach & Chilies
Ingredients
- 1 14-16 oz. block firm organic tofu drained and rinsed
- 1 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup non-dairy unsweetened milk like soy
- 1 10 oz pkg frozen spinach thawed and water squeezed out
- 2 4 oz cans diced mild chilies or
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 ears fresh corn taken off of cob, or 10 oz pkg frozen, thawed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Condiments: Store-bought Salsa or Enchilada sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare a 9x12 or 13" baking dish by spraying with a little oil or you can use parchment paper for oil-free.
- Prepare cornmeal by heating 1 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan with 1/2 cup of the milk alternative until almost boiling. Slowly whisk in the corn meal and stir constantly until mixture thickens. Transfer to a large bowl.
- To a food processor, add the garlic, tofu, 1 cup corn and remaining 1/4 cup milk alternative. Process until smooth. Stir into the cooked cornmeal in the large bowl.
- Add the spinach, remaining whole corn, diced chilies, baking powder, spices, salt, and pepper and mix well. This may take some elbow grease.
- Pour into your baking dish and bake for 60-70 minutes until crispy and firm at the edges. The middle will be a bit wiggly still. Let stand for 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Serve topped with salsa or enchilada sauce
Its is suppose to be soft in the inside or did i not bake it long enough. (70 min)
Yes, it can be softer in the middle and should get less so as it cools. It also depends on how deep your dish is. You can leave it in the oven a tad longer to help. Cheers 🙂
Is there a way to make this without Soy or Tofu? I am so allergic to both of these, and this recipe sounds great.
I’m sorry to hear about your allergy. I’ll have to mull that over and think about what could substitute, maybe beans, like cannellini…I can’t think of anything else off the top of my head.
Maybe cauliflower?
Good idea!
Maybe use chick pea tofu? Lots of easy two ingredient recipes on the web.
What about substituting chickpea flour, add some veggie broth, black salt, onion and garlic powder and it would be kind of like an egg casserole?
Thanks for the suggestion. Chickpea flour could probably be substituted for cornmeal and veggie broth for water. I already think of it as an egg casserole. Have a chickpea omelet on the site, too. 👍
I have used a roasted cauliflower…puréed with a can of cannelloni white beans to make a ricotta type filling for lasagne. I think it would work nicely here.
Hi Janet, I like your idea! I think it would work great as a substitute for the tofu. Not everyone likes tofu or soy. Thanks for the tip.❤️
OMG – my husband and I started eating Plant Based about 3 months ago. Tried this recipe tonight and we love it. We added the black beans as suggested. It was pretty funny, but we had an out of town guest at our house who is not Plant Based, but he enjoyed it. Thanks for a great recipe – we will be taking this one to a pot luck next week.
Hey Kathy, Thanks for the feedback and I’m so glad you all enjoyed the recipe, even your out of town guest! Yay.
I don’t see what size pan to bake the casserole in.
I’ve used a round souffle dish before but more common would be in a 9×12 or 12″ baking dish. Thanks for catching that. It’s updated now.
What size cans of diced mild chilis are you using?
That would be 2, 4 oz cans. I updated it in the ingredients. I have seen larger cans around 7 oz and one of those would work, as well.