Introducing the delightful Crunchy Corn Gratin, a savory sensation straight from the kitchens of Canadian Living! With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of 40 minutes, this dish is a perfect addition to any meal, especially for those who crave a hot and satisfying vegetable that stays deliciously warm from start to finish. Bursting with the goodness of corn and a cheesy, flavorful blend, this gratin is bound to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/4 cup margarine, melted
- 1/8 cup bread crumbs
Instructions:
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Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red and green peppers, and dried thyme. Sauté until the onion is softened, approximately 3 minutes.
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Add Flour: Sprinkle the mixture with all-purpose flour and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for an additional 1 minute.
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Thicken with Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes.
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Incorporate Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Mix in Corn: Gently fold in the frozen corn kernels until evenly distributed throughout the cheesy sauce.
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Transfer to Casserole Dish: Scrape the creamy corn mixture into a 4-cup capacity casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Bake First Round: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through.
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Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, toss together the bread crumbs and melted margarine until well combined.
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Add Topping: After the initial 20 minutes of baking, uncover the gratin and evenly sprinkle the bread crumb topping over the surface.
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Bake Until Golden: Return the gratin to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly, about 20 minutes more.
Make Ahead Directions:
- Once you’ve assembled the gratin in the casserole dish, allow it to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 2 days, preserving its freshness and flavors.
- Alternatively, for longer storage, overwrap the dish with heavy-duty foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the gratin in the refrigerator overnight.
- Note: Adjust the baking time by adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes to ensure thorough heating.
With its creamy texture, flavorful cheese blend, and satisfying crunch on top, this Crunchy Corn Gratin is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether served as a side dish or a standalone indulgence, it’s a versatile recipe that guarantees smiles all around the table. Give it a try and experience the comforting goodness for yourself! 🌽🧀