Indulge in a light and flavorful corn pudding that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish brings together the sweetness of corn with a blend of cheeses and a hint of spice, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Whether served as a side or a main dish, this lite corn pudding will surely impress your guests.
When preparing this recipe, be aware that not all ingredients may be readily available in your pantry. Pepper jack cheese, light sour cream, green chiles, and jalapeño peppers might require a trip to the supermarket. It's important to choose the right types of cheese and chiles to achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your corn pudding.
Ingredients For Lite Corn Pudding Recipe
cooking spray: Used to coat the casserole dish and prevent sticking.
corn kernels: The main ingredient, providing sweetness and texture.
light margarine: A lighter alternative to butter, adding richness without extra calories.
eggs: Help to bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
pepper jack cheese: Adds a spicy, creamy element to the pudding.
light sour cream: Contributes to the creaminess while keeping it light.
yellow cornmeal: Adds a slight graininess and helps thicken the pudding.
green chiles: Provide mild heat and a subtle tangy flavor.
jalapeño peppers: Adds a bit of spice for those who enjoy a little kick.
salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a savory, crispy finish.
One reader, Arly Snodgrass says:
This lite corn pudding recipe is a delightful blend of flavors! The pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick, and the green chiles and jalapeños give it a wonderful zest. It's light yet satisfying, perfect for any meal. A new favorite in our household!
Techniques Required for Making Lite Corn Pudding Recipe
How to puree: Use a food processor or blender to blend the corn, margarine, and eggs until smooth. How to combine ingredients: Mix the remaining corn, pepper jack cheese, sour cream, cornmeal, green chiles, jalapeño, and salt in a large bowl. How to prepare a baking dish: Spray the casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. How to bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the mixture until puffy and golden. How to broil: Use the broiler setting on your oven to create golden spots on the top of the dish.
How To Make Lite Corn Pudding
For those who are on diet or watching a low-calorie intake, this lite corn pudding is the perfect meal. A lighter version of the regular corn pudding.
Serves:
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 3cupscorn kernels,divided
- 4ozlight margarine,melted such as Promise®
- 2eggs
- 9ozpepper jack cheese,cut into ½” cubes
- 1cuplight sour cream
- ½cupyellow cornmeal
- 4ozgreen chiles,drained and patted dry, diced, 1 can
- ¼cupjalapeno peppers,diced
- ½tspsalt
- ½cupparmesan cheese,grated
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 2-quart rectangular casserole dish with cooking spray.
-
Puree 1 cup corn, margarine, and eggs together in a food processor or blender.
-
Combine remaining corn with pepper Jack cheese, sour cream, cornmeal, green chiles, jalapeno, and salt in a large bowl.
-
Add pureed corn and mix well. Pour mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
-
Bake in the preheated oven until puffy and golden for about 30 minutes.
-
Broil for a few minutes until golden spots appear.
Nutrition
- Calories: 353.92kcal
- Fat: 24.32g
- Saturated Fat: 9.77g
- Trans Fat: 1.69g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.33g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.98g
- Carbohydrates: 20.98g
- Fiber: 1.64g
- Sugar: 2.49g
- Protein: 13.15g
- Cholesterol: 67.81mg
- Sodium: 365.09mg
- Calcium: 320.62mg
- Potassium: 262.21mg
- Iron: 1.07mg
- Vitamin A: 114.21µg
- Vitamin C: 30.37mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Lite Corn Pudding Recipe
To achieve a smoother texture for your corn pudding, make sure to thoroughly puree the corn, margarine, and eggs in the food processor until completely smooth. This will help the mixture blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, resulting in a more cohesive and creamy dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Corn Pudding
Use frozen corn: Save time by using frozen corn kernels instead of fresh. They are pre-cut and just as nutritious.
Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded pepper jack cheese to avoid the hassle of grating it yourself.
Pre-chopped peppers: Purchase pre-chopped green chiles and jalapeño peppers to cut down on prep time.
Melt margarine: Melt the light margarine in the microwave for easier blending with the corn and eggs.
Use a blender: A blender can puree the corn mixture faster than a food processor.
Substitute Ingredients For Lite Corn Pudding Recipe
cooking spray - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be brushed onto the baking dish to prevent sticking and adds a richer flavor.
corn kernels - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn is a convenient alternative and retains much of the flavor and texture of fresh corn.
light margarine - Substitute with unsweetened applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can reduce fat content while maintaining moisture in the pudding.
eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg to create a binding agent that is vegan-friendly.
pepper jack cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a similar creamy texture and can be used if you prefer a milder flavor.
light sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture with added protein.
yellow cornmeal - Substitute with polenta: Polenta can be used as a direct substitute for cornmeal and provides a similar texture.
green chiles - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers offer a mild heat and can be roasted and chopped to replace green chiles.
jalapeño peppers - Substitute with serrano peppers: Serrano peppers are slightly hotter than jalapeños and can be used to add a similar spicy kick.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while providing the necessary saltiness.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative to parmesan cheese.
Best Presentation Ideas for Lite Corn Pudding
Use a sleek, white rectangular plate: The clean lines of a white rectangular plate will provide a modern and elegant backdrop for the corn pudding.
Create a base layer with a corn puree: Spread a thin layer of the pureed corn mixture on the plate to anchor the dish and add a visual connection to the corn pudding.
Cut the corn pudding into neat squares: Once baked and slightly cooled, cut the corn pudding into uniform squares for a refined presentation.
Place the corn pudding squares artfully: Arrange the squares in a staggered or linear fashion on the plate to create visual interest and balance.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of color and freshness by garnishing with finely chopped cilantro or chives.
Add a dollop of light sour cream: Place a small dollop of light sour cream on top of each corn pudding square to enhance the creamy texture and flavor.
Sprinkle with finely grated parmesan: Just before serving, sprinkle a light dusting of finely grated parmesan cheese over the entire dish for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Include a side of roasted jalapeños: Serve a few slices of roasted jalapeño peppers on the side to complement the dish with a smoky and spicy kick.
Drizzle with a light chili oil: Finish the plate with a delicate drizzle of chili oil around the corn pudding squares to add a subtle heat and a pop of color.
Serve with a crisp, refreshing salad: Pair the corn pudding with a small side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Storing and Freezing Lite Corn Pudding
Let the corn pudding cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the pudding soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pudding to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze the corn pudding:
- Cut the pudding into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
To reheat frozen corn pudding:
- Thaw the desired number of portions overnight in the refrigerator.
- Remove the plastic wrap and place the pudding in a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the pudding in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
If you want to freeze the entire casserole unbaked, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, remove the wrappings and bake the frozen pudding as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
How To Reheat Leftover Corn Pudding
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover corn pudding in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the pudding is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
For a quicker option, reheat individual portions of corn pudding in the microwave. Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pudding to dry out or become rubbery.
If you have a steamer, you can also reheat the corn pudding using this method. Place the pudding in a heat-safe dish and set it in the steamer basket. Steam for 5-10 minutes, or until the pudding is heated through. This method helps to retain moisture and prevent the pudding from drying out.
For a crispy top, reheat the corn pudding in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover pudding and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy and golden brown. Flip the pudding and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat and crisp up the leftover corn pudding. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pudding in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top.
Interesting Fact About Corn Pudding
A unique aspect of this lite corn pudding recipe is the use of pepper jack cheese, which adds a spicy kick to the dish.
Is Making Lite Corn Pudding at Home Cost-Effective?
This lite corn pudding recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like corn kernels, light margarine, and eggs are relatively inexpensive. Specialty items like pepper jack cheese and green chiles might add a bit to the cost, but they are used in moderate amounts. Overall, the recipe balances flavor and budget well.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis: 8/10
Overall Verdict: 8/10
Approximate cost: $12-$15 for a household of 4 people
Is Corn Pudding Healthy or Unhealthy?
The lite corn pudding recipe, while tasty, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe uses light margarine, which is often high in trans fats and processed oils.
- Pepper jack cheese and parmesan cheese are both high in saturated fat and sodium.
- Light sour cream, while lower in fat than regular sour cream, still contains a significant amount of saturated fat.
- The recipe calls for a considerable amount of cheese overall, which contributes to its high fat content.
On the positive side, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients:
- Corn is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Green chiles and jalapeño peppers add flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the light margarine with a healthier fat source, such as olive oil or avocado oil.
- Use reduced-fat pepper jack cheese and parmesan cheese to lower the overall fat content.
- Opt for non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt instead of light sour cream to reduce saturated fat while increasing protein.
- Increase the proportion of corn and vegetables in the recipe to boost its nutritional value.
- Consider adding other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or onions, to increase the fiber content and add more flavor.
- Experiment with using whole-grain cornmeal to increase the fiber content of the dish.
- Reduce the amount of cheese used overall to lower the fat and sodium content.
Editor's Opinion on This Lite Corn Pudding Recipe
This lite corn pudding recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors with the sweetness of corn and the subtle heat from jalapeños and green chiles. The use of light margarine and sour cream keeps it healthier without sacrificing creaminess. Pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick, while parmesan on top provides a savory finish. Blending part of the corn ensures a smooth texture, contrasting nicely with the whole kernels. Baking and broiling create a beautiful golden crust. Overall, it's a well-rounded, lighter take on a classic dish, perfect for a comforting yet not overly indulgent side.
Enhance Your Lite Corn Pudding Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Lite Corn Pudding
Why trust this Lite Corn Pudding Recipe:
This lite corn pudding recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that promises a satisfying yet lighter dish. Using light margarine and light sour cream ensures a healthier option without compromising on taste. The combination of pepper jack cheese, green chiles, and jalapeño peppers adds a spicy kick, while the parmesan cheese topping creates a deliciously golden crust. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is both easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.
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