Cheesy Velveeta Corn Recipe: An Easy Microwave Side Dish 🧀🌽

Microwave Velveeta Corn with Basil

feature cheesy velveeta corn

Enjoy this cheesy Velveeta corn recipe when you want to throw together an easy, last-minute side dish.

Made with basic comfort food staples—frozen corn and Velveeta—this dish is cooked entirely in the microwave, requiring no special kitchen skills.

The addition of fresh basil elevates this quick, cheesy side to something special and delicious.

It’s a fast, warm side dish with a total time of just 10 minutes!

The combination of sweet corn and smooth, melty Velveeta makes this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This recipe relies on two simple ingredients plus a flavorful herb to achieve its quick and comforting flavor.

Melting Quality: Velveeta, a shelf-stable processed cheese product, is renowned for its smooth, easy melting quality, making it ideal for creamy sauces and sides like this one.
Refrigeration Tip: Unopened packages of Velveeta do not require refrigeration. However, once opened, or for longer storage, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator.

Quality: While fresh corn is great in season, frozen corn works exceptionally well in this recipe, maintaining good texture and flavor.
Avoid Canned: The preference is to use frozen corn over canned corn for a better overall texture and taste.

Best When Fresh: Basil is an herb that should be used fresh for the best flavor.
Variety: Grocery store basil is typically sweet basil, but you can use other varieties like Thai basil (which has a hint of anise flavor) to customize the taste.
Source: You can buy prepackaged leaves, or use a small living plant from your kitchen windowsill or garden.

Preparing this dish is fast and requires minimal attention, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.

Pre-Cooking Corn: The corn is first microwaved with a small amount of water to thaw and heat it through before the Velveeta is added.
Covering: Use a microwave-safe plate to cover the bowl while cooking. This helps to steam the corn slightly and prevents the corn from popping and making a mess inside the microwave, while still allowing for some ventilation.
Stirring: The mixture is stirred after the initial corn cooking and again after the Velveeta is melted to ensure all the corn is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Cook Corn (Part 1): Add the frozen corn and water to the microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a plate (allowing a slight vent) and cook on high for 2 minutes.
Cook Corn (Part 2): Carefully remove the bowl, stir the corn, and microwave for 1 minute more.
Melt Cheese: Add the cubed Velveeta to the hot corn, stir it in, and microwave for 2 minutes more, or until the Velveeta is completely melted and smooth.
Add Basil: Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the chopped fresh basil until combined.
Serve: Serve and enjoy this fast, cheesy side dish!

This recipe is an effortless way to upgrade frozen corn into a comforting, flavorful accompaniment to any meal!