Corn Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food side that brings cozy, creamy, and corn-studded goodness to the table, this Corn Casserole is about to become your new favorite. With its dreamy, custardy center and golden, slightly crisp edges, it strikes that perfect balance between savory and just a touch sweet. Whether you serve it at a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this dish always earns rave reviews and vanishes quickly. You’ll love how easily it comes together with pantry staples, making it a reliable go-to when you need a crowd-pleasing side with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Corn Casserole is how it transforms simple, familiar ingredients into something truly special. Each component plays an important role, giving the dish its luscious texture, rich flavor, and signature corn-kissed taste.
- Whole Kernel Corn (1 can, 15 oz, drained): Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and chewy texture in every bite.
- Creamed Corn (1 can, 15 oz): Brings a creamy consistency and helps bind everything together for that irresistible custard-like feel.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Infuses the casserole with tangy richness and extra moisture.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): Adds buttery depth and ensures a tender crumb.
- Corn Muffin Mix (1 box, 8.5 oz): The not-so-secret ingredient that gives structure and a touch of sweetness—Jiffy works perfectly!
- Large Eggs (2): Bind the casserole and give it a light, fluffy lift as it bakes.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Brings out all the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, optional): Melts into gooey pockets and forms a beautifully golden top if you want extra cheesy flair.
How to Make Corn Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving those first delicious squares a breeze. Choose your dish size based on whether you prefer a thicker, more pudding-like casserole or a thinner, firmer slice.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, the can of creamed corn, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir gently until everything is well blended. This step ensures the base of your Corn Casserole is rich and creamy, setting the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Eggs
Next, add in the corn muffin mix, both eggs, salt, and black pepper. Stir just until everything is combined—try not to overmix, as that can make the final casserole dense rather than light. The batter should look thick and slightly lumpy, which is exactly what you want.
Step 4: Cheese, Please (Optional)
If you’re going for a cheesy version (and honestly, who could blame you?), fold in the shredded cheddar cheese at this point. The cheese melts into gooey pockets throughout the casserole, adding another layer of comfort and flavor.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set and the top turns a lovely light golden brown. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing—this helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Corn Casserole
Garnishes
Corn Casserole is delicious all on its own, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions can add a pop of color and a little freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a few jalapeño slices on top for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic mains like roast chicken, turkey, ham, or barbecue. It’s also right at home next to green beans, collard greens, or a crisp garden salad. The creamy, slightly sweet profile complements savory meats and veggies alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, bake Corn Casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. You can also scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers or serve it family-style in a rustic cast iron skillet—it looks just as inviting as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Corn Casserole is a treat in itself! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The texture holds up well, making it easy to reheat for another meal.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your casserole, let it cool completely first. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop portions in the microwave or return the casserole to a 350°F oven until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil if you’re reheating a larger portion to prevent it from drying out. A splash of milk or cream can help keep it moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I make Corn Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, just bake as directed—add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt or even full-fat plain yogurt works well as a substitute. The result is still creamy and tangy, with just a slightly different flavor profile.
Is Corn Casserole gluten-free?
As written, the recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the corn muffin mix. However, you can substitute a gluten-free corn muffin mix to make it suitable for gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I add mix-ins to customize the flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped jalapeños for a little heat, diced green onions for freshness, or even crumbled cooked bacon for extra savory richness. It’s a versatile dish that welcomes your personal touch.
How do I know when Corn Casserole is done baking?
The casserole is ready when the center is set (it shouldn’t jiggle when you gently shake the dish) and the top is lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Corn Casserole enough—it’s that magical combination of easy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or as a weeknight treat, it’s sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a try, and watch it disappear from the table!
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Corn Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic American Corn Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. Made with a mix of whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, and a box of corn muffin mix, it bakes to a golden, luscious texture that’s irresistible. Optional cheddar cheese adds a savory depth, while simple seasonings balance the flavors effortlessly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 box (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish depending on the desired casserole thickness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, corn muffin mix, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and preserving texture.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Fold in shredded cheddar cheese carefully if using, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is set and the top achieves a lightly golden color.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set properly and makes serving easier and cleaner.
Notes
- For an extra kick of flavor, stir in chopped jalapeños or green onions before baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
