Creamy & Easy Corn Casserole: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
Discover the secret to a perfectly sweet, creamy, and golden-brown corn casserole that will become a staple at all your gatherings. This incredibly simple recipe transforms humble ingredients into a rich, comforting side dish that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly from any table. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a family potluck, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this corn casserole offers irresistible flavor with minimal effort. Its delightful blend of textures and tastes makes it a versatile companion to a wide array of main courses, from roasted meats to barbecue. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy-to-make, utterly delicious corn delight!
Classic Creamy Corn Casserole
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This Corn Casserole is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and rich flavors, making it an indispensable part of any Southern-inspired meal or holiday spread. What truly sets this recipe apart is its incredible simplicity, using readily available ingredients to create a dish that tastes like it took hours of effort. The combination of creamed corn and whole kernel corn provides a dual texture experience – silky smooth and wonderfully textured. Add in the classic comfort of Jiffy cornbread mix, the tangy creaminess of sour cream, the richness of melted butter, and the sharp finish of cheddar cheese, and you have a casserole that hits all the right notes. It’s truly a dish that brings warmth and happiness to the table.
Why This Corn Casserole is a Must-Try
There are countless reasons why this creamy corn casserole has earned its spot as a beloved side dish. Firstly, its ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy cooks. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dish ready for the oven, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your meal. Secondly, the flavor profile is universally appealing. The natural sweetness of the corn is perfectly balanced by the savory notes of the cornbread mix and the sharp cheddar, while the sour cream and butter contribute to an irresistibly moist and rich texture. Finally, its versatility knows no bounds. While it’s a star at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, it also shines brightly at summer barbecues, potlucks, and as a comforting addition to any weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 15 oz can creamed corn – This provides the creamy base and a natural sweetness that binds all the ingredients together.
- 15 oz whole-kernel sweet corn, drained – Adds texture and bursts of fresh corn flavor to the casserole. Make sure to drain it well to prevent a watery dish.
- 8 oz jiffy cornbread mix – This is the secret to an easy, fluffy, and slightly sweet base that perfectly complements the corn.
- 8 oz sour cream – Contributes to the casserole’s rich, moist consistency and a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- 1 stick butter – Melted butter adds essential richness and helps achieve that desirable golden crust.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese adds a savory, cheesy top layer that gets perfectly melted and slightly crispy.
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the oven and mixing bowl: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grab a large mixing bowl. This is where all the magic happens! Add in all your ingredients except for the cheddar cheese: the 15 oz can of creamed corn, the 15 oz can of whole-kernel sweet corn (ensure it’s well-drained), the 8 oz package of Jiffy cornbread mix, the 8 oz container of sour cream, and the melted stick of butter. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and there are no dry spots of cornbread mix. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until smooth.
- 2. Bake the initial casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use butter, cooking spray, or a bit of shortening. Pour the corn mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. During this initial baking period, the casserole will begin to set, develop its structure, and cook through, becoming beautifully fragrant.
- 3. Add cheese and finish baking: After 45 minutes, carefully pull the baking dish out of the oven. Evenly sprinkle the entire cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the partially baked casserole. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and begins to turn a lovely golden brown, creating an irresistible cheesy crust. The casserole should be golden around the edges and set in the center.
- 4. Rest and serve: Once baking is complete, remove the corn casserole from the oven. Allow it to stand and cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial as it allows the casserole to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring that each spoonful holds its shape perfectly. The flavors will also meld and deepen during this brief rest. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Corn Casserole
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing the Jiffy cornbread mix can lead to a tough or dense casserole instead of a light, fluffy one.
- Drain Corn Well: If using canned whole-kernel corn, ensure it’s thoroughly drained. Excess liquid can make the casserole watery and prevent it from setting properly.
- Grease Your Dish: A well-greased baking dish prevents sticking and ensures your casserole releases easily for serving. Butter or cooking spray works perfectly.
- Cheese Choice: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes richer than pre-shshredded options.
- Resting Time is Key: Don’t skip the resting step after baking! Letting the casserole stand for a few minutes allows it to set completely, making it easier to cut and ensuring a more cohesive slice.
Delicious Variations & Add-ins
This corn casserole recipe is fantastic as is, but it also serves as a wonderful base for your culinary creativity! Here are some ideas to customize it:
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, try adding a can of drained diced green chilies or some finely chopped jalapeños to the mixture. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a subtle warmth.
- Savory Enhancements: Crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or cooked sausage can be folded into the batter for a heartier dish. Caramelized onions or sautéed bell peppers would also add depth of flavor.
- Herbaceous Notes: Fresh or dried herbs like chives, parsley, or a touch of thyme can brighten up the flavor. Add them to the mixture before baking.
- Sweet & Spicy: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup before serving can enhance the sweetness, especially if you’ve added spicy elements.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with different types of cheese! A blend of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, or pepper jack for a spicy twist, could elevate the casserole.
Serving Suggestions for Your Corn Casserole
This versatile corn casserole pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes, making it suitable for almost any occasion. It’s a classic companion to:
- Holiday Roasts: Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib for a festive meal.
- BBQ Feasts: Its sweet and savory profile makes it a perfect match for grilled ribs, pulled pork, or smoked brisket.
- Weeknight Dinners: Enjoy it with baked chicken, meatloaf, or even simple grilled fish for a comforting family dinner.
- Potlucks & Gatherings: It’s always a hit at communal meals, easy to transport and serve.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover corn casserole is just as delightful as freshly baked! To store, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For larger portions or the entire casserole, cover it with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. Removing the foil for the last few minutes can help crisp up the top again.