Corn Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for just about any occasion, from holiday feasts to weeknight dinners! Creamy, slightly sweet, and fabulously simple, this classic dish bakes up golden and irresistible every time. The combination of corn and muffin mix forms a pudding-like base, while sour cream and butter give it that melt-in-your-mouth richness. Whether you pile it next to roast turkey or grilled chicken, this is the dish family and friends will keep coming back for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Corn Casserole is how down-to-earth yet essential its ingredients are. Each element plays a special role, whether it’s for taste, texture, or that signature golden color. Here’s what you’ll need to make it shine:
- Whole Kernel Corn: Drained canned corn brings juicy bursts of sweetness and a little pop of texture to every bite.
- Creamed Corn: Adds creamy richness and a subtle, velvety consistency that’s key for the casserole’s irresistible middle.
- Corn Muffin Mix: The magic ingredient—this gives the casserole its pudding-soft structure and a hint of sweetness.
- Sour Cream: Lends a luscious tang and extra moisture, keeping every spoonful soft and creamy.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter brings that classic rich flavor and a lovely tender crumb—don’t skip it!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): For cheesy goodness, sprinkle this in; it melts into little pockets of deliciousness.
How to Make Corn Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish generously—this ensures your Corn Casserole will pop right out with those beautiful, golden edges. This step also helps prevent sticking, making serving a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix until everything is evenly combined—don’t overmix, but make sure there are no dry pockets of mix left.
Step 3: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’re craving a cheesy twist (and who isn’t?), fold in the shredded cheddar cheese at this stage. It’ll candy the casserole with gooey, melty bits throughout. For a little kick, you can also add a handful of chopped jalapeños or green onions.
Step 4: Pour and Smooth
Pour that creamy batter right into your prepared dish. Spread it out with a spatula so the surface is even—this will help ensure uniform baking and that signature golden top.
Step 5: Bake
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The Corn Casserole is done when the center is set and the top is beautifully golden. If you double the recipe and use a bigger dish, just extend the bake time by another 5–10 minutes.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After baking, let your Corn Casserole rest for at least 5 minutes. This little pause helps everything set up perfectly, so your slices come out creamy but not too soft. Now you’re ready to serve, and let the smiles roll in!
How to Serve Corn Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs—think parsley or green onions—adds a lovely pop of color. If you want a little zing, scatter on sliced jalapeños or a dusting of smoked paprika right before serving. Even a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate each portion!
Side Dishes
Corn Casserole pairs beautifully with almost any main course. Try it alongside roast chicken, baked ham, or classic meatloaf. For a vegetarian spread, match it with sautéed greens, a crisp salad, or a medley of roasted root vegetables—the creamy texture makes it a team player on any plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake your Corn Casserole in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings at brunches or potlucks. Or serve it family-style, straight from the dish at the center of your table, warm and inviting. You can even cut cooled leftovers into cubes and pan-fry them for crispy golden “corn bites” the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Corn Casserole can be kept airtight in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply let the casserole cool completely before covering, and refrigerate promptly to keep it fresh and delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in an airtight container. Corn Casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve that dreamy texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Corn Casserole in the oven at 325°F until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes for a whole dish, or 5–10 minutes for slices). You can also microwave individual servings for a quick fix—just cover so things stay moist.
FAQs
Can I make Corn Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix up the batter and pour it into your baking dish, then refrigerate it (covered) overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply bring it to room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then follow the baking instructions.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional Corn Casserole uses corn muffin mix, which typically contains wheat flour. However, there are some gluten-free cornbread mixes available. Check your labels and feel free to swap to make this dish gluten-free.
Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped jalapeños, diced green chiles, green onions, or even crumbled cooked bacon make great additions. Just fold them in with the cheese for a personalized spin.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, offering that same tang and creaminess. You can also use full-fat plain yogurt in a pinch—your Corn Casserole will still come out deliciously moist.
How do I know when Corn Casserole is done?
The casserole should be puffed, golden on top, and set in the center. If you give the dish a gentle shake, it may jiggle slightly but should not look liquid-y. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy, foolproof side dish, Corn Casserole always delivers. It has a way of stealing the show at every table and gathering. Try it once, and it just might become a beloved tradition in your own kitchen.
Print
Corn Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and delicious Corn Casserole is a classic side dish perfect for any occasion. With a blend of whole kernel corn, creamed corn, corn muffin mix, and cheese, it’s a comforting addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
- 1 box (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine whole kernel corn, creamed corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. Add shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 45–50 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped jalapeños or green onions to the batter.
- This casserole can be doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch dish, just adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
