Corn Casserole Recipe

Dreamy Corn Casserole Recipe: Golden Comfort in Every Bite

Creamy, comforting corn casserole brings warmth to any family gathering around the dinner table.

Kernels burst with sweet, golden flavor in this classic side dish.

Midwestern kitchens have perfected this hearty recipe through generations of careful cooking.

Southern cooks understand the magic of simple ingredients blending into something extraordinary.

Cheesy, rich textures invite everyone to scoop generous portions onto their plates.

Butter and sour cream create a luxurious backdrop for fresh corn’s natural sweetness.

Expect delighted smiles when you serve this irresistible comfort food that feels like a warm hug.

Why Corn Casserole Is Always A Hit

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A guaranteed hit for family gatherings and potlucks with its irresistible corn-based goodness that satisfies all taste buds.
  • Simple Preparation Magic: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring no advanced culinary techniques.
  • Versatile Side Dish Champion: Adaptable to multiple meals, from holiday spreads to weeknight dinners, pairing seamlessly with proteins like roasted chicken, grilled meats, or barbecue favorites.
  • Customization Potential: Easy to personalize with optional cheese topping or herb garnishes, allowing home cooks to add their unique touch and creativity to the classic recipe.

What Goes Into Corn Casserole

For the Corn Base:
  • Whole Kernel Corn: Provides texture and bursts of sweet corn flavor in the casserole.
  • Cream-Style Corn: Adds moisture and creamy consistency to the dish.
  • Corn Muffin Mix: Serves as a binding agent and enhances the corn-forward profile of the recipe.
For the Moisture and Richness:
  • Butter (Melted): Contributes a rich, smooth flavor and helps create a tender texture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps keep the casserole moist and creamy.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding ingredient to hold the casserole together.
For the Seasoning and Optional Toppings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor and balance of the dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese (Shredded): Optional topping that provides extra richness and a golden-brown finish.
  • Chives, Green Onions: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

How To Make Corn Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give the dish a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Corn Delights

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Whole kernel corn
  • Cream-style corn
  • Corn muffin mix

Stir everything until the ingredients are dancing together happily.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Base

Add these goodies to the corn mixture:
  • Melted butter
  • Sour cream
  • Egg

Whisk gently but confidently to create a smooth, luscious batter. Don’t go crazy with the mixing – just blend until combined.

Step 4: Season With Love

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to spread the flavor love around.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Pour the corn mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly – think of creating a smooth, even blanket of corn goodness.

Step 6: Optional Cheesy Topping

Want extra indulgence? Scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top for a golden, melty surprise.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a set, slightly firm center.

Step 8: Rest And Settle

Pull the casserole out and let it chill for 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Step 9: Fresh Finishing Touch

Feeling fancy? Sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Slice up this corn casserole and serve it warm. It’s the perfect sidekick to almost any main dish!

Pro Tips For Corn Casserole

  • Mixing Mastery: Combine ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the corn casserole tough and dense instead of light and fluffy.
  • Cheese Enhancement: Sprinkle sharp cheddar on top for a golden, crispy crust that adds extra flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
  • Temperature Check: Test doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick in the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter, indicating perfect baking.
  • Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped chives or green onions just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.

Creative Ways To Serve Corn Casserole

  • Spicy Southwestern Corn Casserole: Replace cream-style corn with roasted green chilies, add diced jalapeños, and mix in ground cumin for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Herb-Infused Garden Corn Bake: Incorporate fresh chopped thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the mixture, using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, herb-packed variation.
  • Gluten-Free Corn Comfort: Substitute corn muffin mix with almond flour and gluten-free cornmeal, using coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to sour cream.
  • Vegan Corn Casserole Classic: Replace egg with flax egg, use vegan butter, swap sour cream with cashew cream, and select a plant-based cheese topping for a completely dairy-free option.

Sides That Go With Corn Casserole

  • Elevate Corn Casserole Experience: Perfect Pairings
  • Savor Southern Comfort Proteins: Succulent roasted chicken or tender pulled pork complement the creamy corn casserole's richness, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that dance on your palate.
  • Match with Zesty Greens: Crisp arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the casserole's richness, providing a refreshing contrast and cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Pair with Bold Beverages: Chilled Chardonnay or craft amber ale enhance the corn casserole's buttery notes, offering a smooth and satisfying drinking experience that elevates the entire meal.

Best Way To Store Corn Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
  • Transfer cooled corn casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture. Stir halfway through reheating to ensure even warming.
  • Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel.

Common Corn Casserole Questions

  • How do I know when the corn casserole is fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and a set, firm texture. When a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, it’s ready. The casserole should no longer jiggle when gently shaken.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free corn muffin mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Check labels carefully to avoid cross-contamination.

  • Is this corn casserole suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! The recipe contains no meat and can be easily adapted. Use vegetarian-friendly sour cream if needed.

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Corn Casserole Recipe

Corn Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5-10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy Southern corn casserole brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables with its rich, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, creating a side dish that delights diners and adds southern charm to any meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) whole kernel corn
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) cream-style corn
  • 1 box (8.5 oz/240 g) corn muffin mix
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

Optional Seasonings:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, and corn muffin mix, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Incorporate melted butter, sour cream, and egg into the corn mixture, whisking gently to create a smooth, cohesive batter without overmixing.
  4. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, ensuring the spices are thoroughly integrated for balanced flavor.
  5. Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
  6. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top for an extra layer of richness and golden-brown appeal.
  7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top develops a golden, slightly crisp surface.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow the texture to stabilize.
  9. Optional: Garnish with chopped chives or green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.
  10. Slice and serve warm as a delectable side dish that complements a variety of main courses.

Notes

  • Choose fresh corn when possible for the most vibrant, natural sweetness and authentic flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense, tough texture; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
  • Experiment with alternative cheeses like pepper jack or monterey jack for a unique flavor twist that adds complexity.
  • Consider using gluten-free corn muffin mix to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same rich, comforting taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 565 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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