Corn Casserole Recipe

Simple Corn Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic

Creamy and comforting corn casserole brings warmth to any dinner table with its irresistible blend of sweet kernels and rich textures.

Families across the country cherish this simple yet delectable side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated its versatile charm and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Soft, buttery edges complement the tender corn center, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Melted cheese and a golden-brown top add an extra layer of indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Corn Casserole: A Cozy, Comforting Classic You’ll Love

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing create a delightful side dish perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults, this corn casserole delivers creamy, cheesy goodness that appeals to diverse taste preferences and makes gathering around the table more enjoyable.
  • Versatile Meal Companion: Works brilliantly alongside barbecue, holiday meals, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, transforming any ordinary meal into a special culinary experience with its rich, comforting texture and familiar corn flavors.
  • Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable pantry staples like canned corn, cornbread mix, and basic dairy ingredients, making it an economical recipe that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients to Whip Up Classic Corn Casserole

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Corn, Cream-Style Corn: Fresh corn kernels bring a sweet, natural flavor to the casserole and provide a delightful texture.
  • Jiffy Cornbread Mix: This convenient mix serves as the base and helps create a perfect cornbread-like consistency.
  • Sour Cream: Adds richness and creates a creamy, smooth texture to the casserole.
For the Dairy and Fats:
  • Butter, Cheddar Cheese: These ingredients provide a rich, savory flavor and create a golden, melty topping for the casserole.
For the Seasoning and Optional Add-ins:
  • Salt, Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Step-by-Step Corn Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This perfect temperature will help create a golden, bubbling delight.

Step 2: Create the Magical Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine these tasty ingredients:
  • Drained corn kernels
  • Cream-style corn
  • Sour cream
  • Jiffy cornbread mix
  • Melted butter

Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy blend that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Grease your casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

Pour the corn mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. This ensures every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown top that promises delicious crispy edges.

Step 5: Cheese Lover’s Finishing Touch

Pull the casserole out and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, tempting blanket.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Cut into generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips for a Creamy and Flavorful Casserole

  • Add an extra dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to make the casserole extra creamy and rich.
  • Sprinkle diced jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
  • Mix in chopped bell peppers, onions, or corn kernels to add more nutrition and texture to the dish.
  • Prepare the casserole mixture a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Variations to Mix Up Your Corn Casserole

  • Spicy Southwest Corn Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for a fiery kick. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
  • Bacon Lover's Corn Casserole: Crumble crispy bacon on top and mix chopped bacon bits into the casserole before baking. Drizzle with bacon grease for rich flavor.
  • Herb Garden Corn Casserole: Incorporate fresh chopped chives, thyme, and parsley into the mixture. Garnish with additional herbs right before serving for bright, fresh notes.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Corn Casserole: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle oregano. Top with sliced black olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Pairing Ideas to Serve with Corn Casserole

  • Pair with Pulled Pork: Smoky, tender pulled pork complements the creamy corn casserole's rich texture, creating a mouthwatering Southern-style comfort meal.
  • Serve with Crisp Coleslaw: Tangy, crunchy coleslaw cuts through the casserole's richness, providing a refreshing contrast and balancing the dish's creamy profile.
  • Match with Zinfandel Wine: A bold, slightly spicy Zinfandel wine enhances the corn casserole's buttery flavors, offering a robust and satisfying dining experience.
  • Complement with Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a zingy vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate and adds nutritional balance to the hearty casserole.

How to Store Corn Casserole Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.

Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with aluminum foil or freezer wrap. Stays fresh for 2-3 months.

Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165F. Add splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?

Yes, you can substitute fresh corn kernels for canned corn. Use about 2-3 ears of corn, cut off the kernels, and mix them into the recipe.

  • Is Jiffy cornbread mix necessary for this recipe?

Jiffy mix is recommended for the best texture, but you can use another brand of cornbread mix or make a homemade cornbread mix as a substitute.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! This corn casserole is already vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetarian cheese if you’re adding cheese on top.

  • How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the Jiffy mix with a gluten-free cornbread mix or use a gluten-free flour blend to maintain the casserole’s texture and flavor.

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Corn Casserole Recipe

Corn Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

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

Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in this irresistible corn casserole, blending creamy textures with sweet corn kernels. Hearty side dishes like these bring families together, promising warm memories and delicious moments at your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 can cream-style corn
  • 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) sour cream
  • 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons or 57 grams) butter

Topping:

  • Cheddar cheese (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350F (175C), ensuring an even temperature for perfect baking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the drained corn kernels, creamy corn, tangy sour cream, cornbread mix, and rich melted butter until a smooth, uniform consistency is achieved.
  3. Transfer the velvety mixture into a generously greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
  4. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface that signals perfect doneness.
  5. Once the casserole reaches a beautiful golden color, carefully remove it from the oven and generously sprinkle a layer of sharp cheddar cheese across the top.
  6. Return the cheese-topped casserole to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbly, appetizing topping.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Swap Jiffy mix for gluten-free cornbread mix to make this dish celiac-friendly and equally delicious.
  • Reduce butter quantity by half for a lighter version without compromising the creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Add diced jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy kick that transforms this classic comfort dish into a zesty side.
  • Enhance nutritional value by stirring in fresh or frozen vegetables like bell peppers or diced zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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