Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe: Cozy Southern Charm

Paula Deen’s corn casserole whisks ordinary ingredients into a culinary symphony of Southern comfort that dances on your taste buds.

Creamy and golden, this beloved dish transforms simple kernels into a velvety masterpiece that sings with flavor.

Southern kitchens have long cherished this crowd-pleasing marvel as the ultimate side dish for family feasts and community gatherings.

Each spoonful bursts with a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes that embrace your palate like a warm hug.

The alchemy happens when humble pantry staples merge into something spectacularly delicious.

Ridiculously easy to assemble, this casserole promises to elevate any meal from mundane to magnificent.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 8

Corn Casserole Grocery List (Paula Deen Style)

• Whole-Kernel Corn: Choose bright, plump kernels that look fresh and vibrant, avoiding any discolored or shriveled pieces.
• Cream-Style Corn: Select a high-quality brand with smooth, creamy texture and natural sweetness.
• Corn Muffin Mix: Pick a mix with minimal additives and rich corn flavor for best results.

• Sour Cream: Look for smooth, tangy sour cream without separation or excess liquid.
• Melted Butter: Use unsalted butter for better flavor control and freshness.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Select a sharp cheddar that melts beautifully and provides rich, bold cheese flavor.

Casserole Dish Essentials for Southern Corn Casserole

• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious vessel for blending corn ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Trusty tool for stirring and spreading corn mixture evenly.
• Measuring Cups: Essential for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Casserole Dish: Perfect baking vessel for corn casserole creation.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Oven Mitts: Protective gear for handling hot dishes safely.
• Baking Thermometer (optional): Helps ensure precise oven temperature.

How to Cook Corn Casserole the Easy Paula Way

• Preheat Kitchen Oven

Warm the oven to a perfect 350°F, creating a toasty environment for corn magic.

• Create Corn Fusion

Combine corn kernels, cream-style corn, muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter in a large mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients together until smooth and creamy, blending flavors into a delightful mixture.

• Prepare Baking Vessel

Generously coat a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the corn mixture into the dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent baking and maximum flavor distribution.

• Initial Baking Session

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface that signals delicious transformation is happening.

• Cheese Crown Finale

Remove the casserole and shower the top with a blanket of sharp cheddar cheese. Return to the oven for a quick 5-10 minute finale, allowing the cheese to melt into irresistible rivers of goodness.

• Rest and Serve with Love

Let the casserole settle for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and making serving a breeze. Scoop onto plates and enjoy the corn casserole’s warm, comforting embrace.

Corn Casserole Tricks & Easy Variations

Discover exciting ways to make this classic dish uniquely yours!

Add diced jalapeños or green chiles for a zesty kick that’ll wake up your taste buds. Chop them finely to distribute heat evenly throughout the casserole.

Fold in crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform this side dish into a hearty main course. These protein additions create delicious depth and make the casserole more filling.

Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for extra heat, smoked gouda for richness, or a blend of monterey jack and cheddar for complex flavor profiles. Mix and match to find your perfect cheesy combination.

Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or cilantro on top just before serving. These green bursts add brightness and a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.

Southern-Style Serving Ideas for Corn Casserole

• Pair with Protein Partners: Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork chops, or tender beef brisket for a hearty meal that balances the corn casserole's creamy texture.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this dish into a weekend breakfast star by adding crispy bacon bits, scrambled eggs, or serving it as a side to eggs benedict for a decadent morning feast.
• Southern-Style Sidekick: Complement the corn casserole with classic Southern sides like collard greens, buttermilk biscuits, or tangy coleslaw to create a traditional down-home dining experience.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to family gatherings or community events where its rich, comforting flavors will make you the hero of the buffet table.

Keeping Leftovers Delicious: Corn Casserole Tips

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover corn casserole in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sealed environment keeps the dish moist and prevents unwanted flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring a quick comfort meal is always within reach when needed.
• Reheating Perfection: Thaw refrigerated casserole overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, creating a steamy, just-baked taste that feels like a fresh dinner.
• Smart Portioning Trick: Divide the casserole into single-serve containers before refrigerating. This approach makes grab-and-go lunches super easy and helps control portion sizes for health-conscious eaters.

Cheesy Paula Deen Corn Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s corn casserole combines creamy corn, butter, and sour cream for a rich Southern side dish. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a comforting classic you’ll want to serve at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (15.25 oz / 432 g) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (14.75 oz / 418 g) cream-style corn
• 8 oz (226 g) corn muffin mix (Jiffy)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare Dish: Generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture.
3. Bake Initial Phase: Transfer the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Slide into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes until the surface turns a rich, golden-brown color.
4. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese across the entire surface, covering completely. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing cheese to melt and develop a slightly bubbling appearance.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow ingredients to settle. Serve warm as a delectable side dish, using a large spoon to capture the creamy, cheesy essence of this Paula Deen classic corn casserole.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking: Thoroughly grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal and serving of the casserole.
• Mix Carefully: Gently fold ingredients to maintain a smooth texture and avoid overmixing, which can make the casserole dense and tough.
• Oven Placement Matters: Position the dish on the center rack for even heat distribution and consistent golden-brown coloring.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Add cheese in the final 5-7 minutes to achieve a perfectly melted, slightly bubbly topping without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg