Easy Southern Crack Corn Casserole Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Nostalgia swept through my kitchen when I first discovered this hearty crack corn casserole that instantly became a comfort classic.

Sweet kernels nestled amid creamy textures promise pure delight for weekend gatherings.

Southern charm radiates from every spoonful of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum flavor without complicated preparation steps.

Rich and indulgent, this casserole welcomes everyone around the table with welcoming warmth.

Cheese and corn mingle in a spectacular dance of savory goodness.

Each bite promises a delectable journey you won’t want to miss.

Why Crack Corn Casserole Gets Devoured Fast

• Easy Weeknight Wonder: This crack corn casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy families craving delicious home-cooked meals in under an hour.
• Suitable for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and casual dinners, this dish appeals to everyone from kids to grandparents with its creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed goodness.
• Using simple pantry ingredients and requiring just 15 minutes of hands-on cooking time, this recipe lets home cooks create a restaurant-worthy side dish without complex techniques or expensive components.
• Easily modify the recipe by swapping bacon for ham, adding jalapeños for heat, or using different cheese varieties to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Crack Corn Casserole Pantry Checklist

Main Ingredients:

Corn Blend:- Corn, Creamed Corn: Sweet kernels that add texture and rich corn flavor, with creamed corn bringing extra moisture and sweetness.

Dairy Products:- Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheddar: Creamy ingredients that provide richness, tanginess, and a smooth, melty texture to the casserole.

Protein Enhancer:- Crumbled Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture to complement the soft casserole base.

Supporting Ingredients:

Aromatics:- Onion, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic base that enhances the overall taste profile.

Seasoning Blend:- Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Brings balanced seasoning and a subtle smoky undertone to the dish.

Additional Component:

Cooking Base:- Butter: Helps sauté onions and adds richness to the overall flavor of the casserole.

Crack Corn Casserole: Your Go-To Process

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (180C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a generous spray of non-stick magic.

Step 2: Sizzle Those Onions

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and dance them around until they turn soft and golden (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 3: Create the Corn Explosion

• Corn kernels
• Creamed corn
• Sauteed onions
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until it’s a creamy, dreamy mixture.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it out evenly with a spatula.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Pull the casserole out of the oven.

Let it cool for a few minutes (if you can resist).

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the corn-tastic goodness!

What Elevates a Simple Crack Corn Casserole

• Boost Flavor Depth: Caramelize onions slightly longer for a richer, sweeter taste that elevates the entire casserole's profile.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap bacon with crispy turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits to accommodate different dietary preferences without losing the smoky essence.
• Perfect Texture Trick: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free incorporation into the casserole base.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before baking.
• Crispy Top Secret: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar and crushed crackers on the surface during the last 10 minutes of baking for a delightful golden-brown crunchy topping.

Store and Warm Up Crack Corn Casserole Like a Pro

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months; label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 180C (350F) for 20-25 minutes until heated through, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• For quick reheating, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Tasty Pairings That Go Well with Crack Corn Casserole

• Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy casserole with its bright acidity, complementing the corn and bacon flavors perfectly.
• Craft beer's malty sweetness harmonizes with the corn's natural sweetness and balances the smoky bacon undertones.
• Lightweight mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, heavy casserole.
• Herb-seasoned roasted chicken creates a balanced meal, with the casserole serving as a delicious, creamy side dish.

Switch Things Up with These Crack Corn Casserole Twists

• Gluten-Free Corn Casserole: Replace regular flour with gluten-free cornstarch or almond flour to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Corn Delight: Omit bacon and substitute with smoked tofu or roasted mushrooms for a protein-rich vegetarian version that maintains the smoky flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace corn with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto dieters seeking a lighter alternative.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Casserole: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk yogurt instead of traditional dairy products, making the recipe accessible for those with lactose intolerance.

Answers to Crack Corn Casserole Questions You May Have

• Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

You can omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe is mild, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne if you want more heat.

• What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Substitute with Greek yogurt, ricotta, or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture and tang.

• How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?

Drain excess liquid from corn, use full-fat dairy products, and avoid overmixing to keep the consistency thick and creamy.

Crack Corn Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Southern crack corn casserole delivers comfort with creamy, cheesy goodness straight from grandma’s kitchen. Loaded with sweet corn kernels and rich textures, this dish promises to become a family favorite you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 500 g (4 cups) frozen corn (or 2 cans (400 g) whole kernel corn, drained)
• 1 can (400 g) creamed corn
• 225 g (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 200 g (1 cup) sour cream
• 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Topping and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 100 g (1 cup) crushed Ritz crackers or butter crackers
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fire up the oven to a toasty 180C (350F) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking vessel with a light coating of non-stick spray.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium warmth, introducing chopped onions and allowing them to soften and become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Gather a spacious mixing bowl and unite all core ingredients: both varieties of corn, caramelized onions, velvety cream cheese, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, crisp bacon fragments, aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, smoky paprika, and essential seasoning components.
4. Whisk the mixture thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient melds seamlessly and creates a harmonious flavor profile.
5. Carefully transfer the consolidated mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth, appetizing surface.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to mingle and transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece of comfort cuisine.
7. Bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden-brown and the edges exhibit a slight crispy texture, indicating the perfect melding of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of smoked paprika or adding a dash of cayenne pepper for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
• Lighten up the dish by using low-fat cream cheese and sour cream, which maintains the creamy texture while reducing overall calorie content.
• Vegetarian option can be achieved by replacing bacon with crispy vegetable chips or smoked sun-dried tomatoes to maintain a similar smoky flavor profile.
• Make-ahead strategy involves preparing the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and storing it covered in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to meld and makes meal preparation easier.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg