Easy Corn Casserole Recipe

Creamy Dream: Easy Corn Casserole Recipe for Family Nights

When hunger strikes, this mouthwatering corn casserole delivers comfort in every creamy bite.

Crisp kernels mingle with golden edges, creating a melody of flavors that dance across your plate.

Southern kitchens have long cherished such simple yet irresistible dishes.

Home cooks understand the magic of transforming basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Butter and cheese weave their delicious spell throughout each spoonful.

Families gather around, eager to savor this warm, inviting side dish.

You will find yourself reaching for seconds before the first serving disappears.

Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen today!

What Makes Corn Casserole So Good for Gatherings

  • Perfect corn casserole delivers ultimate home-style comfort in minutes.
  • Toss ingredients together without complicated techniques, making this recipe foolproof for beginners and busy home cooks.
  • Requires just 10 minutes of prep time and less than an hour in the oven, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing side dish.
  • Ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and family dinners, this corn casserole adapts perfectly to casual and semi-formal occasions.

All the Ingredients for Corn Casserole Comfort

Corn Ingredients:
  • Whole Kernel Corn: Sweet and juicy corn that adds texture and bursts of flavor to the casserole.
  • Creamed Corn: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps bind the ingredients together.
Dairy and Fat Components:
  • Sour Cream, Butter: Creamy ingredients that add richness and smooth texture to the dish.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional): Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a tangy, savory topping.
Dry Mix:
  • Cornbread Mix: Convenient base that helps thicken the casserole and provides a sweet, cornmeal flavor. Look for a reliable brand with good consistency.

Stirring Up a Corn Casserole That’s Just Right

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light grease coating. Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready and waiting.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Corn Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Whole kernel corn
  • Creamed corn
  • Sour cream
  • Melted butter

Stir everything until it’s beautifully blended and looking smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate The Cornbread Magic

Gently fold in the cornbread mix, stirring just enough to combine. Don’t go crazy with mixing – you want a tender texture.

Step 4: Assemble The Casserole

Pour the luscious corn mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Optional Cheese Topping

If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle shredded cheddar across the top for an extra flavor punch.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown top and a center that’s set and tempting.

Step 7: Let It Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then dive in and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!

Tips for Moist, Flavorful Corn Casserole

  • Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which guarantees the perfect texture and consistency of your corn casserole.
  • Avoid Overmixing Batter: Stir cornbread mix gently until just combined to prevent a tough, dense texture and maintain a light, fluffy result.
  • Choose Quality Corn: Select fresh or high-quality canned corn for the best flavor and sweetness in your casserole, enhancing the overall taste profile.
  • Control Cheese Topping: Sprinkle cheese sparingly to prevent overwhelming the dish, allowing the corn's natural flavors to shine through while adding a subtle cheesy dimension.
  • Store Smartly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, and gently reheat in the oven to maintain the casserole's original texture and warmth.

Save and Serve Corn Casserole Again

  • Store leftover corn casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350F for 1520 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
  • Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture.

What Pairs Well with Corn Casserole

  • Elevate Corn Casserole with Perfectly Matched Flavors
  • The rich, creamy corn casserole finds its soulmate in tender pulled pork. Sweet corn complements the deep, smoky barbecue flavors, creating a mouthwatering combination that screams comfort food.
  • Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the casserole's richness. The wine's bright, acidic notes balance the creamy texture and enhance the corn's natural sweetness.
  • Create a fresh contrast by serving a light, herb-packed green salad alongside the casserole. Crisp lettuce, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's warm, hearty profile.
  • Herb-seasoned grilled chicken becomes the perfect protein partner. The lean meat's simplicity allows the corn casserole's rich flavors to shine while providing a balanced, satisfying meal.

Corn Casserole Variations to Explore

  • Gluten-Free Corn Casserole: Replace cornbread mix with gluten-free cornbread mix or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Corn Comfort: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt, use plant-based butter, and skip cheese to create a dairy-free version.
  • Spicy Mexican Corn Bake: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and sprinkle with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Corn Alternative: Substitute corn with riced cauliflower and reduce cornbread mix for a lower-carbohydrate option that maintains creamy texture.

Corn Casserole 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 casserole for a fresher taste.

  • Is cornbread mix necessary for this recipe?

Cornbread mix is essential as it provides structure and texture to the casserole. If you don’t have a boxed mix, you can make a homemade cornbread mix using flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.

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

The casserole is done when it turns golden brown on top and the center is set. When you gently shake the baking dish, it should not look liquidy. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. To keep it vegetarian, ensure you use vegetable-based butter or margarine and check that your cornbread mix does not contain animal products.

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Easy Corn Casserole Recipe

Easy Corn Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty corn casserole delivers comfort straight from Southern kitchens with creamy, cheesy goodness. Warm golden kernels blend perfectly, promising a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every family gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can creamed corn
  • 1 (8.5 ounces / 241 grams) package cornbread mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Fat Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  2. Create a harmonious blend by thoroughly mixing whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, and melted butter in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are seamlessly integrated.
  3. Gently fold the cornbread mix into the corn mixture, stirring with minimal agitation to maintain a tender texture, being careful not to overwork the batter which could result in a dense consistency.
  4. Transfer the velvety mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface for consistent cooking and aesthetic appeal.
  5. Optional: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top, which will melt and create a golden, crispy crown during baking.
  6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the surface transforms into a rich, golden-brown color and the center sets firmly.
  7. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish maintain its structure and allows flavors to settle before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the casserole tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
  • Consider adding diced jalapeños or green chiles for a spicy kick that complements the sweet corn flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap the cornbread mix with a gluten-free alternative or use a homemade cornbread mix made with gluten-free flour.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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