Easy Corn Casserole Recipe

Cozy Cornbread Casserole Recipe: A Homey Side Dish Delight

Nestled in the heart of comfort food, this easy corn casserole brings a delightful twist to your dinner table.

Creamy kernels mingle with rich ingredients, creating a side dish that sparks joy at every gathering.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet magical recipe.

Baked to golden perfection, each spoonful promises warmth and satisfaction.

Home cooks adore how quickly it comes together without complicated steps.

Simple pantry staples transform into something truly memorable with minimal effort.

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that will become your new favorite comfort classic.

What’s So Great About Easy Corn Casserole

  • Breeze Through Preparation: Super simple recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a stress-free cooking experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible dish allows adding cheese, green onions, or other mix-ins to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, rich corn casserole delivers warm, satisfying flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners and potlucks.
  • Versatile Side Dish: Complements multiple main courses like roasted chicken, grilled meats, or barbecue, becoming a go-to recipe for various meal occasions.

Pantry Staples for Easy Corn Casserole

Corn Base:
  • Whole Corn Kernels: Fresh corn kernels that provide texture and natural sweetness to the casserole.
  • Cream-Style Corn: A smooth corn base that adds moisture and rich corn flavor to the dish.
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Help bind the casserole and provide structure to the final dish.
  • Sour Cream: Adds richness and creates a creamy, tangy element to the casserole.
  • Butter: Provides additional richness and helps create a golden, crispy top.
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
  • Cornbread Mix: The primary dry ingredient that helps thicken and give structure to the casserole.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Green Onions: Provide extra flavor and texture to the corn casserole for those who want additional complexity.

Easy Steps to Make Corn Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Corn Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Whole corn kernels
  • Cream-style corn

Stir these together to create a delicious corn foundation.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until they become slightly frothy. Pour in melted butter and sour cream, blending everything until smooth and silky.

Step 4: Mix Cornbread Magic

Pour cornbread mix into the corn and dairy blend. Gently fold ingredients together, being careful not to overmix and lose that perfect texture.

Step 5: Boost Flavor Profile

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Add Optional Extras

For extra excitement, consider mixing in:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped green onions

These additions bring amazing depth and zesty flavor to your casserole.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a beautiful, smooth surface.

Step 8: 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 clean knife test in the center.

Step 9: Rest and Set

Once baked, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This helps it set and become wonderfully cohesive.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up this warm, comforting side that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering that needs a touch of deliciousness.

Tips That Make Corn Casserole a Breeze

  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Use a paper towel to pat corn kernels dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture and maintain a perfect texture.
  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Roast corn kernels briefly in a skillet before adding to the mixture, enhancing the natural sweetness and depth of corn taste.
  • Cheese Lover's Trick: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy, golden cheese crust that adds irresistible crunch.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during busy meal preparations.
  • Dietary Swap Option: Replace regular cornbread mix with gluten-free cornbread mix and use dairy-free sour cream for a completely gluten-free and lactose-free version.

Custom Ideas for Corn Casserole Lovers

  • Spicy Southwest Corn Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold, fiery side dish.
  • Bacon and Herb Corn Casserole: Crisp and crumble bacon throughout the mixture, then mix in fresh thyme and rosemary to create a savory, smoky version that elevates the traditional corn casserole.
  • Mediterranean Corn Casserole: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of oregano to give the dish a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile with tangy and aromatic notes.

What Goes Well with Easy Corn Casserole

  • Pair Zesty Barbecue Pulled Pork: Smoky, tender pulled pork complements the corn casserole's creamy texture, creating a mouthwatering Southern-style combination that balances sweet and savory flavors.
  • Recommend Crisp Autumn Ale: A refreshing amber or wheat beer cuts through the casserole's richness, providing a light, hoppy contrast that enhances the dish's comfort food appeal.
  • Serve Tangy Coleslaw Side: Crunchy, vinegar-based coleslaw adds a bright, acidic element that breaks up the corn casserole's creamy density, introducing a fresh textural counterpoint.
  • Elevate with Grilled Herb Chicken: Lemon-herb marinated chicken brings a lighter protein option that perfectly matches the corn casserole's warm, comforting character and adds protein to the meal.

Smart Ways to Store Corn Casserole Leftovers

  • Store leftover corn casserole in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying or browning.
  • Consume refrigerated corn casserole within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety, checking for any signs of spoilage before reheating.

Easy Corn Casserole Questions, Answered

  • Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?

Yes, you can substitute canned corn with fresh corn kernels. Just cut the kernels off the cob and use the same amount as the recipe calls for.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the cornbread mix typically contains wheat flour, making it not suitable for gluten-free diets. You would need to use a gluten-free cornbread mix to make it gluten-free.

  • Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

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Easy Corn Casserole Recipe

Easy Corn Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Midwest comfort shines through this hearty corn casserole, blending creamy textures with sweet kernel goodness. Homemade warmth fills your kitchen, promising delicious memories with each comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels
  • 1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn
  • 1 box cornbread mix

Dairy and Binders:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Seasonings and Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain whole corn kernels and combine with cream-style corn in a large mixing bowl, creating a rich corn base.
  3. Whisk eggs until slightly frothy, then add melted butter and sour cream, blending until smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour cornbread mix into the corn and dairy mixture, stirring gently to incorporate all ingredients without overmixing.
  5. Season the casserole with salt and black pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout the mixture.
  6. If desired, fold in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions for additional depth and texture.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform surface.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing it to set and become more cohesive.
  10. Serve warm as a comforting side dish, perfect for family gatherings or holiday meals.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking by thoroughly greasing the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
  • Customize Flavor Variations by experimenting with different cheese types like pepper jack, gouda, or adding crispy bacon bits for extra richness.
  • Make It Gluten-Free by substituting the cornbread mix with a gluten-free alternative or using almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance Nutrition by incorporating diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or chopped spinach to boost vegetable content and add vibrant colors and textures.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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