There’s something special about corn casserole—it’s creamy, cheesy, and always a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday dinners. The combination of sweet corn, sour cream, melted butter, and cheddar cheese baked together creates a rich, comforting dish that pairs well with just about anything. Whether you’re looking for a side to complement your main course or a standalone dish, this creamy cheesy corn casserole will become a staple in your recipe collection.
What is Corn Casserole?
Corn casserole is a classic American dish, particularly popular in Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States. It’s often made with canned corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, cheese, and butter. The result is a slightly sweet and savory dish with a pudding-like consistency. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. While it’s often served as a side dish, it can also be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main course.
Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Corn Casserole
Here’s a list of the simple and affordable ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
This adds texture to the dish, providing the bite and sweetness of fresh corn kernels. - 1 (15 oz) can creamed corn
The creamed corn adds moisture and enhances the creamy consistency of the casserole. - 1 cup sour cream
Sour cream gives the dish its rich, tangy flavor while contributing to its moist texture. - 1/2 cup melted butter
Butter makes everything better! It adds richness and helps to create that delicious golden-brown crust on top. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese brings a sharp, cheesy flavor to the dish. You can experiment with other cheeses if you like. - 1 (8.5 oz) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
Jiffy mix is the secret ingredient that gives the casserole its unique texture, combining the flavors of cornbread and pudding. - Salt and pepper to taste
Season the dish to your liking, but be careful not to overdo it, as the cheese and butter already add saltiness. - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For a pop of color and a hint of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.
Directions and Preparation Method
Making this creamy cheesy corn casserole is easy and requires minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to prepare it:
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
Start by preheating the oven to the correct temperature to ensure even baking. - Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier. - Combine the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and Jiffy corn muffin mix. Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended. The combination of these ingredients creates a wonderfully creamy base for your casserole. - Season with salt and pepper
Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the cheese and butter bring a lot of flavor, so taste the mixture before adding too much salt. - Transfer the mixture to the baking dish
Pour the combined ingredients into the prepared baking dish. Spread the mixture out evenly using a spatula to ensure it cooks consistently. - Bake the casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the center should be firm but still moist. - Cool slightly before serving
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to cut into portions. - Garnish with fresh parsley
If desired, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a vibrant, fresh finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned corn?
Yes, you can substitute canned corn with fresh or frozen corn. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, thaw and drain it before adding it to the mixture. The flavor will be slightly fresher, but the overall texture and taste of the casserole will remain similar.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the great things about corn casserole is that it can be made ahead of time. Prepare the casserole mixture, pour it into the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes, and then bake as directed.
3. How do I store leftover corn casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
4. Can I freeze corn casserole?
Yes, corn casserole can be frozen. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely after baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven.
5. Can I make this casserole without Jiffy mix?
If you don’t have Jiffy corn muffin mix or prefer to make a homemade version, you can easily substitute it with a combination of flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt together to create a homemade Jiffy mix replacement.
6. What variations can I try with this recipe?
You can customize this corn casserole in several ways. Some popular additions include diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, crumbled bacon for added smokiness, or even diced green onions for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a twist on the original recipe.
Conclusion
Creamy cheesy corn casserole is a dish that offers comfort and satisfaction with every bite. It’s a versatile recipe, perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or even a weeknight meal. Its combination of sweetness from the corn, richness from the sour cream and butter, and sharpness from the cheddar cheese makes it irresistible. The ease of preparation also makes it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to serve up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.