This easy Corn Casserole recipe is the ultimate side dish for any occasion. Made with simple pantry staples like Jiffy corn muffin mix, creamed corn, and sour cream, it comes together in minutes and bakes into a warm, savory, and irresistibly moist casserole. It’s the perfect blend of corn pudding and cornbread – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holiday dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight meal.
Whether you know it as corn pudding or spoon bread, this dish is a classic comfort food. It’s the recipe that gets passed down through generations, and for good reason. We’re breaking down how to make this simple, yet phenomenal, side dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Corn Casserole Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this is a true “dump and bake” recipe. Simply mix all the ingredients in one bowl and pour it into a baking dish.
- Perfectly Moist & Creamy: The combination of creamed corn and sour cream creates a wonderfully tender and custardy texture that never comes out dry.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: It’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with corn flavor. Adding cheddar cheese takes it over the top!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: A perfect choice for busy holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready. Check out our tips below!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cheesy corn casserole uses simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: The classic choice that provides the perfect cornbread base and a hint of sweetness.
- Canned Corn: You’ll need one can of whole kernel corn, drained well.
- Creamed Corn: Do not drain this! The creamed corn is essential for the pudding-like texture.
- Sour Cream: This is the secret ingredient for a moist, tender crumb and a subtle tangy flavor.
- Eggs: Two large eggs act as the binder, holding the casserole together.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor throughout the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor and melt. Half goes inside, and half is sprinkled on top.
- Green Onions: Optional, but thinly sliced green onions add a mild, fresh bite.
How to Make This Corn Casserole Recipe
Making this dish couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these quick steps for a perfect casserole.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and eggs until smooth. Then, stir in the sour cream, drained whole kernel corn, and the undrained creamed corn.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Pour in the Jiffy corn muffin mix and add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the sliced green onions. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up properly, making it easier to spoon out.
Tips for the Best Corn Casserole
Want to ensure your casserole is flawless? Follow these simple tips.
- Don’t Overmix: Just like with cornbread, mixing the batter too much can result in a dense, tough texture. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best cheesy results, buy a block of sharp cheddar and shred it yourself.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For a more even bake, let your eggs and sour cream come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is done when the edges are golden and pull away slightly from the pan, and the center is firm to the touch. It should have a slight jiggle, but not be liquidy.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic Corn Casserole Recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Corn Casserole: Add one 4-ounce can of diced green chiles (drained) and a 1/2 cup of chopped pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. A dash of chili powder also works well.
- Bacon and Cheddar: Everything is better with bacon! Add 1/2 cup of crumbled, cooked bacon to the batter.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or a teaspoon of dried thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Make it a Meal: Turn this side into a main course by adding 1 cup of diced ham or shredded chicken. It makes a wonderful light lunch, similar to our favorite Creamy Chicken Gnocchi.
Storing and Reheating Your Casserole
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. To make it ahead, simply prepare the batter, pour it into the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corn Casserole
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Jiffy is traditional and works perfectly for this recipe, but you can substitute it with another 8.5 oz box of corn muffin mix. If you want to make it from scratch, you can use a mixture of 3/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup cornmeal, 3 tbsp sugar, and 2 tsp baking powder.
The key to a moist corn casserole is the combination of creamed corn and a fatty dairy component like sour cream or yogurt. These ingredients ensure a creamy, tender result. Also, be careful not to overbake it; remove it from the oven when the center is just set.
There are many great additions! Try adding diced jalapeños or green chiles for heat, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor, or different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a new twist.
While very similar, corn pudding typically has a more custard-like, smooth texture due to a higher ratio of eggs and milk. Corn casserole, especially when made with a mix like Jiffy, has a slightly firmer, more cornbread-like texture while still being very moist.
What to Serve with Corn Casserole
This dish is a star on any holiday table, pairing beautifully with classics like a Roasted Cornish Hen or Alice Springs Chicken (coming soon). It’s also a perfect companion for weeknight dinners. We love serving it alongside a hearty main like our Classic Beef Chili or with other delicious sides like Honey Roasted Carrots.
The Best Corn Casserole Recipe
Corn Casserole Recipe (Easy, Cheesy, and Delicious!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and eggs. Stir in the sour cream, drained whole kernel corn, and undrained creamed corn.
- Add the Jiffy corn muffin mix, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't overmix the batter! Mix only until the ingredients are just incorporated to ensure a tender, moist casserole.
Tip 3: You can assemble this dish up to 48 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Share Your Amazing Creation!
We know you’ll love this easy and cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe. It’s a dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! We’d love to see your creations, so don’t forget to share a photo on Pinterest!
