Looking for a golden, cheesy, crowd-pleasing comfort food side that practically disappears the moment it’s served? This Easy Corn Casserole Recipe practically has a cult following at every holiday gathering in my family—and it couldn’t be simpler to whip up! With its creamy, slightly sweet base, tender bits of corn, and a buttery crust (plus a little cheddar for good measure), it lands right on that magical line between savory and just a touch sweet. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a backyard BBQ, or just need a weeknight side that’ll make everyone happy, this is the corn casserole friends and family will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Corn Casserole Recipe proves that a handful of pantry staples can truly create something wonderful! Each ingredient brings a special role to the table—contributing creaminess, texture, and cozy, familiar flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one shines.
- Whole kernel corn (1 can, drained): Brings lots of corn flavor and pops of juicy texture throughout each bite.
- Cream-style corn (1 can): Adds a luscious, creamy base with a touch of sweetness and body.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Gives the casserole its lovable tang and extra creaminess.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Enriches the dish and helps create the decadent texture.
- Corn muffin mix (1 box, such as Jiffy): Provides the fluffy, bread-like structure with a subtle sweetness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): Melts into gooey pockets for extra richness and flavor—highly recommended!
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances all the sweet and savory elements.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Easy Corn Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish and generously grease it—either with butter or a spritz of nonstick spray. This helps the casserole bake up golden without sticking, giving you perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Mix Together the Corn Base
In your largest mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, melted butter, corn muffin mix, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended—the mixture will look thick and creamy, almost like a cake batter with pops of corn. No fancy equipment required here, just a sturdy spoon!
Step 3: Add the Cheese (If Using)
If you’re feeling cheesy, now’s the time to fold in the shredded cheddar. It’ll melt into gooey pockets as the casserole bakes, giving it an irresistible richness. This step is optional, but honestly, who can say no to melty cheese?
Step 4: Transfer and Bake
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. The casserole should puff slightly, turn golden on top, and a tester inserted in the center should come out clean or just a little moist.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the casserole is set and the top is beautifully golden, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this brief pause helps everything firm up, making it simple to scoop or slice for serving. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
How to Serve Easy Corn Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives, green onions, or even fresh parsley makes this Easy Corn Casserole Recipe burst to life with color and a little bit of garden-fresh flavor. For a playful twist, try a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a handful of extra cheddar on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is the ultimate sidekick—it plays beautifully with just about any main course. Serve it alongside roast turkey, BBQ chicken, glazed ham, or hearty veggie mains. It soaks up gravies and sauces like a dream and is especially welcome with other Southern comfort classics like green beans or mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
You can bake the Easy Corn Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for adorable, single-serve portions at dinner parties or holiday spreads. Alternatively, add a festive touch by topping it with sliced jalapeños or roasted red peppers before baking. Cut the cooled casserole into tidy squares for buffets or potlucks—watch it vanish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Corn Casserole Recipe stays moist and delicious for several days. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavor actually deepens a bit as it sits, making the next-day serving especially tasty.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole! After it has cooled completely, cut it into portions or keep it whole, wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and then place it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the leftovers (covered with foil to prevent drying) into a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For single servings, the microwave on medium power works well, too—just a minute or two will do the trick!
FAQs
Can I make Easy Corn Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this is a make-ahead superstar. Just prepare the mixture, pour it into the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Is it possible to make Easy Corn Casserole Recipe without eggs?
Absolutely—this recipe doesn’t call for any eggs at all, making it great for guests with egg allergies or for those who just ran out. The result is still rich, moist, and spoonable.
Can I add extras like jalapeños or green chiles?
Definitely! If you love a little kick or want to experiment with flavors, chopped jalapeños, diced green chiles, or green onions make excellent additions. Just fold them in with the cheese for a personalized touch.
What can I use instead of Jiffy corn muffin mix?
If Jiffy isn’t available, you can use any brand of corn muffin mix, or even make your own by mixing about 1 cup of cornmeal, ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, a tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. It’ll taste just as wonderful!
Can I double the Easy Corn Casserole Recipe for a crowd?
Yes! You can easily double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. Just be sure to add about 10–15 minutes to the baking time to ensure the center is set. It’s a go-to for potlucks and holiday feasts!
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a sure-thing, back-pocket side dish that’s guaranteed to please, this Easy Corn Casserole Recipe seriously has your name on it. Give it a try the next time you host or just want something warm and comforting—one bite and you’ll know why it’s a staple at so many tables!
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Easy Corn Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Corn Casserole Recipe is a comforting and creamy side dish perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like corn, sour cream, and cornbread mix, this dish is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 box (8.5 ounces) Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, melted butter, corn muffin mix, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, if using.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can mix in chopped jalapeños or green onions for extra flavor.
- This casserole reheats well and can also be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
