If you’re craving a comforting side that’s creamy, slightly sweet, and downright irresistible, Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This classic Southern dish brings together simple ingredients into a buttery, cheesy, and fluffy casserole that’s perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight gatherings, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. The combination of whole kernel corn and cream-style corn creates a luscious texture, while the Jiffy corn muffin mix adds a light, tender crumb that’s pure bliss in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building up irresistible texture, creamy consistency, and that lovely golden color that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Whole kernel corn (1 can, drained): Adds sweet pops of real corn for texture and flavor contrast.
- Cream-style corn (1 can): Brings smooth creaminess that ties the casserole together.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Gives a tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the corn.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Offers a luscious buttery depth and helps with that moist crumb.
- Jiffy corn muffin mix (1 box): The secret to the perfect tender base, light but comforting.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, 1 cup): Adds a sharp, melty finish that makes this casserole even more irresistible.
How to Make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole will bake evenly. While it heats up, grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to keep your casserole from sticking and to add a little buttery coating that will crisp the edges beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Corn and Cream
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, and the cup of sour cream. This combo sets a creamy, sweet base with plenty of texture from the kernels that will burst delightfully with every bite.
Step 3: Add Butter and Corn Muffin Mix
Next, pour in the melted unsalted butter and sprinkle the Jiffy corn muffin mix over your creamy corn mixture. Gently stir until everything is just combined — be careful not to over-mix, as you want the casserole to stay light and fluffy once baked.
Step 4: Stir in Cheese (If Using)
If you’re including cheddar, stir in about three-quarters of the shredded cheese now, reserving the rest for a melty, golden topping that will make your casserole impossible to resist once it comes out of the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top turns beautifully golden and the center sets, signaling it’s ready to be enjoyed. Let it rest for five minutes once out of the oven—this helps it settle and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions adds a fresh, vibrant burst of color and flavor that contrasts delightfully with the creamy richness. For a little extra kick, consider a dusting of paprika or a few crushed red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
This corn casserole pairs like a dream with Southern classics like fried chicken, glazed ham, or collard greens. It also complements any grilled meat or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese or bacon crumbles. You could even scoop it onto a plate and crown it with a handful of crispy fried onions for an irresistible texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or next-day indulgence.
Freezing
You can freeze Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe either before baking or after it has cooled completely. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil or freezer-safe wrap. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer without losing its wonderful texture or flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the fridge and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating leftovers from the fridge, just cover loosely with foil and warm it until bubbly and hot.
FAQs
Can I make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative, and use a plant-based butter substitute. Look for dairy-free cheddar-style shreds or omit the cheese to keep it simple.
What if I don’t have Jiffy corn muffin mix?
If Jiffy isn’t available, you can use any quick corn muffin mix you like or try blending cornmeal with a little flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to recreate a similar effect.
Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?
Yes! This recipe is quite versatile—add cooked bacon, diced jalapeños for heat, or chopped green onions for brightness. Just keep the overall moisture and crumb balance in mind.
Is Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe is not gluten-free because Jiffy corn muffin mix contains wheat flour. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free corn muffin mix or make your own blend with cornmeal and gluten-free flour.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Look for a golden brown top with bubbling edges and a firm center. If you jiggle the dish, the middle should be set, not liquid. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe is simply one of those dishes that makes everyone feel instantly at home. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with that classic Southern charm that keeps folks coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a lover of traditional recipes or just discovering this delight for the first time, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is a classic Southern side dish featuring a creamy blend of whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, melted butter, and Jiffy corn muffin mix, baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole is easy to prepare and can be enhanced with cheddar cheese and optional spicy or savory add-ins, making it a perfect accompaniment for holiday meals or any family gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (14.75 oz) can cream-style corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (8.5 oz) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, melted butter, and Jiffy corn muffin mix. Stir the mixture gently until just combined to maintain the corn’s texture.
- Add cheese (optional): If you choose to include cheese, stir about 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar into the mixture, saving the remaining 1/4 cup for the topping.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top to enhance flavor and create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center is set and firm.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set further and improve slicing.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture before baking.
- You can enhance the flavor by adding cooked crumbled bacon or chopped green onions.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking chilled.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the texture light and tender.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
