Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Total time: 55 minutes
Intensity/Ease: Super Easy (Perfect for Beginners!)
Yield: 8-10 servings
This isn’t just any corn casserole; this is the one that disappears first at every potluck, holiday dinner, and family barbecue. Imagine a side dish so luscious and creamy it feels like comfort in a spoon, with a golden, buttery crust that gives way to a tender, pudding-like center. Every single bite is packed with sweet corn and loaded with a double dose of rich, melty cheese.
It strikes the perfect balance between a savory side and a decadent indulgence. It pairs beautifully with smoked meats like brisket or pulled pork, is a natural companion to a classic holiday ham or turkey, and is even delicious enough to be the star of a simple weeknight dinner alongside a green salad. Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this cheesy corn casserole comes together in minutes and delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Get ready to be asked for the recipe again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Incredibly Easy: If you can stir, you can make this. No fancy techniques or equipment needed.
-
The Perfect Texture: It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it has a delightful tender bite from the whole kernel corn and a slight custard-like set from the creamed corn.
-
A Crowd-Pleaser: It’s universally loved by kids and adults alike. It’s the ultimate comfort food side dish.
-
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these staples in your kitchen.
Ingredients
-
For the Casserole:
-
1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
-
1 (14.75 oz) can cream-style corn
-
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
-
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
-
1 (8.5 oz) box Jiffy corn muffin mix (or any brand of cornbread mix)
-
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
-
For the Optional Topping:
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
-
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will be easy to serve.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, the cream-style corn, the sour cream, and the 1/2 cup (1 stick) of melted butter. Use a spatula or whisk to mix everything together until it is well combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the box of corn muffin mix, 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the remaining ½ cup for the topping), salt, and pepper to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can result in a tougher, denser casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with your spatula.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the batter. This will create that irresistible, gooey, golden-brown cheese crust.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The casserole is done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. It should be firm to the touch and a knife or toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay, but it shouldn’t be wet batter).
Step 7: Optional Buttered Breadcrumb Topping
While the casserole is baking, you can prepare the optional breadcrumb topping for an extra layer of texture. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and the panko breadcrumbs. After the casserole has baked for 40 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven, sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese, and return it to the oven for the final 5-10 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it so the breadcrumbs don’t burn.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows it to set up properly, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color, if desired. Serve warm and watch it vanish!
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate and is provided for informational purposes only. It can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and any modifications made to the recipe.
Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 10 servings)
Calories: 375
Total Fat: 24g
-
Saturated Fat: 14g
-
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 780mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g -
Dietary Fiber: 2g
-
Total Sugars: 9g (Includes Added Sugars)
Protein: 10g