Introduction:
Easy Corn Casserole is a classic side dish that’s beloved for its creamy, comforting, and subtly sweet flavor. This recipe simplifies the process of making corn casserole, resulting in a moist, tender, and delicious dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing side. It’s a quintessential comfort food that brings together the sweet taste of corn with a creamy, savory base, all baked to golden perfection.
Imagine scooping a spoonful of warm, golden casserole onto your plate. The aroma of sweet corn and creamy cheese fills the air, promising pure comfort. The texture is delightfully creamy and moist, studded with kernels of sweet corn that burst with flavor in every bite. The taste is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of richness from the dairy and a subtle sweetness from the corn itself.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Easy Corn Casserole recipe is an excellent choice. It requires minimal effort, uses readily available ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Get ready to experience the simple joy of homemade corn casserole and enjoy a side dish that’s both nostalgic and utterly delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
There are countless reasons why this Easy Corn Casserole recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your side dish repertoire. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make, living up to its name. This recipe requires minimal prep work and comes together quickly with just a few simple steps. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Secondly, the flavor is undeniably delicious and universally appealing. The sweet taste of corn combined with the creamy, savory casserole base is a classic combination that everyone loves. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that complements a wide variety of main courses and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Finally, it’s a versatile side dish that can be customized to your liking. This recipe is a wonderful base that you can easily adapt by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings to create your own signature corn casserole. It’s a great way to use up ingredients you have on hand and create a personalized dish that perfectly suits your taste.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this simple and delicious Easy Corn Casserole, you’ll need a selection of pantry staples, dairy essentials, and corn in a few forms to build its signature creamy and corny profile. The key ingredient, of course, is corn.
For the corn component, you will need three types of corn: creamed corn, whole kernel corn, and corn muffin mix. Creamed corn (1 can, 14.75 ounces) provides the creamy base and intense corn flavor to the casserole. Whole kernel corn (1 can, 15.25 ounces, drained) adds texture and distinct corn kernels to the casserole. Draining whole kernel corn is important to prevent excess liquid in the casserole. Corn muffin mix (1 box, 8.5 ounces, like Jiffy) provides structure, slight sweetness, and a subtle cornbread flavor to the casserole. Use a standard size box of corn muffin mix, like Jiffy brand for consistent results and classic flavor.
Dairy components are crucial for the creamy and rich texture of the casserole. Sour cream (1 cup, full-fat recommended) contributes to the creamy texture and tangy flavor of the casserole. Full-fat sour cream provides richness and best texture. Melted butter (1/2 cup, 1 stick, unsalted) adds richness, flavor, and moisture to the casserole. Unsalted butter is recommended to control salt level in the casserole. Milk (1/4 cup, any type) adds moisture to the casserole and helps to bind the ingredients.
Eggs act as a binder and add richness to the casserole. Eggs (2 large) help bind the casserole ingredients together and contribute to its tender texture.
Sugar adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the corn flavor and balances the savory elements. Granulated sugar (1/4 cup) adds a touch of sweetness, balancing savory and corn flavors.
Optional additions for enhancing the flavor and presentation of the dish include shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, or more for topping), for added cheesy flavor and optional cheesy topping. Cheddar cheese complements corn flavor and adds savory notes. Shredded cheese melts nicely into casserole and as topping. Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish), adding a pop of color and fresh oniony flavor. A pinch of black pepper or hot sauce (optional), for a subtle savory note or touch of heat.
HOW TO MAKE “Easy Corn Casserole”:
Making Easy Corn Casserole is a straightforward and almost entirely mixing and baking culinary process. The recipe involves simply combining all ingredients in a bowl, pouring the mixture into a baking dish, and baking until golden brown and set. The simplicity of the method is a key part of its appeal.
The recipe is structured into clear, easy-to-follow steps. It begins with preheating the oven and preparing the baking dish. Then, all casserole ingredients – creamed corn, whole kernel corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, melted butter, milk, eggs, sugar, and optional cheese – are combined in a bowl and mixed until just combined. The mixture is poured into the baking dish and baked until golden brown and set. Finally, the casserole is allowed to cool slightly and served warm.
By carefully following the step-by-step instructions, even novice cooks can easily achieve delicious and impressive Easy Corn Casserole at home. The simplicity of the method belies the incredible flavor and comforting nature of the finished dish. Get ready to enjoy a classic side dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven ensures it reaches the correct temperature for baking. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Greasing baking dish prevents casserole from sticking and ensures easy removal. A 9×13 inch dish is a standard size for casseroles and provides ample space for this recipe.
Step 2: Combine Casserole Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the creamed corn, drained whole kernel corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, melted butter, milk, eggs, and sugar. Large bowl provides ample space for mixing all casserole ingredients. Adding all ingredients at once simplifies the mixing process.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients Until Just Combined. Stir all ingredients together in the bowl until just combined. Stirring until just combined prevents overmixing, which can make the casserole tough. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed and batter is homogenous but do not overmix. If using shredded cheddar cheese in the casserole (optional), stir in about ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the batter at this stage. Stirring in cheese adds cheesy flavor throughout the casserole. Reserve remaining cheese for topping if desired.
Step 4: Pour into Baking Dish. Pour the corn casserole batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Pouring batter into baking dish prepares casserole for baking. Spreading batter evenly ensures even baking and a level casserole. If topping with shredded cheddar cheese (optional), sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole batter in the baking dish. Cheese topping adds cheesy melted layer on top of casserole and visual appeal.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the center. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and baking dish. Casserole is done when top is golden brown and center is set and no longer jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with maybe a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Do not overbake, as this can dry out the casserole.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve. Remove the Easy Corn Casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Cooling slightly makes casserole easier to serve and allows it to set up a bit more. Cooling also makes it less likely to crumble when serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives (optional) before serving for added visual appeal and fresh flavor. Serve warm for optimal enjoyment. Easy Corn Casserole is a comforting and versatile side dish. Enjoy this classic crowd-pleaser!
USEFUL TIPS:
For extra cheesy flavor, use a blend of cheddar cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the topping. Cheese blends enhance cheesy flavor depth and complexity. Monterey Jack or Parmesan add different melt characteristics and flavor notes.
To prevent the casserole from drying out, don’t overbake it. Bake just until it’s set and golden brown. Overbaking can dry out casserole and make it less moist. Bake until just set in center and golden brown on top, avoiding overbaking.
For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream and whole milk. Full-fat dairy contributes to richer flavor and creamier texture. Full-fat sour cream and whole milk are recommended for best flavor and texture.
To add a savory element, stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or sautéed onions or bell peppers to the casserole batter. Savory additions enhance flavor complexity and can customize casserole to your taste. Bacon, ham, sautéed onions or bell peppers are good savory additions. Cook bacon, ham, or vegetables before adding to casserole.
For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the batter or a dash of hot sauce. Red pepper flakes or hot sauce add heat. Adjust spice level according to your preference.
For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the casserole batter a day ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving. Preparing batter ahead saves time on day of serving, especially for gatherings or meal prep. Bake fresh for best texture and flavor.
For reheating leftover casserole, reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning. Oven reheating helps maintain texture better for larger portions. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings. Cover casserole during oven reheating to prevent drying out.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 15 minutes. The preparation time includes preheating oven, greasing baking dish, measuring and combining ingredients in a bowl. Easy Corn Casserole is designed for quick prep. Efficient prep work streamlines the baking process.
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes baking. The cooking time is primarily for baking the casserole in the oven. Baking time ensures casserole is cooked through and golden brown. Total cook time reflects baking component.
Total Time: 50-60 minutes. The total time from start to finish, including prep time and cook time, is approximately 50-60 minutes. Easy Corn Casserole is a relatively quick side dish to make. Total time is reasonable for a delicious and crowd-pleasing side.
Yield: 10-12 servings. This recipe yields approximately 10-12 servings, suitable for a potluck, holiday gathering, or family meal. Serving size can be adjusted based on individual appetites and serving context. Yield is sufficient for a large group or to serve at a gathering.
Category: Side Dish, Casserole, Corn Dish, Vegetable Side Dish, Comfort Food. Easy Corn Casserole is versatile, categorized as a side dish, casserole, corn dish, vegetable side dish, and comfort food. It is primarily served as a side dish for lunch or dinner. Categorization highlights its versatility and culinary role.
Method: Baking, Mixing. The primary methods are baking the casserole in the oven and mixing the ingredients in a bowl. Baking is the main cooking method. Mixing combines all ingredients for casserole batter. These methods combine to create the final dish.
Cuisine: American, Southern, Comfort Food. Easy Corn Casserole is American in style, often associated with Southern cuisine, and a classic comfort food. Its comforting nature and flavor profile classify it as classic comfort food. American cuisine often features casseroles as popular side dishes. Cuisine reflects the recipe’s origin and culinary style.
Diet: Vegetarian. Easy Corn Casserole is vegetarian as written, containing no meat or fish products. Vegan adaptation would require substitutions for sour cream, butter, milk, eggs, and cheese (if used). Diet category highlights its vegetarian nature and potential for vegan modification.
NOTES:
One note on corn muffin mix – using Jiffy corn muffin mix is a common and convenient choice for Easy Corn Casserole, providing consistent results and a slightly sweet cornbread flavor. You can also use other brands of corn muffin mix, or even make your own homemade corn muffin mix if preferred. Jiffy corn muffin mix is a convenient and classic choice. Homemade corn muffin mix can be used for those who prefer baking from scratch.
Another note is regarding baking time – baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and baking dish. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes and bake until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center. Do not overbake, as this can dry out the casserole. Monitor baking time and check for doneness to prevent overbaking.
For serving suggestions, Easy Corn Casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses, especially: roasted chicken, baked ham, BBQ ribs, meatloaf, pulled pork, or turkey. It is also a popular side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Serving suggestions enhance serving presentation and complement casserole flavors. Consider serving with roasted meats or BBQ for classic pairings.
If you want to make individual corn casseroles, you can bake the batter in muffin tins or ramekins instead of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Adjust baking time accordingly, checking for doneness sooner. Individual corn casseroles create individual serving sizes, perfect for parties or potlucks. Baking time will be shorter for smaller casseroles; monitor for doneness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of canned corn?
A: Yes, you can use frozen corn instead of canned corn in Easy Corn Casserole. Use about 2 cups of frozen corn kernels, thawed. You can substitute frozen corn directly for canned whole kernel corn. No need to adjust cooking time significantly. Frozen corn is a good alternative to canned corn. Thaw frozen corn before using and drain any excess liquid.
Q: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A: To make Easy Corn Casserole dairy-free, you need to substitute the sour cream, butter, milk, and cheddar cheese (if used) with dairy-free alternatives. Use dairy-free sour cream alternative (such as Tofutti Sour Cream or Kite Hill Sour Cream Alternative). Use vegan butter (such as Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter or Earth Balance Vegan Butter Sticks) instead of dairy butter. Use unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk) instead of dairy milk. Use vegan cheddar cheese shreds (such as Daiya Cheddar Shreds or Violife Mature Cheddar Shreds) instead of dairy cheddar cheese. Dairy-free substitutions can be used for all dairy components. Flavor profile will be slightly different, but dairy-free version can still be creamy and corny and delicious. Adjust seasoning as needed when using vegan cheeses, as they can vary in saltiness.
Q: How do I make corn muffin mix from scratch if I don’t have a box?
A: If you don’t have a box of corn muffin mix, you can make a simple substitute at home. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup yellow cornmeal (medium or fine grind), 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This homemade corn muffin mix substitute can be used in place of a boxed mix in this recipe. Homemade corn muffin mix substitute requires pantry staples and simple whisking. It provides similar base for casserole to boxed mix.
Q: What are good main dishes to serve with Easy Corn Casserole?
A: Easy Corn Casserole is a versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses, especially classic American comfort food dishes. Roasted chicken, baked or grilled ham, BBQ ribs or pulled pork, meatloaf, steak, pot roast, or grilled sausages are all excellent main dish pairings. Choose main dishes that complement the casserole’s sweet and savory flavor profile. Hearty meat dishes are classic pairings with corn casserole.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To ensure your leftover Easy Corn Casserole remains safe and delicious, proper storage is essential. Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Do not place hot food directly into the refrigerator, as this can raise the refrigerator temperature and potentially affect food safety and texture of the casserole. Cooling to room temperature before refrigerating is recommended for best storage practices.
Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer leftover portions to airtight containers. Covering tightly or using airtight containers prevents air exposure and maintains moisture in the refrigerator.
Store the covered baking dish or airtight containers of leftover Easy Corn Casserole in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers promptly within 2 hours of baking to ensure food safety, especially because of the dairy and egg content. Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Proper refrigeration is crucial for preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety for dairy and egg-based casseroles.
Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality and food safety. While leftovers may remain safe to eat for slightly longer, the texture of the casserole may change slightly upon reheating, and the overall casserole quality may degrade over time. For optimal taste and to minimize health risks, it is recommended to consume leftovers within this timeframe. Always use your senses—sight, smell, and taste—to assess the quality of leftovers before consuming.
Reheating leftover Easy Corn Casserole is best done gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent drying, or microwave individual portions. Reheat gently to avoid drying out or burning. Oven reheating helps maintain texture better for larger portions, covered to prevent drying. Microwave reheating is quicker for individual servings. Add a splash of milk or butter during reheating if casserole seems dry.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed this simple and satisfying Easy Corn Casserole, you will likely enjoy these other corn-focused side dish variations, as well as other creamy and cheesy casserole recipes. Consider trying Creamy Corn Pudding for another classic corn side dish featuring a custard-like texture and rich, creamy corn flavor, often with nutmeg. Creamy corn pudding is another classic corn side dish, featuring a creamy custard base, often with nutmeg for spice, similar creamy and comforting style. It’s a delicious alternative for corn pudding fans.
Another excellent option is Scalloped Corn, for a baked corn dish with a creamy cheese sauce, breadcrumb topping, and often featuring ham or bacon, offering a cheesier and more textured corn casserole with optional ham or bacon addition. Scalloped corn features a cheesy cream sauce and breadcrumb topping, often includes ham or bacon, more textured and cheesy corn casserole style. It’s a great choice for cheese and texture lovers.
For a different style of corn side dish, explore Cornbread Casserole, a casserole that emphasizes cornbread as the base, often topped with cheese, chili, or other savory toppings, offering a more cornbread-forward casserole that can be customized with toppings for a heartier dish. Cornbread casserole emphasizes cornbread base, can be topped with chili or cheese for a heartier and customizable casserole, different texture and base from Easy Corn Casserole. These related recipes offer diverse flavor combinations and textures within the corn side dish and creamy casserole categories, providing a range of delicious options to explore beyond Easy Corn Casserole.
CONCLUSION
Easy Corn Casserole is a testament to the deliciousness of simple recipes and classic flavors. This recipe offers a straightforward and rewarding way to create a creamy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing side dish that is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to festive holiday gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side, a versatile dish you can adapt to your liking, or just a taste of classic corn casserole goodness, this recipe is guaranteed to be a success.
The combination of sweet corn, creamy texture, and a subtly sweet and savory base creates a symphony of textures and tastes that is simply irresistible. Homemade Easy Corn Casserole is far more flavorful and satisfying than any store-bought version, and the relatively simple steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a treat that is as enjoyable to make and share as it is to eat, perfectly capturing the spirit of relaxed, delicious, and wholesome home cooking.
So, gather your corn, dairy, and corn muffin mix, and prepare to experience the simple joy of homemade Easy Corn Casserole. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking, adding your favorite cheeses, vegetables, spices, herbs, or toppings to create your own personalized version of this versatile classic. Embrace the simplicity, savor the flavors, and enjoy the creamy, corny, and comforting goodness of every spoonful. Happy cooking, and may your Easy Corn Casserole be a delicious success!
