Classic Creamy Scalloped Corn Casserole with Golden Ritz Cracker Topping
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting side dish to complete a meal, especially during the festive holiday season. This delightful scalloped corn casserole is a time-honored classic, beloved for its rich, creamy texture and irresistible savory-sweet flavor. Crowned with a beautifully golden, crunchy Ritz cracker topping, it’s a simple yet elegant addition that transforms ordinary corn into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you’re planning a grand holiday feast, a casual potluck, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises to be a memorable highlight, earning its place on your table year after year. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings smiles to every face.
Why This Scalloped Corn Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try
This scalloped corn recipe isn’t just another side dish; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that captivates from the first bite. The secret lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients: sweet whole kernel corn provides a delightful pop, while smooth, rich creamed corn adds a luxurious, velvety base. These are then generously combined with sharp cheddar cheese and a subtle medley of seasonings, all culminating beneath a truly addictive buttery Ritz cracker topping. Baked until it’s gloriously bubbly and golden brown, this casserole elevates simple corn into a sophisticated comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. The contrast between the soft, creamy interior and the crisp, salty topping is what makes it truly special.
Corn, in its various forms, has long been a quintessential part of holiday spreads and family gatherings across America. From hearty corn casserole to classic buttered corn, it consistently makes an appearance on tables during special events. Our scalloped corn offers a wonderful, elevated alternative, providing a unique combination of creaminess and crunch that stands out from other corn dishes. It’s an incredibly versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses, making it ideal for grand celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas, Easter brunches, or even just a comforting Sunday dinner with loved ones. The ease of preparation, coupled with its undeniable crowd-pleasing appeal, makes this recipe a true kitchen winner that you’ll return to again and again.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Scalloped Corn
Crafting this delicious scalloped corn casserole requires a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the dish’s signature flavor and texture. For a complete list of exact measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post. We’ll dive deeper into some important notes and potential substitutions below to ensure your scalloped corn is nothing short of perfection, even if you need to adapt to what you have on hand.
Ingredient Breakdown & Smart Substitution Ideas
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing what substitutions work best can significantly enhance your cooking experience and the final outcome of your scalloped corn. Here’s a closer look at the components:
CORN – The heart and soul of this casserole! We simplify preparation by utilizing two types of canned corn: creamed corn and whole kernel corn. The creamed corn is essential for contributing to the rich, smooth, and slightly sweet base, creating that comforting, cohesive texture. The whole kernel corn, on the other hand, offers a delightful textural contrast with its distinct pop and natural sweetness, ensuring the dish isn’t uniformly soft. If you prefer to use frozen whole kernel corn, that’s perfectly acceptable, but remember to thaw it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before beginning to prevent a watery casserole. For an even fresher taste, especially when corn is in season, you could use fresh corn cut directly from the cob. Just blanch it briefly in boiling water (about 2-3 minutes) before adding it to the mixture for optimal results.
CHEESE – For the ultimate gooey, melty goodness and rich flavor, we highly recommend shredding a block of sharp cheddar cheese yourself. Pre-shredded bagged cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly and evenly, sometimes resulting in a slightly grainy or clumpy texture. Freshly shredded cheddar melts beautifully, integrating seamlessly into the creamy corn base and forming a delicious, golden crust on top. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses such as Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of sharp and mild cheddars to fine-tune the flavor profile to your preference. For an added layer of flavor, a small amount of smoked Gouda or even Parmesan can introduce a delightful complexity.
TOPPING – The iconic, buttery crunch of Ritz crackers is truly what distinguishes this scalloped corn casserole. Crushed Ritz crackers, generously mixed with melted butter, create an unbelievably crispy, golden, and flavorful topping that perfectly complements the creamy interior of the casserole. The buttery, slightly salty notes of the Ritz crackers are incomparable. However, if you’re looking for a lower-carb alternative, finely ground pork rinds make an excellent substitute, offering a similar satisfying crunch and a rich, savory profile. You could also try other butter crackers like Club Crackers or even use panko breadcrumbs mixed with extra butter for a different kind of crispness, though the classic Ritz is highly recommended for its unique flavor and texture.
EGGS – Two large, lightly whisked eggs act as a crucial binding agent in this casserole. They help to set the corn mixture during baking, preventing it from becoming too loose and ensuring a firm yet creamy texture that holds together well when served. Make sure they are thoroughly whisked before adding them to the mixture for even incorporation, which is key for a consistent casserole texture.
SPICES (Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper) – These simple yet powerful seasonings elevate the natural sweetness of the corn and the richness of the cheese. Paprika not only adds a beautiful, warm color to the cracker topping but also imparts a subtle, sweet peppery note that enhances the overall flavor. Salt is fundamental for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish, bringing out the best in the corn and cheese. Freshly ground black pepper adds a gentle warmth and aromatic depth. Always adjust the salt and pepper to your personal taste preferences; a pinch of cayenne pepper could also introduce a delightful mild kick if you enjoy a touch of heat in your dishes.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Scalloped Corn
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize the process of making this delicious scalloped corn casserole, ensuring your success in the kitchen. For a full, printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page. This detailed guide makes holiday cooking stress-free!
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your casserole is assembled and ready to go in.
- Create the Cracker Topping: In a food processor, pulse the Ritz crackers until they form fine, even crumbs. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the melted butter. This creates a beautifully golden and crispy topping that’s packed with flavor. Once combined, remove about two generous handfuls of this buttery crumb mixture to incorporate directly into your corn casserole base. Set the remaining topping aside for the final layer.
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: If you wish, place your 2-quart casserole dish onto a baking sheet. While optional, this can catch any potential spills if the casserole bubbles over during baking, making cleanup significantly easier. We found that our casserole did not bubble over, but it offers extra peace of mind and is a useful preventative measure.
EXPERT TIP – Don’t have a 2-quart casserole dish? No problem! An 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch square baking pan works just as well for this recipe. Ensure whatever dish you choose is oven-safe and of comparable volume to ensure even cooking.
- Assemble the Corn Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly drained whole kernel corn, the two cans of creamed corn, half of the freshly shredded cheddar cheese, the reserved two handfuls of crumb topping, and the thoroughly whisked eggs. Stir all these ingredients together until they are well combined and uniformly distributed. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and proper consistency. Pour this rich and creamy mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add the First Layer of Cheese: Generously sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the corn mixture in the baking dish. This layer will melt down into a luscious, gooey topping that combines beautifully with the creamy corn beneath.
- Season the Topping & Finish Assembly: To the remaining crumb topping you set aside earlier, add the paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir these seasonings in thoroughly to ensure they are well distributed throughout the crumbs, adding an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden-orange hue to the final crust. Carefully sprinkle this seasoned crumb topping evenly over the cheese layer in the casserole dish. This creates the signature crunchy crust that is the hallmark of a great scalloped corn casserole.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown, the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the filling is heated through and slightly set. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, carefully remove the scalloped corn casserole from the oven. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the casserole to set properly, making it much easier to scoop and ensuring it holds its shape beautifully on the plate.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Scalloped Corn
To maintain its freshness and delicious flavor, store any leftover scalloped corn casserole in an airtight container. Place it promptly in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and warm in a 300-325°F (150-160°C) oven until heated through, which helps retain some of the topping’s crispness. Alternatively, individual portions can be quickly reheated in the microwave until warm.
Absolutely! This corn casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option, making it incredibly convenient for busy holiday preparations or entertaining. You can assemble the entire corn mixture, combining all the corn, eggs, and half the cheese, and pour it into your baking dish. However, *do not add the remaining shredded cheese or the cracker topping at this stage*. Wrap the prepared dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until it’s no longer chilled (this is particularly important if you are using a glass baking dish to prevent thermal shock). Then, simply sprinkle on the reserved cheese and cracker topping and bake according to the recipe instructions. This method ensures the topping remains wonderfully crisp and fresh.
Yes, scalloped corn freezes beautifully, making it an excellent dish for meal prepping or enjoying later. Once the casserole has been fully baked and allowed to cool completely to room temperature, wrap it tightly with a few layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This double-layer protection is crucial to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator, or at room temperature for several hours. Then, reheat it, covered with foil, in a 350°F (175°C) oven until it’s warmed through and bubbly, usually about 25-35 minutes. If you desire extra crunch, you may want to add a fresh sprinkle of Ritz crackers during the last 10 minutes of reheating.
The combination of both whole kernel and creamed corn is fundamental to achieving the unique and beloved texture of this scalloped corn casserole. Whole kernel corn provides bursts of natural sweetness and a satisfying textural bite, adding a pleasant chewiness and visual appeal to the dish. Creamed corn, on the other hand, creates the luscious, smooth, and creamy base that binds all the other ingredients together, ensuring every spoonful is moist, rich, and cohesive. Together, they create a perfectly balanced and irresistible mouthfeel that makes this dish truly special and a favorite among many.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Scalloped Corn
Serve your warm, delicious scalloped corn casserole fresh from the oven, ensuring the buttery cracker topping is at its crispiest for maximum enjoyment. This incredibly versatile side dish is a fantastic complement to a wide range of main courses, making it a true all-rounder for any meal. It truly shines alongside traditional holiday centerpieces like a perfectly roasted turkey, a savory spiral-cut ham, or a succulent beef roast, making it a beloved staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. However, its appeal isn’t limited to just festive occasions! It also makes a wonderful accompaniment to more casual weeknight dinners such as baked chicken, tender pork chops, juicy pot roast, or even a simple meatloaf. Don’t forget to consider it for potlucks, family reunions, barbecues, or any gathering where a comforting, crowd-pleasing side is desired. A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley before serving can add a beautiful touch of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor.
More Irresistible Side Dish Recipes to Explore
If you loved this scalloped corn casserole and are looking for more delicious ideas to complete your meal, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic side dish recipes that perfectly complement any main course:
- Sweet Candied Yams
- Tender Glazed Carrots
- Rich Creamed Spinach
- Classic Southern Green Beans
- Savory Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
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Scalloped Corn Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them for extra tips, storage advice, and ingredient insights!
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Ingredients
For the Crunchy Topping
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted, for the topping
- 3 cups Ritz crackers about two sleeves, crushed into fine crumbs
For the Creamy Corn Casserole
- 30 ounces canned whole kernel corn two 15-ounce cans, thoroughly drained
- 30 ounces canned creamed corn two 15-ounce cans, undrained
- 2 large eggs lightly whisked
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided, ideally freshly shredded from a block
- 2 teaspoons paprika for seasoning the topping
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Food processor for crushing crackers quickly and evenly
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Large mixing bowl for combining all the casserole ingredients
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2-quart baking dish or an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan
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Baking sheet optional, for spill prevention during baking
Recipe Notes & Expert Tips
- Baking Dish Alternatives: If a 2-quart casserole dish isn’t available, an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch square baking pan can be used interchangeably, offering similar excellent results for this volume of ingredients.
- Corn Options: While canned whole kernel and creamed corn simplify this recipe, feel free to use frozen corn (remember to thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture) or fresh corn (blanch briefly before adding) for the whole kernels. The combination of textures from both types of corn is key to the dish’s appeal!
- Lower Carb Topping: For those managing carb intake, replacing the Ritz cracker crumbs with finely ground pork rinds is a fantastic, savory alternative that maintains a satisfying crunch and richness.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: This casserole is perfect for preparing in advance to ease your meal prep, especially for holidays. Assemble the corn mixture and pour it into the baking dish, but *hold off on adding the shredded cheese and cracker topping*. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Before baking, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then add the toppings and bake as directed. This ensures the cracker topping remains wonderfully crisp.
- Storage Tips: Any leftover scalloped corn should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
- Freezing for Later: To freeze, bake the casserole completely and allow it to cool entirely to room temperature. Wrap it securely in multiple layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F (175°C) oven until thoroughly warm and bubbly. You might want to add a fresh sprinkle of crackers for extra crunch if reheating from frozen.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Buttery Cracker Topping
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Crush Ritz crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs are formed. With the processor running, gradually drizzle in the 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until well combined. Remove two generous handfuls of this buttery crumb mixture to set aside for mixing into the casserole base. Keep the remaining topping aside for the final layer.
Assemble and Bake the Casserole
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(Optional) To prevent any potential bubbling over and simplify cleanup, you may place your casserole dish onto a baking sheet before filling.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, the two reserved handfuls of buttery crumb topping, and the whisked eggs. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Pour this mixture into your chosen 2-quart casserole dish (or 8×8/9×9 square baking pan).
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Evenly sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the corn mixture in the baking dish.
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To the remaining crumb topping, add the paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir them in thoroughly. Then, evenly sprinkle this seasoned crumb topping over the layer of cheese in the casserole dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges and heated through.
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Remove the scalloped corn casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes for easier, cleaner serving, ensuring every scoop is perfect.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.