Deliciously Easy Corn Casserole: The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Side Dish

There’s something uniquely comforting and incredibly satisfying about a classic corn casserole. It’s a dish that effortlessly bridges the gap between sweet and savory, offering the best of both worlds in every creamy, golden bite. Perfect for holiday feasts, family gatherings, or even a simple weeknight meal, this recipe for corn casserole stands out for its simplicity, delightful texture, and universally loved flavor. Made with just six core ingredients – Jiffy cornbread mix, creamed corn, whole kernel corn, sour cream, melted butter, and eggs – it promises a fuss-free preparation and an unforgettable taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The Irresistible Charm of This Corn Casserole Recipe

---

This corn casserole isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary experience that hits all the right notes. Its unique appeal lies in its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Imagine the comforting sweetness reminiscent of homemade cornbread, perfectly balanced by a rich, savory, and incredibly buttery taste. This combination creates a depth of flavor that is both familiar and exciting.

Beyond its fantastic taste, the texture is what truly sets this casserole apart. It’s wonderfully soft and fluffy, melting in your mouth, yet boasts beautifully crisp, golden-brown edges that add a delightful contrast. You might also hear this beloved dish referred to as corn pudding, especially in the Southern United States, where its creamy consistency is highly prized. While it traditionally graces tables at festive holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, its versatility makes it an excellent accompaniment to a wide array of main courses throughout the entire year. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing qualities make it a staple for any home cook looking to impress with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Corn Casserole

---

One of the beauties of this corn casserole recipe is its reliance on readily available and simple ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. To ensure you have everything on hand, refer to the full list of measurements and detailed instructions available in the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this post. For now, let’s delve into the key components that give this casserole its signature taste and texture.

Ingredient Breakdown & Smart Substitutions

---

Understanding each ingredient’s role not only helps you execute the recipe flawlessly but also empowers you to make informed substitutions if needed. Here’s what you need to know about the stars of our corn casserole:

• CORNBREAD MIX – A single 8.5 oz box of Jiffy cornbread mix is the foundation of this incredibly easy casserole. Jiffy mix is a game-changer for its convenience, providing a consistent base that’s both sweet and slightly savory. The inclusion of sour cream in this recipe works wonders, significantly enhancing the fluffiness and moisture of the cornbread component. While optional, we highly recommend including it for the best results; however, if absolutely necessary, you can omit it. If Jiffy isn’t available, a similar brand of sweet corn muffin mix will work, or you can use a plain cornmeal mix and add a few tablespoons of sugar to achieve a similar sweetness.
• CORN – This recipe calls for a dynamic duo of corn: one can of creamed corn and one can of whole kernel corn (remember to drain the whole kernel corn thoroughly!). The creamed corn is vital, contributing not only a delightful sweetness but also an essential creamy texture that binds the casserole together. The whole kernel corn, on the other hand, adds bursts of natural corn flavor and a pleasant textural bite, preventing the casserole from becoming uniformly mushy. For those who prefer a fresher taste, you can easily substitute the canned whole kernel corn with an equal amount of fresh corn kernels cut directly from the cob or thawed frozen corn. Just ensure any fresh or frozen corn is patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
• EGGS – Eggs are your essential binding agents in this casserole. They play a crucial role in providing structure, helping the ingredients coalesce into a cohesive dish rather than a crumbly mixture. They also contribute to the casserole’s rise and overall tender texture as it bakes.
• SOUR CREAM – As mentioned, sour cream is key for a truly moist and tender casserole. It adds richness and a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the corn, creating a more complex flavor profile. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but a lower-fat version can be used in a pinch. Greek yogurt can also be a suitable substitute for added protein and a similar tang.
• BUTTER – Melted salted butter infuses the casserole with a rich, decadent flavor that is characteristic of comfort food. It contributes to the golden-brown crust and ensures a moist interior. If you’re using unsalted butter, you might want to add a small pinch of salt to the mixture to enhance the overall flavor.

How to Make Easy & Delicious Corn Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

---

These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe perfectly. For a comprehensive, printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and detailed instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, prepare an 8×8 inch or 2-quart casserole dish by spraying it generously with a non-stick cooking spray. Proper greasing is crucial to prevent the casserole from sticking and makes for easy serving and cleanup. A standard 9×13 inch dish can also be used, but baking time might be slightly reduced, and the casserole will be a bit thinner.
2. Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all six of your simple ingredients: the Jiffy cornbread mix, creamed corn, drained whole kernel corn, sour cream, melted butter, and eggs. Mix them thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher texture in the final casserole. A few lumps from the cornbread mix are perfectly fine. Pour the entire mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
   
   
3. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the exact dimensions of your dish, so keep an eye on it. The casserole is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, the edges are lightly crisp, and the center is set. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your casserole is perfectly baked. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set further.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Corn Casserole Success

---

To help you master this delightful dish and answer any common queries, here are some frequently asked questions and invaluable expert tips:

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

---

While corn casserole is a quintessential fixture at holiday dinner tables—making its grand appearance for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter—its appeal extends far beyond festive occasions. This versatile side dish can elevate any meal throughout the year. Serve it alongside classic main dishes like succulent roasted chicken, a perfectly cooked holiday turkey, a tender pork loin, or even a hearty glazed ham. It also pairs wonderfully with barbecue, grilled steaks, or a comforting bowl of chili or stew for a cozier meal.

Feeling adventurous and want to customize your corn casserole? Here are some fantastic ideas to add your personal touch:

• For a Touch of Heat: Introduce some finely diced jalapenos (seeds removed for less heat, or left in for more kick) or a can of drained green chiles to the mixture before baking. This adds a subtle warmth and a delicious zesty flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also provide a gentle spice.
• Cheesy Goodness: Transform your casserole with a generous topping of shredded cheese. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses melt beautifully over the top, creating a rich, gooey crust. Add the cheese during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent it from burning.
• Add Savory Depth: Fold in cooked and crumbled bacon bits, sautéed onions, or chopped scallions for an extra layer of savory flavor and texture.
• Herbaceous Twist: A sprinkle of fresh or dried herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme can add a fragrant element that complements the sweetness of the corn.
• Extra Sweetness: If you prefer a truly sweet corn casserole, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of granulated sugar to the mixture before baking.

Experiment with these additions to discover your favorite version of this classic dish. However you choose to serve and customize it, this corn casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy!

Explore More Delightful Casserole Side Dishes

---

If you’re a fan of the ease and comfort that a well-made casserole brings to the dinner table, you’re in luck! Casseroles are the ultimate potluck champions and family dinner heroes. They’re often simple to prepare, feed a crowd, and are incredibly satisfying. If this corn casserole has whetted your appetite for more heartwarming baked dishes, here are some other fantastic casserole side dishes to add to your repertoire:

• Broccoli Casserole: A creamy, cheesy way to get your greens in!
• Hashbrown Casserole: Often called “funeral potatoes,” this is a buttery, cheesy potato classic.
• Cauliflower Casserole: A lighter alternative that’s still rich and flavorful.
• Green Bean Casserole: A timeless holiday favorite with crispy fried onions.
• Chicken Stuffing Casserole: A comforting main dish casserole with savory stuffing and tender chicken.
• Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: All the flavors of a loaded baked potato in an easy-to-serve casserole form.

Each of these recipes offers a unique flavor profile and can complement a variety of meals, ensuring you always have a delicious and comforting side dish option ready.

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!