Corn Casserole Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic corn casserole recipe. Whether it’s served at Thanksgiving, brought to a backyard BBQ, or baked for a simple weeknight dinner, this dish always brings that warm, homey feeling to the table.

This recipe has been passed around in my family for years, and it never fails to get rave reviews. It’s soft and slightly creamy in the middle, golden around the edges, and loaded with the rich flavor of sweet corn and butter. You only need a handful of pantry staples to make it—most of which you probably already have on hand.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make this easy corn casserole, share a few tasty twists (think spicy, cheesy, or meaty upgrades), and give you pro tips to help you get the perfect texture every time. It’s a simple, no-fuss side dish that pairs beautifully with just about anything—and trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple at your table too.

Why You’ll Love This Corn Casserole Recipe

This is the kind of dish you make once and suddenly can’t live without. Here’s why:

• It’s pure comfort food. Sweet, savory, and buttery, with just the right amount of creaminess. It hits all the right notes.

• No complicated steps. Just dump, stir, and bake. Seriously—it all comes together in one bowl.

• Perfect for feeding a crowd. This casserole makes enough for 8 servings, and you can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings.

• Picky eater–approved. Kids and adults alike love it. It doesn’t have any “weird” ingredients, and the texture is soft and familiar—kind of like a cross between cornbread and pudding.

• It’s endlessly adaptable. Add cheese, spice it up, or mix in veggies—it works with whatever’s in your fridge.

Whether you’re looking for a holiday side dish, an easy potluck favorite, or something comforting to go with roasted chicken, this corn casserole is one of those recipes that always delivers.

Ingredients Breakdown (and Why They Work)

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this corn casserole recipe so simple and delicious.

• Cornbread Mix: This is the base of the dish. It adds structure, a bit of sweetness, and that iconic cornbread flavor. Jiffy is the go-to, but any mix will do.

• Whole Kernel Corn (Canned): Adds great texture with bursts of sweetness. Make sure to drain it!

• Creamed Corn (Canned): This adds moisture and creaminess. It blends into the mix and gives it that slightly custardy feel.

• Sour Cream: Gives the casserole its rich, tangy backbone. It keeps the texture from getting too dry and balances the sweetness.

• Butter (Melted): Adds flavor, moisture, and richness. Salted or unsalted both work, but unsalted gives you better control.

• Eggs (Optional): Help the casserole set more firmly and make it sliceable, especially if you’re using add-ins.

• Shredded Cheese (Optional): Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan all work well for a cheesy upgrade.

• Optional Flavor Boosters: A pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or green chiles can take the flavor to another level.

• Optional Mix-ins: Crumbled bacon, jalapeños, or even a bit of sausage for a hearty twist.

Every ingredient plays a role in balancing sweetness, creaminess, and structure. Feel free to tweak based on what you have on hand!

Step-by-Step Instructions (with Pro Tips)

This recipe couldn’t be easier to make. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a golden, irresistible corn casserole on the table in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an 8×8 for a thicker casserole.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together:

• 1 can whole kernel corn (drained)

• 1 can creamed corn

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 box cornbread mix

• 2 eggs (if using)

Add melted butter last (around ½ cup) to ensure it doesn’t solidify when hitting cold ingredients.

Step 3: Optional Add-Ins

If you’re going for cheesy, spicy, or meaty—add your mix-ins now. Stir until just combined.

Bold Tip: Don’t overmix the batter. Lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the mixture into your baking dish. Spread it evenly. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

For a crispier top, place under the broiler for the last 2 minutes—just watch it closely!

Step 5: Rest & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up and slice cleanly.

How to Customize Your Corn Casserole

This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can make it your own with a few fun variations:

• Cheesy Corn Casserole: Stir in 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or even Parmesan before baking.

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or use pepper jack cheese for heat lovers.

• Southwest Twist: Add drained black beans, green chiles, and taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex vibe.

• Meaty Upgrade: Fold in crumbled cooked bacon, ground sausage, or even chopped ham for a heartier dish.

• Veggie-Packed: Dice up bell peppers, zucchini, or onions and mix them in for extra color and nutrition.

Flavor Experiment: Try using roasted corn or fresh corn cut off the cob for extra depth.

Don’t be afraid to play around! This base recipe handles additions like a champ. Just be mindful of adding too much extra moisture—you may need to increase bake time slightly if using a lot of veggies or meat.

When to Serve Corn Casserole (Perfect Occasions)

Corn casserole shines year-round and fits right in at:

• Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners – It’s a holiday staple in many homes.

• Summer BBQs and picnics – Pairs perfectly with grilled meats and sides.

• Sunday family dinners – A cozy addition to roast chicken or pot roast.

• Weeknight meals – Quick enough to whip up anytime.

Hosting Hack: If you’re bringing it to a potluck, bake it in a disposable foil pan. Less cleanup, more compliments!

This dish travels well, reheats beautifully, and disappears fast. It’s the kind of “set it and forget it” recipe that works for just about any gathering.

Tips for the Best Corn Casserole Every Time

Here’s how to take your casserole from good to can’t-stop-eating-it:

• Use room temperature ingredients – Helps everything mix evenly and bake properly.

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• Don’t skip the rest time. After baking, let it sit for at least 5–10 minutes to set up.

• Go for unsalted butter – That way, you can better control the saltiness, especially if adding cheese or bacon.

• Use the right pan size. A 9×13 pan gives you a thinner, evenly baked casserole. An 8×8 will be thicker and may need extra baking time.

• Want a crispier top? Broil it for 2 minutes at the end—but don’t walk away!

Pro Tip: Taste the batter before baking if you’re adjusting the flavor (no raw eggs yet!). A pinch of salt, sugar, or spice can make all the difference.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions

One of the best things about this corn casserole recipe? It’s incredibly make-ahead and freezer-friendly, which makes it a dream for holidays and busy weeknights.

Make-Ahead Option:

You can prep the entire batter up to 24 hours in advance. Just mix everything together, cover the bowl tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then pour into your baking dish and bake as usual.

Bake-Ahead Option:

You can also bake the casserole completely ahead of time. Once it cools, cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Freezing Tips:

For longer storage, it’s best to freeze the casserole after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Freezing Hack: For individual portions, use silicone muffin cups to freeze and reheat one at a time. Perfect for lunchboxes or single servings!

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (they disappear fast!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.

• Reheat:

  • In the oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F until heated through.

  • In the microwave: Heat individual servings in 30-second bursts until warm.

• Avoid dryness: Keep the casserole covered while reheating to lock in moisture.

Reheat Tip: Add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of cream before reheating to refresh texture and flavor.

Corn casserole holds up well and reheats beautifully—making it a top-tier leftover in our book.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your corn casserole comes out moist, tender, and flavorful every time, avoid these common missteps:

• Overmixing the batter: It can make your casserole dense. Gently fold ingredients until just combined.

• Not draining the corn: Always drain whole kernel corn to avoid extra liquid that can make the casserole soggy.

• Overbaking: Watch for that golden top and use a toothpick test—overbaking will dry it out.

• Using a deep or wrong-size dish: A 9×13 pan ensures even cooking. Deep dishes may cause the middle to remain underdone.

• Skipping the rest time: Letting the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes helps it set and slice better.

Quick Fix: If your casserole looks too wet after baking, pop it back in the oven uncovered for a few more minutes.

FAQs – People Also Ask

Here are some commonly searched questions about corn casserole, answered clearly and helpfully:

Can you make corn casserole without Jiffy mix?

Absolutely. Mix ⅔ cup cornmeal, ⅓ cup flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt for a quick DIY version. It’s not exactly the same, but it gets the job done!

Is corn pudding the same as corn casserole?

Not quite. Corn pudding is softer, more custard-like, and often includes more eggs and milk. Corn casserole is denser and more structured thanks to the cornbread mix.

Can you make corn casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the batter the day before or even bake it in advance. See the Make-Ahead & Freezing section above for full details.

Should you drain canned corn for this recipe?

Yes—for whole kernel corn, always drain. But for creamed corn, keep the liquid! That’s where the flavor and moisture come from.

Why is my corn casserole runny in the middle?

This usually happens if:

• It wasn’t baked long enough.

• Too much liquid was added.

• The pan was too deep.

Fix it by continuing to bake uncovered until the center is set and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Corn casserole is one of those magical side dishes that go with almost anything savory.

Perfect Pairings:

• Roast chicken, BBQ ribs, pulled pork

• Glazed ham or smoked turkey

• Chili, stews, or creamy soups

It also fits in beautifully on a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table, surrounded by mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans.

For something lighter, serve it with a side salad, roasted veggies, or even crusty bread.

Meal Tip: A warm bowl of chili + a scoop of corn casserole = weeknight comfort food bliss.

Corn Casserole Variations from Different Regions

Depending on where you are in the U.S., corn casserole may look and taste a little different. Here are a few regional takes:

• Southern-Style: Often sweeter and creamier with extra creamed corn. Some versions use sugar and milk to boost richness.

• Tex-Mex: Add diced green chiles, pepper jack cheese, or taco seasoning for a bold, spicy twist.

• Midwest-Style: Heavier on the butter and sour cream—sometimes with added cheese for richness.

• Vegan Versions: Swap the sour cream and butter with plant-based alternatives, and skip the eggs (or use flax eggs).

Fun Fact: In some areas, it’s called “corn pudding” or “spoon bread” depending on texture and ingredients.

Final Thoughts & Encouragement to Try

Whether you’re new to corn casserole or it’s a nostalgic favorite, this recipe is the kind of dependable, comforting dish that’s always a hit. With just a few pantry staples and one bowl, you’ve got a warm, golden-baked side that works for any season, any occasion.

Feel free to experiment with the mix-ins and flavor combos—it’s practically foolproof. And once you try it, don’t forget to drop a comment below and let me know: What’s your favorite twist on corn casserole?

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