Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe

There are those recipes that just feel like a warm hug from the inside out, and this Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole is undoubtedly one of them. In my kitchen, it’s become a staple for weeknight dinners and a guaranteed hit at every potluck and holiday gathering. The first time I made this, I was struck by its sheer simplicity – just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, yet the result was something truly special. My family, especially my notoriously picky eaters, devoured it with gusto, scraping their plates clean and asking for seconds. The creamy, sweet corn base, punctuated by bursts of whole kernels and crowned with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheddar, is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that evokes nostalgia and pure comfort, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, so you too can experience the joy of this incredibly easy and utterly delicious cheesy corn casserole. Get ready to discover your new favorite side dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every single time!

Ingredients

This recipe shines because of its simplicity, relying on a few key ingredients to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness. Let’s break down each ingredient and understand why they are essential for this delightful corn casserole.

• 14 ¾ ounces Creamed Corn: The foundation of our casserole, creamed corn provides a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture that binds all the ingredients together. It offers a subtle sweetness and a rich corn flavor that is central to the dish. When choosing creamed corn, opt for a good quality brand for the best taste. You can also explore different varieties of creamed corn, such as those with added herbs or spices, for a slight twist on the classic flavor profile.
• 15 ¼ ounces Whole Kernel Sweet Corn, Drained: Adding whole kernel sweet corn brings a delightful textural contrast to the creamy base. The kernels provide pops of sweetness and a satisfying bite that prevents the casserole from being overly homogenous. Draining the corn is crucial to avoid excess liquid in the casserole, ensuring it sets properly and doesn’t become watery. Fresh or frozen corn can be used if you prefer, just ensure it is cooked and drained before adding it to the mix. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using roasted or grilled corn kernels for a smoky note.
• 8 ounces Corn Muffin Mix (such as Jiffy): This is the magic ingredient that adds a subtle sweetness and a light, slightly crumbly texture to the casserole. Corn muffin mix acts as a binder, helping the casserole to set while contributing to its overall flavor profile. Jiffy brand is a popular and readily available choice, known for its slightly sweet and corny flavor. If you don’t have Jiffy mix on hand, you can use another brand of corn muffin mix or even make your own from scratch, ensuring it’s finely ground for a smooth texture in the casserole. For those who are gluten-sensitive, there are gluten-free corn muffin mixes available that can be substituted.
• 8 ounces Sour Cream: Sour cream is the secret to the casserole’s creamy tanginess and moistness. It adds a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness of the corn and muffin mix, preventing the dish from becoming overly sweet. The fat content in sour cream also contributes to the rich and decadent texture of the casserole. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use light sour cream if you prefer to reduce the fat content slightly, although it might slightly alter the richness and creaminess. Greek yogurt can also be used as a substitute, but it will result in a tangier flavor and slightly different texture.
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) Butter, Melted: Melted butter adds richness, flavor, and moisture to the casserole. It contributes to the overall tenderness and helps to bind the ingredients together. The buttery flavor enhances the other ingredients and creates a more decadent and satisfying dish. Unsalted butter is generally preferred in baking and cooking, allowing you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe, if any. Melt the butter completely and let it cool slightly before adding it to the mixture to prevent it from cooking the other ingredients prematurely.
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Cheddar cheese provides a classic cheesy flavor and a beautiful golden, melted topping to the casserole. It adds a savory element that complements the sweetness of the corn and muffin mix. Shredded cheddar melts beautifully and creates a visually appealing and delicious cheesy crust. You can use sharp, medium, or mild cheddar depending on your preference for cheese intensity. Sharp cheddar will provide a more pronounced cheesy flavor, while mild cheddar will be more subtle. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses or cheese blends, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, to customize the flavor profile to your liking. For a spicier kick, consider adding a bit of shredded pepper jack cheese.

Instructions

Making this Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and easy side dish for a gathering. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a warm, comforting, and cheesy casserole ready to impress. Let’s walk through the instructions step-by-step to ensure perfect results every time.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish

• Preheat Oven to 350°F/180°C: The first and most crucial step is to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. 350°F (180°C) is the ideal temperature for baking this casserole, ensuring it cooks evenly without burning and achieves a golden-brown top. Make sure your oven is properly preheated before placing the casserole inside to ensure consistent cooking. An oven thermometer can be helpful to verify your oven’s temperature accuracy.
• Grease a Casserole Dish: While the oven is preheating, prepare your casserole dish. Greasing the dish is essential to prevent the casserole from sticking and to make serving easier. Use butter, cooking spray, or oil to lightly grease the inside of a standard 9×13 inch casserole dish. You can also use a slightly smaller or larger dish depending on your desired casserole thickness. A smaller dish will result in a thicker casserole, while a larger dish will create a thinner one.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

• In a Large Bowl, Combine Creamed Corn, Sweet Corn, Corn Muffin Mix, Sour Cream, and Melted Butter: This is where the magic begins! In a large mixing bowl, add the creamed corn, drained sweet corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. Ensure you use a bowl that is large enough to comfortably mix all the ingredients without spillage.
• Mix Until Just Combined: Using a spatula or a large spoon, gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the corn muffin mix, resulting in a tougher texture. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed and there are no large clumps of corn muffin mix remaining. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with the whole corn kernels evenly dispersed throughout.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

• Pour Mixture into Greased Casserole Dish: Once the ingredients are well combined, pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Ensure the mixture is distributed in a uniform layer for even baking.
• Bake Uncovered for 45 Minutes: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Baking uncovered allows the top of the casserole to brown and develop a slightly crispy texture. During this time, the casserole will set, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

• Remove from Oven and Cover with Shredded Cheddar Cheese: After baking for 45 minutes, carefully remove the casserole dish from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
• Return to Oven and Bake Until Cheese is Melted, Approximately 5-10 Minutes: Place the casserole dish back into the oven and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is completely melted and bubbly. The cheese should be golden brown in spots and melted to a gooey perfection. Keep a close watch on the cheese to prevent it from burning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve Immediately: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serving it immediately while it’s warm and cheesy is highly recommended to enjoy it at its best.
• Enjoy!: Serve generous portions of the Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole as a side dish alongside your favorite main courses. Get ready to savor the creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors of this delightful dish!

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can be helpful, especially if you are mindful of your dietary intake. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition facts for one serving of this Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole, based on the recipe and typical ingredient values. Please note that these are estimates and can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 564 kcal per serving

These calorie estimates are per serving based on dividing the entire casserole into 6 equal portions. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the actual calorie count may vary.

Preparation Time

One of the best things about this Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole is its incredibly quick preparation time. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious and comforting side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

As you can see, the hands-on prep time is minimal, just 5 minutes! The majority of the time is spent in the oven, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the casserole bakes to golden perfection. This makes it an ideal choice for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight meals when time is of the essence.

How to Serve

This Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. Its creamy texture and sweet-savory flavor profile make it a fantastic complement to both casual and more formal meals. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to help you enjoy this casserole to its fullest:

• As a Side Dish for Meats:
  • Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The creamy sweetness of the corn casserole beautifully balances the savory flavors of roasted poultry, making it a perfect side for Sunday dinner or holiday feasts.
  • Grilled Steak or Pork Chops: The rich and cheesy casserole provides a wonderful contrast to the smoky char of grilled meats, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
  • Baked Ham: Corn casserole is a classic pairing with baked ham, especially during holidays like Easter or Christmas. The sweetness of the casserole complements the saltiness of the ham perfectly.
  • Meatloaf: For a comforting and hearty meal, serve corn casserole alongside classic meatloaf. The creamy texture and cheesy topping add a delightful touch to the meal.
• Alongside Vegetarian Mains:
  • Black Bean Burgers: The creamy casserole adds a delicious side to vegetarian burgers, providing a textural and flavor contrast.
  • Lentil Loaf: Serve corn casserole with a hearty lentil loaf for a vegetarian comfort food meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
  • Vegetable Skewers: The cheesy casserole complements grilled or roasted vegetable skewers beautifully, adding a creamy and rich element to the meal.
• For Potlucks and Gatherings:
  • Bring-a-Dish Events: Corn casserole is an ideal dish to bring to potlucks, picnics, and holiday gatherings. It travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Holiday Side Dish: It’s a classic side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other holiday celebrations, adding a comforting and familiar element to the festive meal.
  • Tailgating and BBQs: This casserole is also great for outdoor events like tailgating parties and barbecues. It’s easy to transport and serve, and everyone loves it.
• Garnish Ideas:
  • Fresh Parsley or Chives: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a pop of color and freshness to the casserole before serving.
  • Crumbled Bacon: For an extra layer of savory flavor and crunch, top the casserole with crumbled cooked bacon.
  • Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions add a mild oniony flavor and visual appeal.
  • Hot Sauce: For those who like a bit of heat, offer hot sauce on the side for drizzling over individual servings.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Corn Casserole

While this recipe is incredibly easy to make, a few extra tips can help you achieve casserole perfection every time. Here are five additional tips to elevate your Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: As mentioned earlier, avoid overmixing the ingredients once you add the corn muffin mix. Overmixing can lead to a tougher, denser casserole. Mix just until everything is combined and no dry patches of muffin mix remain. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
2. Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic and delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses or cheese blends. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella can add different flavor dimensions. Consider using a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
3. Add Extra Flavor Boosters: Enhance the flavor of your casserole by adding extra ingredients. Consider incorporating:
   • Chopped Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add finely diced jalapeños to the batter.
   • Diced Green Chiles: Canned diced green chiles add a mild heat and Southwestern flavor.
   • Cooked Bacon or Ham: For a heartier casserole, mix in crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham.
   • Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an aromatic touch.
   • Onion or Garlic Powder: Add a pinch of onion or garlic powder to the batter for extra savory depth.
4. Make it Ahead of Time: Corn casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can prepare the casserole completely, up to the point of baking, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. This is especially convenient for holidays and potlucks, allowing you to get ahead on your meal preparation.
5. Ensure Corn is Well-Drained: Draining the whole kernel corn thoroughly is crucial to prevent excess liquid in your casserole. Excess liquid can result in a watery casserole that doesn’t set properly. Use a fine-mesh sieve to drain the corn and let it sit for a few minutes to ensure all excess liquid is removed before adding it to the mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions about making Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole? We’ve got answers! Here are five frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot and perfect your casserole-making experience.

Q1: Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned corn?

A: Yes, absolutely! Fresh or frozen corn can be used as a substitute for canned corn. If using fresh corn, you’ll need about 3 cups of kernels. Cook the fresh corn until tender-crisp, either by boiling, steaming, or grilling, and then cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the recipe. Using fresh or frozen corn can enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole, especially during corn season.

Q2: I don’t have Jiffy corn muffin mix. Can I use something else?

A: Yes, if you don’t have Jiffy corn muffin mix, you can use another brand of corn muffin mix. Alternatively, you can make your own corn muffin mix from scratch if you prefer. Look for recipes online for homemade corn muffin mix substitutes. Just ensure that whatever you use is finely ground and similar in texture to Jiffy mix to achieve the desired consistency in the casserole. You can also use a combination of cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to create a homemade version, but this will require a bit more effort.

Q3: Can I make this casserole vegetarian or vegan?

A: Yes, with a few substitutions, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. To make it vegetarian, simply ensure all your ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan:
* Substitute Sour Cream: Use a plant-based sour cream alternative, such as cashew cream, coconut cream, or commercially available vegan sour cream.
* Substitute Butter: Use a vegan butter alternative, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or a vegan butter stick.
* Substitute Cheddar Cheese: Use a vegan cheddar cheese alternative. There are many brands of vegan shredded cheddar cheese available in most grocery stores.

Q4: How do I store leftover corn casserole?

A: Leftover corn casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, or you can reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, you may want to cover it loosely with foil to prevent the top from browning too much. The casserole is best reheated in the oven to maintain its texture, but microwaving is a quicker option for individual servings.

Q5: My corn casserole is watery. What did I do wrong?

A: A watery corn casserole can be caused by a few factors. The most common reason is not draining the corn properly. Ensure you drain both the creamed corn and the whole kernel corn thoroughly before adding them to the mixture. Another possible cause could be using too much sour cream or melted butter. Stick to the recipe measurements. Overmixing can also sometimes contribute to a watery texture, so mix just until combined. If you find your casserole is consistently watery, you can try adding a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the dry ingredients to help absorb excess moisture in future batches.

This Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly simple recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of this cheesy, corny delight! Enjoy!

Print