Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious? Look no further than The Best Corn Casserole! This classic recipe combines the sweetness of corn with the rich flavors of butter and sour cream, all brought together by the convenience of Jiffy cornbread mix. The result is a moist, creamy, and slightly sweet casserole that’s perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this corn casserole will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients for The Best Corn Casserole
Scale for 1X, 2X, 3X Batches
- 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix (8.5 oz): Provides structure and a subtle sweetness to the casserole.
- 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn: Adds creaminess and rich corn flavor.
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained: Contributes texture and bursts of sweet corn in every bite.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted: Adds richness and a buttery flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Makes the casserole extra moist and creamy.
Instructions: How to Make The Best Corn Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sour cream. Stir until well mixed.
- Add Eggs and Corn:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Add the cream-style corn and drained whole kernel corn to the mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine.
- Incorporate Cornbread Mix:
- Gradually stir in the Jiffy cornbread mix, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Cool Slightly:
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop.
- Serve:
- Serve warm as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main courses like roasted turkey, ham, grilled chicken, or beef.
🍽 Cook’s Notes & Tips
- Texture Preference: For a firmer texture, bake the casserole a bit longer until the center is completely set. For a softer, more pudding-like consistency, reduce baking time slightly.
- Cheesy Variation: Add 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist. You can also sprinkle additional cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Add Some Heat: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of onion powderto the batter.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking for best results.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Variations of The Best Corn Casserole
- Bacon Corn Casserole: Stir in ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Mexican Corn Casserole: Add 1 cup of drained and rinsed black beans, ½ cup of diced bell peppers, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Top with Monterey Jack cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
- Sweet Corn Casserole: Increase the sugar by adding ¼ cup of granulated sugar to the batter for a sweeter version, perfect as a side for spicy dishes.
- Vegetable Medley Casserole: Incorporate ½ cup of diced onions and ½ cup of diced red and green bell peppersfor added flavor and color.
- Gluten-Free Corn Casserole: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix in place of Jiffy mix to accommodate dietary restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use homemade cornbread mix instead of Jiffy?
Yes, you can substitute with 1 cup of homemade cornbread mix. Combine ⅔ cup flour, ½ cup cornmeal, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt to replace one box of Jiffy mix.
2. Can I freeze corn casserole?
Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven until heated through.
3. How do I prevent the casserole from being too dry or too moist?
- For a moister casserole, slightly underbake it or add an extra ¼ cup of sour cream.
- For a firmer casserole, bake a little longer until the center is fully set, or reduce the amount of sour cream by ¼ cup.
4. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg or use egg replacer products according to package instructions.
5. What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or creme fraiche in equal amounts for a similar texture and flavor.
6. Can I add meat to this casserole?
Certainly! Adding cooked and crumbled sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken can turn this side dish into a hearty main course.
7. Is it okay to use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat butter, but keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and richness of the casserole.
A Versatile and Delicious Side Dish
The Best Corn Casserole is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s sure to delight your family and guests. Its creamy, buttery texture and sweet corn flavor make it the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of meals, from holiday feasts to casual dinners. With endless possibilities for customization, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
So next time you’re looking for a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish, give this corn casserole a try—you won’t be disappointed!
