Name: Creamy Corn Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 8-12 servings
Ingredients: 14.75 oz creamed corn; 15.25 oz whole kernel sweet corn, drained; 8.5 oz Jiffy corn muffin mix; 8 oz sour cream; 1 stick butter, melted; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional); Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

Corn Casserole—the very name conjures images of comfort, family gatherings, and golden perfection on a plate. Imagine a dish that effortlessly brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of golden sunshine to any meal, transforming simple ingredients into a truly beloved side. I’m thrilled to share with you why this humble yet magnificent creation has earned its permanent spot on countless dinner tables and holiday spreads.

While its exact origins are debated, a creamy, sweet, and savory corn casserole holds a cherished spot in American culinary traditions, particularly across the Southern states. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a symbol of hospitality, often gracing tables at potlucks, barbecues, and major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of sharing and togetherness, a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Why Everyone Loves This Golden Delight

People absolutely adore this dish for its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The natural sweetness of corn is beautifully complemented by a rich, creamy base, often with a hint of savory depth that keeps you coming back for more. Its remarkably simple preparation, often using pantry staples, makes it an incredibly convenient option for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike. Whether you crave that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture or a slightly crisp, golden-brown topping, our recipe for Corn Casserole promises to deliver a delightful experience every single time, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

Two (2) 15-ounce cans whole kernel corn, drained: I always opt for good quality corn here, as it’s truly the star of our beloved Corn Casserole! Draining it exceptionally well is crucial to avoid a watery dish.
One (1) 15-ounce can cream-style corn: This delightful ingredient provides that wonderful creamy texture and deep corn flavor that makes a homemade Corn Casserole so incredibly comforting and satisfying. No draining needed for this one – we want all that creamy goodness!
One (15-ounce) package corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy): This is our fantastic secret weapon for providing structure, a lovely tender crumb, and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the natural flavors of the corn in our casserole.
One (1) cup sour cream: The sour cream is a game-changer; it adds incredible richness, a pleasant tang, and essential moisture, ensuring our Corn Casserole is unbelievably tender, moist, and bursting with flavor. I highly recommend full-fat sour cream for the most indulgent results!
One-half (½) cup (one stick) unsalted butter, melted: Butter is absolutely essential for imparting a rich, savory flavor and helping the Corn Casserole achieve that coveted golden-brown, slightly crispy crust that makes it so irresistible. Melting it ensures it incorporates smoothly and evenly into the batter.
One (1) cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended for a truly cheesy Corn Casserole): While technically optional, I personally believe that a good sharp or medium cheddar cheese takes this Corn Casserole to an entirely new level of deliciousness. If you’re a cheese lover like me, don’t skip this! You might even want to reserve a little extra for the top, if you’re feeling extra cheesy.
One-half (½) teaspoon salt: Salt is vital for enhancing and bringing out all the natural, wonderful flavors of the corn and other ingredients. Always adjust to your personal taste, especially if you’re using salted butter or a particularly salty cheese.
One-quarter (¼) teaspoon black pepper: A touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and helps to balance the inherent sweetness of the corn, creating a more complex flavor profile for our Corn Casserole.
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick): If you appreciate a tiny hint of warmth and depth without making the dish overtly spicy, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper will work wonders, adding a lovely background warmth that elevates the overall experience of your Corn Casserole.
Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish: Ensures our glorious Corn Casserole doesn’t stick to the pan, allowing for easy serving and a beautiful presentation.

Preparing Your Workspace and Ingredients for the Perfect Corn Casserole

Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish. First things first, my friends, let’s get that oven ready for action! You’ll want to preheat your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). This crucial step ensures an even bake from the very moment our incredible Corn Casserole enters its warm, cozy environment. While the oven is diligently warming up, take your chosen 9×13-inch baking dish (or a similar size, like a 2-quart casserole dish, ensuring it’s not too shallow) and lightly grease it. I typically use a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray, which works perfectly, but a generous rub of butter will also do the trick and add a touch of extra flavor to the crust. Ensuring the dish is thoroughly greased is absolutely vital for easy serving and to prevent any delightful, crusty bits of our amazing Corn Casserole from stubbornly sticking to the bottom or sides.
Drain the whole kernel corn thoroughly. Now, let’s turn our attention to the corn, which is, after all, the star of this Corn Casserole recipe! For the two cans of whole kernel corn, it is absolutely paramount to drain them very, very well. I usually start by opening the cans and then pouring the corn into a fine-mesh sieve placed over the sink. Let it sit there for a good five to ten minutes, giving it an occasional gentle shake to encourage as much liquid as possible to escape. For even better results, you can gently press down on the corn with the back of a spoon or a clean kitchen towel to coax out any lingering moisture. Excess liquid is the arch-nemesis of a firm, perfectly textured Corn Casserole; we want ours to be gloriously scoopable and moist, not soupy or watery, so don’t rush this step!
Prepare the butter. Next up, the butter! We need a half-cup, which is equivalent to one stick, of unsalted butter, melted. You can melt this easily in a microwave-safe bowl in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until it’s completely liquid. Alternatively, you can melt it in a small saucepan over very low heat on your stovetop. Just be vigilant and careful not to brown it unless you are intentionally aiming for a nutty, browned butter flavor, which, while delicious in other contexts, isn’t what we’re striving for in a classic Corn Casserole. Once melted, set the butter aside to cool slightly. It’s important that we don’t add scorching hot butter directly to our other ingredients, especially the sour cream, as this can adversely affect the texture of the final dish. A pleasantly warm, but not hot, melted butter is truly perfect.
Shred the cheese (if not pre-shredded). If you’ve opted for a block of cheddar cheese (and I wholeheartedly recommend doing so for superior flavor and a better melt!), now is the ideal time to shred it. A trusty box grater works wonderfully for this task. Freshly shredded cheese invariably melts more smoothly and has a far superior texture within your Corn Casserole compared to most pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder a truly creamy melt. We’ll be using one full cup for the main mixture, and if you’re anything like me, you might find yourself wanting to reserve an extra generous sprinkle for the very top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. This creates an extra golden, bubbly, and utterly irresistible cheesy finish to your Corn Casserole that everyone will adore.

Crafting the Delicious Corn Casserole Batter

Combine the wet ingredients. In a truly large mixing bowl, let’s start bringing the heart of our Corn Casserole to vibrant life! Begin by pouring in the entire can of cream-style corn – remember, no need to drain this one, as its inherent creaminess is precisely what we want and need for this recipe. Next, add your two cans of well-drained whole kernel corn. Then, spoon in your full cup of luscious sour cream. The sour cream is, without a doubt, a magical ingredient in this Corn Casserole recipe; it generously lends an incredible richness, a subtle yet delightful tang that perfectly cuts through the natural sweetness of the corn, and contributes significantly to the wonderfully moist and tender texture of the final baked dish. Finally, pour in your slightly cooled, melted butter. Take a moment to give these glorious ingredients a good, thorough stir with a sturdy spoon or a flexible spatula until they are thoroughly and lovingly combined. You’ll begin to notice a lovely, creamy, and slightly lumpy mixture forming – this is precisely the perfect consistency and appearance we are aiming for as the base of our incredible Corn Casserole.
Incorporate the corn muffin mix. Now it’s time for our structural hero to make its grand entrance: the corn muffin mix! Gently and slowly pour the entire 15-ounce package of the mix into your large bowl, directly over the creamy wet ingredients. This is an absolutely crucial step for achieving the perfect, coveted texture of your Corn Casserole. When you begin to mix, remember this golden rule: try your absolute best not to overmix! Overmixing can unfortunately lead to a tough, rubbery, or undesirably dense Corn Casserole, and we are emphatically aiming for a light, fluffy, and incredibly tender result that melts in your mouth. Stir just until the corn muffin mix is fully incorporated and you can no longer see any dry streaks of flour. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and, in my experience, even desirable; they will effortlessly bake out beautifully in the heat of the oven, contributing to that rustic, homemade charm. I typically use a flexible spatula for this particular part, gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet until everything is just barely combined.
Add the seasonings and cheese. With the delightful base batter now ready and waiting, let’s elevate our Corn Casserole to seasoned perfection. Sprinkle in the half-teaspoon of salt and the quarter-teaspoon of fresh black pepper. If you’re feeling a little adventurous and desire a tiny, barely-there hint of warmth without any noticeable spiciness, now is the perfect moment to add that delightful pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir these seasonings in thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the entire mixture, guaranteeing a perfectly flavored bite every time. Now, for the optional but, in my humble opinion, highly recommended addition: the glorious shredded cheddar cheese! Add your full cup of beautifully shredded cheddar cheese to the batter. Gently fold it in until the cheese is evenly dispersed throughout the mixture. This fantastic addition will undoubtedly transform our already wonderful Corn Casserole into an irresistibly cheesy delight that everyone will rave about. The cheese adds another fantastic layer of savory flavor and a beautiful, gooey texture that complements the inherent sweetness of the corn so magnificently well.
Give the batter a final check. Take a moment, my friends, to truly observe and appreciate your meticulously prepared Corn Casserole batter. It should possess a thick, creamy consistency, beautifully studded with both vibrant whole corn kernels and lovely, inviting flecks of melted cheese. The color will be a pleasing, warm pale yellow, reflecting the richness of the corn and butter. Give it one last, gentle stir to ensure that absolutely everything is perfectly combined and homogeneously mixed, leaving it ready for its glorious transformation in the oven. The sheer aroma alone at this stage is more than enough to get your taste buds tingling with excitement and anticipation for the incredible deliciousness that is about to emerge from your oven!

Baking Your Corn Casserole to Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish. Carefully, yet with purpose, pour the glorious and aromatic Corn Casserole batter into your meticulously greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure to use your trusty spatula to scrape every last, precious bit of that delicious mixture from the mixing bowl – we certainly don’t want to waste even a single spoonful! Once it’s all snugly nestled in the dish, gently spread the batter evenly across the bottom using the back of your spoon or the spatula. You’re aiming for a consistent thickness across the entire dish; this simple yet important step will help to ensure an absolutely even bake, resulting in a beautifully consistent texture for your Corn Casserole from edge to delicious center.
Bake the Corn Casserole. With your dish perfectly prepped and filled, carefully place your baking dish into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Now, my friends, comes the hardest part for some of us: the waiting game! But trust me, it’s a delicious wait, and the aromas filling your kitchen will be more than worth it, I promise! Your Corn Casserole will typically need to bake for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The exact baking time can, of course, vary somewhat depending on the specific calibration of your oven, the precise depth of your particular baking dish, and how moist your initial mixture was. I always recommend setting a timer for the lower end of that range, perhaps around 45 minutes, and then checking it periodically thereafter.
Look for signs of doneness. How, you might ask, do you know when your magnificent Corn Casserole is perfectly baked and ready for its grand reveal? There are a few key, tell-tale indicators to look for that will guide you to perfection:
- The Edges: Observe the edges of the Corn Casserole; they should be beautifully golden brown and appear slightly set, perhaps even subtly pulling away from the sides of the dish. This wonderful visual cue indicates that the starches are properly cooked and a lovely, desirable crust has formed.
- The Center: The very center of the Corn Casserole should feel truly set, not at all jiggly or loose. If you gently but firmly shake the dish, the center shouldn’t wobble excessively. It should feel quite firm to a gentle touch, indicating it’s cooked through.
- Overall Visual Appeal: The entire top surface of the Corn Casserole should boast a gorgeous, inviting golden-brown color, perhaps with some delightful darker, crispy bits forming particularly around the edges, which, I must confess, are often my personal favorite parts! You might even notice some of the cheese bubbling delightfully on top if you chose to add extra.
- The Toothpick Test (Optional but effective): For absolute certainty and peace of mind, you can carefully insert a clean toothpick into the very center of the Corn Casserole. If it comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs delicately attached (and definitely no wet batter!), then congratulations, your Corn Casserole is perfectly ready! If, however, it comes out with wet batter clinging to it, simply return the dish to the oven for another 5-10 minutes and test it again until it passes the test.
Adding More Cheese (Optional, for an ultra-cheesy Corn Casserole)

If you wisely reserved some extra shredded cheese and yearn for an even cheesier, more decadent top, you can generously sprinkle it over the Corn Casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of its baking time. This clever timing allows the cheese ample opportunity to melt beautifully, becoming bubbly, golden, and wonderfully inviting without any risk of burning. It’s a fantastic and simple way to add another magnificent layer of flavor and irresistible texture to your already amazing Corn Casserole, guaranteeing a huge hit!
Remove from oven and rest. Once your Corn Casserole passes all the essential doneness tests and looks absolutely, positively irresistible, carefully and cautiously remove it from the oven. Please remember that this dish will be incredibly hot, so always, without fail, use reliable oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves!

Cooling and Serving Your Delicious Corn Casserole

Allow the Corn Casserole to rest. This step, my dear reader, is often sadly overlooked but is surprisingly and profoundly important for achieving the absolute best texture and making your Corn Casserole wonderfully easy to serve. Once you’ve triumphantly removed it from the hot oven, resist that almost overwhelming urge to immediately dig in! Instead, carefully place the hot baking dish on a sturdy wire rack and allow the Corn Casserole to rest undisturbed for at least 10 to 15 minutes before you even think about serving it.

Why is Resting so Crucially Important for a Perfect Corn Casserole?

During this essential resting period, something truly magical happens: the Corn Casserole will continue to cook ever-so-slightly from its residual heat, and more importantly, the internal temperature will begin to equalize throughout the dish. This vital process allows the starches to fully set up and the glorious cheese to firm up properly, resulting in a much firmer, more cohesive, and beautifully structured casserole that will hold its shape elegantly when scooped. If you were to cut into it too soon, it might be a bit too loose, potentially falling apart and lacking that desired structure which, while still undeniably delicious, isn’t quite ideal for presentation. Furthermore, this resting time also gives all those wonderful flavors an extra chance to meld and deepen even further, truly enhancing the overall deliciousness and complexity of your Corn Casserole. It’s truly worth the short wait!
Serve warm and enjoy! After the necessary and beneficial resting period, your magnificent homemade Corn Casserole is finally ready to be served and devoured! It will still be wonderfully warm, incredibly inviting, and absolutely bursting with comforting flavors. Use a large serving spoon or a sturdy spatula to scoop generous portions onto plates. Watch as the steam gently rises, carrying with it the irresistible aroma of sweet corn, rich butter, and savory cheese.

Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Corn Casserole:

This incredibly versatile Corn Casserole is a truly fantastic side dish that complements an astonishing array of main courses. It pairs absolutely beautifully with:
- Succulent roasted chicken or a festive holiday turkey
- A savory glazed ham or tender pork tenderloin
- Smoky barbecue ribs or slow-cooked pulled pork
- Perfectly grilled steaks or flavorful sausages
- It’s also an absolute staple and a highly requested dish at virtually any holiday gathering, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Easter Sunday brunch.
- For a simple, yet utterly comforting meal, I sometimes even enjoy a generous portion of this Corn Casserole all on its own, perhaps with a fresh, crisp side salad to balance the richness!
You can further elevate individual servings by garnishing them with a delicate sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or vibrant parsley for a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness, or even add a luxurious dollop of extra sour cream if you’re feeling particularly indulgent. The rich, beautifully balanced sweet, and savory flavors of this Corn Casserole are genuinely a delight to the senses, and I can almost guarantee with full confidence that it will very quickly become a highly requested and beloved dish in your household. Every single spoonful delivers that comforting, heartwarming taste of home, making it a perfectly timeless addition to any meal, any time of the year. Savor and enjoy every single, incredible bite of your extraordinary homemade Corn Casserole!
Storing Leftovers (if any!). Should you be among the lucky few to find yourself with any leftover Corn Casserole (a truly rare occurrence in my bustling household, I assure you!), simply allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with either plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it promptly, ideally within two hours of serving. Your delicious Corn Casserole will keep wonderfully well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you have a couple of convenient options: you can either warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or for a larger quantity, place the entire dish (still covered) back into a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven until it’s heated through, which typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the amount you’re reheating. Sometimes, a tiny extra sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating makes it taste almost as gloriously good as it did fresh out of the oven!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps to create a truly remarkable dish, and I genuinely believe this isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a dish. This particular Corn Casserole stands out as a true game-changer in your kitchen repertoire for so many reasons. Its inherent creaminess, combined with that irresistible sweet and savory balance, makes it incredibly versatile and universally appealing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a reliable potluck star, or a beginner hoping to impress with minimal effort, this recipe delivers on all fronts. I’ve personally seen it disappear from holiday tables at record speed, become the star of casual backyard barbecues, and even provide comforting solace on a quiet weeknight. It’s that perfect blend of nostalgic comfort food and surprising elegance, offering a texture that’s wonderfully smooth yet subtly substantial. What truly makes this a must-try isn’t just its deliciousness, but its uncanny ability to bring people together, sparking conversations and requests for the recipe every single time. It’s truly more than just a side dish; it often steals the show, transforming an ordinary meal into something truly memorable.

Perfect Pairings & Creative Twists for Your Corn Casserole:

While this delightful Corn Casserole is absolutely divine on its own, it truly shines when paired with other complementary dishes or elevated with a few simple variations. For serving suggestions, think about classic comfort food pairings. It’s an impeccable accompaniment to a succulent roast chicken, providing a creamy counterpoint to crispy skin and tender meat. Imagine it alongside a festive holiday ham, where its subtle sweetness perfectly complements the ham’s salty glaze. For a casual meal, pile it high next to some slow-smoked BBQ ribs or pulled pork – the flavors are simply made for each other. Even a simple grilled steak or a pan-seared pork chop finds a wonderful partner in this casserole. For lighter fare, a vibrant green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole, making for a surprisingly satisfying lunch or dinner.

Now, let’s talk about taking this masterpiece to the next level with some creative variations. If you’re a fan of a little heat, consider folding in a finely diced jalapeño (or two, if you dare!) into the mixture before baking. For a smoky kick, a pinch of smoked paprika or even some cooked and crumbled bacon bits stirred in would be absolutely phenomenal. Love cheese? You can never go wrong with a generous sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar or a medley of Monterey Jack and Colby on top during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, creating a golden, bubbly crust. For an herbaceous twist, fresh chives or chopped parsley can brighten up the flavors beautifully, added right before serving. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a small can of drained green chilies for an extra layer of mild southwestern flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of texture, a crunchy topping made from crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter, or even crispy fried onions, can be scattered over the top before baking to achieve a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy interior. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this versatile recipe to your personal taste and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Your Turn to Create and Share!

So, now it’s your turn! I’ve poured my heart into sharing this recipe, and I’m incredibly excited for you to experience the magic of this Corn Casserole for yourself. Trust me when I say, you absolutely need to give this recipe a try. It’s more than just a dish; it’s an experience, a memory waiting to be made around your own dining table. Don’t hesitate, gather your ingredients, set aside a little time, and let the aroma of this incredible creation fill your home. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch, I would be absolutely thrilled to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the classic? Or did you get creative with one of the variations I suggested, or perhaps even invent your own brilliant twist? Please, don’t be shy! Share your photos, your stories, and your delicious creations. I love seeing how these recipes come to life in your kitchens and become a part of your family traditions. Your feedback and innovations inspire me and the entire community of home cooks. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what you create!