Creamy corn casserole is a classic comfort-food side dish that blends the sweetness of corn with the richness of sour cream, cheese, and butter. Often served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinners, this dish sits beautifully alongside turkey, ham, or roast chicken. With its soft, custard-like texture and golden top, it’s one of the most requested holiday recipes across Southern kitchens.
This casserole is sometimes called “corn pudding” or “corn bake,” and it’s made extra easy by using Jiffy cornbread mix. The combination of whole kernel corn and creamed corn gives the dish both texture and creaminess. It’s versatile enough to be customized with cheese, jalapeños, or even bacon, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite year after year.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy cornbread mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, stir together whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, Jiffy mix, cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until set and golden on top.
- The center should be slightly soft but not runny.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Let casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Cheesy Corn Casserole: Add 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra richness.
- Spicy Twist: Stir in diced jalapeños or green chilies.
- Bacon Lover’s Version: Mix in crumbled cooked bacon.
- Herb Flavor: Add fresh parsley, thyme, or chives for a savory touch.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t overbake—the casserole should be creamy inside.
- If doubling the recipe, use a larger baking dish and add 10–15 minutes to the cook time.
- You can prep the mixture the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside turkey, ham, or roast chicken at holiday meals.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans for a full Thanksgiving spread.
- Enjoy leftovers with fried eggs for a Southern-style breakfast.
💡 Tips
- Jiffy mix is the classic choice, but any cornbread mix will work.
- For a creamier casserole, stir in 2 oz softened cream cheese.
- Let casserole rest before serving so it slices more neatly.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make creamy corn casserole ahead of time?
- Yes. Assemble the mixture, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
Q2: Can I freeze corn casserole?
- Yes. Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven.
Q3: Can I make it without Jiffy mix?
- Yes. Substitute with 1 cup cornmeal, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Q4: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Yes. Cook on LOW 4 hours or HIGH 2 hours until set.
Q5: What’s the difference between corn casserole and corn pudding?
- Corn pudding is softer and custard-like, while corn casserole is firmer with more texture.
Conclusion
Creamy corn casserole is a timeless side dish that’s perfect for holidays and family dinners. With simple ingredients like corn, Jiffy mix, and sour cream, it bakes into a rich, cheesy, golden casserole that everyone loves. Easy to prepare, versatile, and always crowd-pleasing, this recipe deserves a spot at your Thanksgiving or Christmas table—and beyond.