When it comes to gathering around the table, few dishes evoke such a warm, comforting feeling as a classic casserole. Our Easy Corn Casserole is a true culinary champion, offering a delightful balance of sweet corn, rich creaminess, and savory notes that makes it an indispensable addition to any meal. This recipe is your ticket to a side dish that's not only incredibly simple to prepare but also guarantees rave reviews from everyone who tries it.
Forget complicated instructions and long ingredient lists. This corn casserole relies on pantry staples to create a moist, tender interior with a beautifully golden crust. It's the ultimate hassle-free dish for busy weeknights, holiday feasts, or last-minute potluck invitations. Get ready to discover your new favorite go-to comfort food!
Why This Easy Corn Casserole Will Become Your Favorite
Our recipe for Easy Corn Casserole isn't just about simplicity; it's about delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Effortless & Quick: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this casserole ready for the oven in minutes. It's perfect for when time is short but you still want homemade goodness.
- Universally Loved: The sweet and creamy profile of this dish appeals to all ages, making it a guaranteed hit whether you're serving picky eaters or sophisticated palates.
- Incredibly Versatile: This casserole shines alongside a wide array of main courses. It pairs beautifully with holiday roasts, grilled chicken, or even a hearty Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole: Your New Go-To Comfort Food.
- Pure Comfort Food: There's nothing quite like a warm, bubbly casserole to bring a sense of home and satisfaction to your dining table. This dish embodies cozy culinary bliss.
- Simple Customization: Feel free to experiment! Add a touch of spice, different cheeses, or fresh herbs to make it uniquely yours.
Gather Your Simple Ingredients
One of the beauties of this easy corn casserole is its minimal ingredient list, most of which you probably already have on hand:
- 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 package (8.5 ounces) corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the best texture, ensure your butter is fully melted and your sour cream is at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Creating this delicious side dish couldn't be easier. Just follow these simple steps:
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish (or an 8x8 for a thicker casserole).
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed.
- Add Dry Mix: Gradually add the corn muffin mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense casserole.
- Pour into Dish: Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If you're using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown around the edges and set in the center. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set further and makes it easier to scoop.
Pro Tips for the Best Corn Casserole
- Avoid Overmixing: Over-stirring the batter, especially after adding the corn muffin mix, can develop the gluten and result in a tougher texture.
- Room Temperature Sour Cream: This helps it blend more smoothly into the batter, preventing lumps.
- Customize Your Topping: Beyond cheese, you can add crushed Ritz crackers, buttery breadcrumbs, or even crispy fried onions during the last 15 minutes of baking for added texture.
Looking for another delightful breakfast or brunch casserole that's packed with flavor? You'll love our Cracked Out Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole: Your Ultimate Morning Delight!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This easy corn casserole is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic addition to almost any meal. It's particularly popular for:
- Holiday dinners like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
- BBQ cookouts and summer potlucks.
- Weeknight family meals alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf.
- Any gathering where a comforting, crowd-pleasing side is needed.
For more fascinating details about corn, its history, and nutritional value, visit the authoritative resource on Wikipedia's article on Corn.
Your New Go-To Side Dish Awaits!
This Easy Corn Casserole truly lives up to its name, offering a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort, you can bring a dish to the table that's packed with sweet, creamy flavor and comforting warmth. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own with your favorite additions.
Don't forget to share your experience and any creative twists you add in the comments below. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I prepare corn casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix all the ingredients (reserving any topping) and refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Stir well before baking as directed.
What are the best additions for corn casserole?
For extra flavor, consider adding diced jalapeu00f1os for a kick, cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a different type of cheese like pepper jack or a Mexican blend. A crispy topping of crushed crackers also works wonders!
How long does corn casserole last in the refrigerator?
Leftover corn casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Easy Corn Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously creamy, sweet, and savory corn casserole that's incredibly easy to make and perfect as a side dish for any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 package (8.5 ounces) corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or an 8x8 inch dish for a thicker casserole.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Add the corn muffin mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tougher casserole.
Step 4: Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 5: If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown around the edges and set in the center. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set further and makes it easier to scoop.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add 1-2 diced jalapeños (seeds removed) to the mix. For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed buttery crackers over the cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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