Corn casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty, and loaded with rich, savory-sweet flavor. Whether served during the holidays or as a side dish for a casual weeknight dinner, this Easy Corn Casserole brings people together with its moist, custard-like texture and golden, slightly crisp top. Often associated with Southern cooking and beloved across American tables, it’s a no-fuss recipe that relies on pantry staples and comes together with minimal prep.
This version of corn casserole is wonderfully forgiving. It uses a can of creamed corn, a can of whole kernel corn, corn muffin mix, eggs, sour cream, and butter to create a rich base that’s both creamy and slightly fluffy. As it bakes, the casserole develops a golden crust while staying tender inside, making it the perfect complement to everything from roasted meats to fresh salads. Its balance of sweet and savory makes it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, cookouts, or festive gatherings. You don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to whip up this dish, and that’s part of its enduring charm. It’s satisfying, soul-warming, and always gone before you know it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy to Make – Mix everything in one bowl and bake; no special equipment or skills needed.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Sweet and Savory Balance – Creamy and comforting with the perfect hint of sweetness from the corn.
- Uses Pantry Staples – Canned corn, muffin mix, and a few fridge items are all you need.
- Customizable – Add cheese, jalapeños, or bacon to make it your own.
Ingredients
- Canned whole kernel corn
- Canned creamed corn
- Corn muffin mix
- Sour cream
- Eggs
- Butter
Variations
- Cheesy Corn Casserole: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness and a gooey texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
- Bacon Boost: Mix in crumbled cooked bacon or top with crispy bacon bits.
- Green Addition: Include chopped green onions or chives for a fresh note.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix to make the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine whole kernel corn, creamed corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well blended.
Step 3: Pour into Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to cool for about 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until combined for the best texture.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to help it set for easier serving.
- For a firmer texture, bake on the longer end of the time range.
- Use room-temperature sour cream and eggs for smoother mixing.
- Make it in advance and reheat—it’s even better the next day!
How to Serve
Serve warm as a side dish alongside roasted turkey, ham, grilled chicken, or barbecue. It pairs especially well with hearty main courses and vegetable sides like green beans or collard greens. For a fun twist, try topping it with a drizzle of honey or hot sauce depending on your mood!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze baked and fully cooled casserole portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for about 1–2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make corn casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the ingredients a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
2. Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned?
Absolutely—just make sure frozen corn is thawed and drained. Fresh corn should be cooked beforehand.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use a gluten-free corn muffin mix to make it suitable.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish and add 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
5. Can I make this without eggs?
You can try using an egg substitute or flax eggs, but the texture may be slightly different.
6. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The center should be set and the top golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.
7. Can I add meat to this casserole?
Yes—bacon, ham, or even cooked sausage can be mixed in for extra flavor and protein.
8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on high for 2–3 hours or until the center is firm and cooked through.
9. What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt or plain full-fat yogurt works well as a substitute.
10. Can I make mini casseroles or muffins?
Yes, bake in a muffin tin for individual portions—adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Conclusion
Easy Corn Casserole is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. Its rich, comforting texture and effortless preparation make it a go-to dish for everything from family dinners to festive gatherings. Whether you’re keeping it classic or customizing with your favorite add-ins, this casserole delivers delicious results every time. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser—exactly what a great side dish should be.
PrintEasy Corn Casserole
- Total Time: 55–65 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish, this Easy Corn Casserole combines the sweetness of corn with a creamy, custard-like texture. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
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1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
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1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
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1 box (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix (e.g., Jiffy)
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1 cup sour cream
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2 large eggs
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, combine whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until well blended.
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Add the corn muffin mix to the bowl and stir until fully incorporated.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
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Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or topping with crispy bacon bits before baking.
To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free corn muffin mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: corn casserole, comfort food, side dish, easy recipe, potluck