Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe

Picture this: a chilly evening, the aroma of something warm and comforting wafting from the kitchen, and the happy chatter of family around the dinner table. For me, those moments are often anchored by dishes that are both simple to make and universally loved. And let me tell you, this Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. From the first time I stumbled upon this recipe, it was an instant family favorite. The kids gobble it up without a fuss, and even the pickiest eaters in my extended family always ask for seconds at holiday gatherings. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly from the table and leaves everyone feeling utterly content. The creamy corn, the subtle sweetness, and that glorious cheesy crust – it’s just pure comfort food in a dish. If you’re looking for a side dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor, then you absolutely have to try this corn casserole. Trust me, it will become a staple in your recipe repertoire just like it has in mine.

Ingredients

The beauty of this Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its wonderfully straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible. Let’s delve into each ingredient, understanding why it’s essential and perhaps even exploring some variations you might consider.

• 14 ¾ ounces Creamed Corn: Creamed corn is the heart and soul of this casserole, providing the creamy base that defines its texture. It’s not just about the corn kernels themselves; it’s the creamy liquid that they are suspended in that lends a luscious, almost velvety consistency to the dish. When you are selecting your creamed corn, opt for a good quality brand. You can find creamed corn in most grocery stores in cans or sometimes even in pouches. While you can technically make creamed corn from scratch, using canned creamed corn significantly cuts down on the preparation time, making this recipe truly “easy.” If you are feeling adventurous or want to control the sweetness and sodium levels, you could explore homemade creamed corn recipes for a future, more elaborate version of this casserole, but for ease and speed, canned is the way to go here.
• 15 ¼ ounces Whole Kernel Sweet Corn, Drained: While creamed corn provides the creamy base, whole kernel sweet corn adds delightful texture and bursts of fresh corn flavor. The contrast between the creamy corn and the whole kernels is what makes each bite so satisfying. Draining the whole kernel corn is crucial. Excess liquid can make the casserole watery and prevent it from setting properly. Sweet corn is the classic choice, and it perfectly complements the other flavors in the dish. You can use canned or frozen corn for this ingredient. If using frozen corn, be sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water before adding it to the mixture. In a pinch, you could even use fresh corn kernels cut off the cob, especially during corn season. Roasting or grilling fresh corn before cutting it off the cob can add a lovely smoky depth of flavor to the casserole, taking it to another level of deliciousness.
• 8 ounces Corn Muffin Mix (such as Jiffy): This is the secret ingredient that brings everything together and provides a subtle sweetness and a slightly crumbly texture to the casserole. Jiffy corn muffin mix is a popular and readily available brand, and it works exceptionally well in this recipe. It contains a perfect blend of flour, cornmeal, leavening agents, and a touch of sugar, which contributes to the casserole’s delightful taste and structure. Using a pre-made mix like Jiffy significantly simplifies the recipe and ensures consistent results every time. While Jiffy is widely recommended and tested, you could technically use other brands of corn muffin mix. Just be mindful of the sugar content in different brands, as some might be sweeter than others. If you are trying to reduce sugar, you could look for a reduced-sugar corn muffin mix, or even consider making your own corn muffin mix from scratch. However, for the sake of ease and replicating the classic flavor, Jiffy (or a similar corn muffin mix) is highly recommended.
• 8 ounces Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a wonderful tanginess and richness to the casserole. It balances the sweetness of the corn and corn muffin mix and contributes to the overall creamy texture. The acidity in sour cream also helps to tenderize the other ingredients and adds a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate with other dairy products. Full-fat sour cream will give you the richest and creamiest results. However, you can also use low-fat or fat-free sour cream to lighten up the dish slightly. Keep in mind that using lower-fat versions might slightly alter the texture, making it a bit less rich and creamy. Greek yogurt can also be used as a substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tanginess and creaminess, while also adding a boost of protein. If using Greek yogurt, opt for plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for the best results in terms of flavor and texture.
• 1 Stick (8 tablespoons) Butter, Melted: Butter is essential for richness, flavor, and moisture in this casserole. Melted butter gets incorporated into the mixture, ensuring that every part of the casserole is moist and flavorful. Butter also helps to create a slightly golden and crispy edge around the casserole as it bakes. Unsalted butter is generally recommended in baking and cooking, as it allows you to control the overall salt content of the dish. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but you might want to slightly reduce any additional salt you might consider adding to the recipe (although this recipe doesn’t call for additional salt, it’s a good practice to be mindful of). For a richer flavor, you can use European-style butter, which has a higher butterfat content. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute melted butter with melted vegan butter or even a neutral-flavored oil like melted coconut oil or avocado oil, although butter truly provides the best flavor in this recipe.
• 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Cheddar cheese provides that classic cheesy goodness that elevates this corn casserole to another level of deliciousness. The cheese melts beautifully during baking, creating a golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy topping that is utterly irresistible. Cheddar cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet corn and creamy base, adding a savory and slightly sharp counterpoint. Sharp cheddar cheese is a great choice because its robust flavor stands up well to the other ingredients. However, you can also use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a less intense cheese flavor. For a richer and more complex flavor, you can use a blend of cheddar cheeses, such as a mix of sharp and white cheddar. Other cheese options that would work well in this casserole include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of pepper jack for a bit of spice. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own cheese from a block will melt more smoothly and often has a better flavor, as pre-shredded cheese is often coated with cellulose to prevent clumping. For the best results, consider shredding your cheddar cheese fresh just before adding it to the casserole.

Instructions

Making this Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole is truly as simple as it gets. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious and comforting side dish ready to bake in no time. Let’s break down each step in detail to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C. The first and most crucial step in almost any baking recipe is preheating the oven. Preheating ensures that your oven reaches the correct temperature before you put the casserole in, allowing it to cook evenly and properly. Setting the oven to 350°F (180°C) is the ideal temperature for this casserole. It’s hot enough to cook the casserole through and melt the cheese beautifully, but not so hot that it will burn before the center is cooked. While the oven is preheating, you can proceed with the next steps of preparing the casserole mixture. Using an oven thermometer is always a good idea to ensure your oven is accurately reaching and maintaining the set temperature.
2. Grease your casserole dish. Greasing the casserole dish is essential to prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom and sides of the dish. This makes serving easier and ensures that you can get every delicious morsel out of the dish. You can use butter, cooking spray, or oil to grease the dish. Butter adds a bit of extra flavor, while cooking spray is quick and convenient. Make sure to grease the bottom and sides of the dish thoroughly. A standard 9×13 inch casserole dish is typically recommended for this recipe, but you can also use a slightly smaller or larger dish. If using a smaller dish, the casserole will be thicker and may require a slightly longer baking time. If using a larger dish, the casserole will be thinner and may cook a bit faster.
3. In a large bowl, add creamed corn, sweet corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. Now it’s time to combine all the main ingredients. Using a large bowl provides ample space for mixing without making a mess. Add the creamed corn, drained sweet corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter to the bowl. Make sure the melted butter is not too hot when you add it to the other ingredients, as very hot butter could start to cook the eggs in the corn muffin mix prematurely (though Jiffy mix doesn’t rely on eggs as much as from-scratch mixes, it’s still good practice to let the butter cool slightly).
4. Mix until combined. Using a spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the corn muffin mix, which could make the casserole slightly tougher. You want to mix just until everything is incorporated and there are no large streaks of sour cream or dry corn muffin mix remaining. The mixture will be fairly thick and creamy.
5. Pour the mixture into your greased casserole dish. Once the ingredients are well combined, pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Use a spatula to ensure all the mixture is transferred from the bowl to the dish. Spreading it evenly will ensure that the casserole cooks uniformly in the oven.
6. Bake for 45 minutes uncovered. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes uncovered. Baking uncovered allows the top of the casserole to brown slightly and the edges to become nicely golden. During baking, the corn muffin mix will cook through, and the casserole will set. After 45 minutes, check the casserole. It should be set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. The top should be lightly golden. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness rather than strictly relying on the timer.
7. Remove from the oven and cover with cheese. Carefully remove the casserole dish from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Make sure to distribute the cheese uniformly so that every part of the casserole gets a cheesy topping.
8. Return it to the oven until the cheese has melted, approximately 5 – 10 minutes. Place the casserole dish back in the oven and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is melted, gooey, and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it during this time to prevent the cheese from burning. You want the cheese to be melted and slightly golden brown. Once the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, the casserole is ready to be served.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy! Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. Serving it immediately while it’s warm and cheesy is when it’s at its absolute best. The aroma will be enticing, and the taste will be incredibly comforting. Enjoy your delicious Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

This Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole offers a comforting and satisfying side dish, but like many comfort foods, it’s good to be mindful of its nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts per serving, based on the recipe as provided, serving 6 people:

• Servings: 6
• Calories: 564kcal per serving

It’s important to note that these are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and variations. For example, using low-fat sour cream or cheese would reduce the calorie and fat content, while adding extra cheese or butter would increase it.

While corn casserole is a delicious treat, it’s also relatively high in calories, carbohydrates, and fat, primarily due to the corn muffin mix, butter, sour cream, and cheese. It does provide some nutrients from the corn and dairy, but it’s best enjoyed as a side dish in moderation as part of a balanced meal.

If you are looking to make this casserole a bit healthier, here are a few potential modifications:

• Use low-fat or fat-free sour cream: This will reduce the fat and calorie content.
• Reduce the amount of butter: You could try reducing the butter by a tablespoon or two, although it might slightly affect the richness and moisture.
• Use less cheese or a lower-fat cheese: Opting for part-skim mozzarella or reducing the amount of cheddar cheese can cut down on calories and fat.
• Incorporate whole wheat corn muffin mix: If available, using a whole wheat corn muffin mix could add some fiber.
• Increase the vegetable content: While this recipe is focused on corn, you could consider adding other vegetables like diced bell peppers or onions for added nutrients and fiber, though this would alter the classic flavor profile.

Remember that even with modifications, corn casserole is still a relatively rich dish. Enjoy it as an occasional treat and balance it with lighter, more nutrient-dense meals.

Preparation Time

One of the biggest advantages of this Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole is its incredibly quick preparation time. When the recipe states a prep time of just 5 minutes, it truly means it! This makes it an ideal dish for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you simply want a delicious side without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Let’s break down where those 5 minutes go:

• Gathering Ingredients: Pulling out all the ingredients from your pantry and refrigerator – creamed corn, sweet corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, butter, and cheese – takes just a minute or two. Having everything ready to go is key to quick prep.
• Melting Butter: Melting the butter can be done quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop. Microwaving takes about 30-60 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power.
• Mixing Ingredients: Combining all the ingredients in a bowl and mixing them together is the main prep task. This is a simple stir-and-combine process that literally takes just a couple of minutes.
• Greasing Dish and Pouring Mixture: Greasing the casserole dish and pouring the mixture in takes less than a minute.

Total Active Prep Time: Approximately 5 minutes.

The rest of the time is hands-off baking time in the oven. The recipe specifies a cook time of 55 minutes (45 minutes uncovered + 10 minutes with cheese). This means the total time from start to finish, including prep and cooking, is about 1 hour.

This efficient preparation makes this corn casserole a lifesaver when you need a side dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen but actually only invested minutes of active work. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn’t always have to be complicated or time-consuming.

How to Serve

This Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of main dishes. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it a perfect side for both casual weeknight meals and more festive holiday gatherings. Here are some ideas on how to serve and pair this delicious casserole:

• As a Classic Side Dish for Holiday Meals:
  • Thanksgiving: Corn casserole is a staple on many Thanksgiving tables. It complements turkey, ham, and other traditional Thanksgiving dishes beautifully.
  • Christmas: Equally fitting for Christmas dinner, alongside roasted meats like prime rib, ham, or chicken.
  • Easter: Pairs wonderfully with Easter ham or lamb.
• Perfect for Potlucks and Gatherings:
  • Potlucks: Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser, corn casserole is an excellent choice for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It holds up well at room temperature for a reasonable amount of time, though it’s best served warm.
  • Family Reunions: A comforting and familiar dish that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family reunions.
• Weeknight Dinner Companion:
  • Roasted Chicken or Pork: The creamy corn casserole is a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or pork chops.
  • Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled steak, burgers, or ribs for a hearty and satisfying meal.
  • BBQ: An excellent side for BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or brisket.
  • Meatloaf: Corn casserole and meatloaf are a classic comfort food pairing.
• Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions:
  • Casual Weeknight Meal: Serve it straight from the casserole dish, family-style, alongside a simple main dish and a green salad.
  • Holiday Feast: Transfer the casserole to a more decorative serving dish for an elegant presentation on a holiday buffet table. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
  • Potluck: Keep it in the baking dish for easy transport and serving. Consider bringing a serving spoon and leaving it with the dish.
• Garnishing Ideas:
  • Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or thyme adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
  • Crumbled Bacon: For an extra savory touch, sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon over the top before serving.
  • Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions add a mild oniony flavor and a pop of green.
  • Hot Sauce: For those who like a little heat, offer a side of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole is sure to be a hit. Its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a go-to side dish for any occasion.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole is absolutely perfect every time, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: As mentioned in the instructions, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the corn muffin mix. Overmixing can develop the gluten, leading to a tougher texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no streaks of dry mix remain. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
2. Adjust Cheese to Your Preference: While the recipe calls for cheddar, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or cheese blends to customize the flavor. Monterey Jack will give you a milder, meltier cheese pull. Pepper jack will add a touch of heat. A combination of cheddar and Gruyere would create a richer, more complex flavor. You can also adjust the amount of cheese to your liking. For an extra cheesy casserole, feel free to add a bit more than the recipe specifies, both in the mixture and on top.
3. Add a Little Spice (Optional): If you like a bit of warmth, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter. This will add a subtle kick that complements the sweetness of the corn without making it overly spicy. You can also top the casserole with a few pickled jalapeño slices before baking for a more pronounced spicy element.
4. Make it Ahead of Time: One of the great things about this casserole is that it can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole mixture and pour it into the dish up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is very cold from the refrigerator. You can also bake the casserole completely ahead of time, let it cool, and then reheat it gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
5. Customize with Add-Ins: While the classic version is delicious on its own, you can easily customize this casserole with various add-ins to suit your taste or create a heartier dish. Consider adding:
   • Diced Cooked Bacon or Ham: For a smoky and savory flavor boost.
   • Sautéed Onions and Bell Peppers: For added flavor and texture, sauté diced onions and bell peppers until softened and add them to the batter.
   • Chopped Green Chiles: For a Southwestern twist and a mild heat.
   • Cream Cheese: For an even creamier and richer casserole, stir in a few ounces of softened cream cheese into the batter.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure your Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole is always a delicious and successful dish.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Cheesy Corn Casserole to help you make it perfectly every time:

Q1: Can I use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen?

A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh corn! In fact, fresh corn, especially during peak season, will add a wonderful sweetness and flavor. Cut kernels off about 6-8 ears of fresh corn to get the equivalent amount. You can use it raw, or for an even deeper flavor, try grilling or roasting the corn on the cob before cutting off the kernels. Thaw frozen corn completely and drain well before using.

Q2: Can I make this casserole without Jiffy corn muffin mix?

A: While Jiffy corn muffin mix is a key ingredient for the classic flavor and ease of this recipe, you can make a substitute if needed. You can use another brand of corn muffin mix, or you can make your own corn muffin mix from scratch. There are many recipes online for homemade corn muffin mix. Alternatively, you could try using a cornbread recipe (not too sweet) and crumble it into the mixture. Keep in mind that using a different mix or homemade cornbread will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the casserole.

Q3: Can I freeze corn casserole?

A: Yes, corn casserole freezes quite well, making it a great make-ahead option. Bake the casserole as directed and let it cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or bake it directly from frozen (covered with foil) at 350°F (180°C) until heated through, which will take longer than the original baking time. Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the top to crisp up.

Q4: Can I make this casserole dairy-free or vegan?

A: Making this casserole dairy-free or vegan requires a few substitutions, but it is possible. For dairy-free, use vegan sour cream, melted vegan butter, and vegan cheddar cheese shreds. Ensure your corn muffin mix is also dairy-free (some brands may contain milk). For a vegan version, you’ll need to ensure all ingredients are plant-based, including checking the corn muffin mix for eggs or honey (though Jiffy mix does not contain eggs or honey). The taste and texture will be slightly different from the classic version, but you can still achieve a delicious and comforting dairy-free or vegan corn casserole.

Q5: My casserole is watery, what did I do wrong?

A: A watery casserole is usually due to excess liquid. Here are a few possible reasons and solutions:
* Not draining the sweet corn properly: Ensure you drain the canned sweet corn thoroughly.
* Using too much sour cream or butter: Stick to the recipe measurements.
* Oven temperature too low: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (350°F/180°C). A lower temperature can cause the casserole to release more liquid and not set properly.
* Overmixing: While not a primary cause of wateriness, overmixing can sometimes affect the texture. Mix just until combined.

If your casserole is watery, you can try baking it a bit longer uncovered to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate. In the future, double-check that you are draining the corn well and following the ingredient measurements accurately.

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