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This cheesy corn casserole transforms simple ingredients into a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from holiday meals to weeknight dinners. The combination of Jiffy mix with creamed corn creates that perfect balance between cake-like and pudding-like texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
I first brought this casserole to my husband's family Thanksgiving and his grandmother immediately asked for the recipe. Now it's requested at every holiday gathering, and I've tweaked it over the years to achieve that perfect balance of sweet corn flavor and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- Creamed corn: Provides moisture and sweetness while adding corn flavor in every bite
- Frozen sweet corn: Offers texture contrast with whole kernels throughout
- Jiffy corn muffin mix: Creates the perfect cake-like structure without complicated measuring
- Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn for maximum flavor
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creates incredible moisture in the finished casserole
- Butter: Enriches the entire dish with unmistakable richness and helps achieve golden edges
- Salt: Balances all the flavors and prevents the casserole from tasting flat
- Cheddar cheese: Creates delicious melty pockets throughout and forms an irresistible golden top
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish:
- Generously grease your baking dish with softened butter, making sure to coat the sides as well as the bottom. This prevents sticking and helps create those delicious crispy edges everyone fights over. An 8×8 pan works perfectly, but a cast iron skillet adds extra charm and heat retention.
- Mix The Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamed corn, thawed sweet corn, Jiffy mix, sugar, sour cream, melted butter, and salt. Stir until everything is thoroughly incorporated, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the final texture tough. Fold in half the cheese, ensuring it gets distributed evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake uncovered at 350°F for exactly 45 minutes. The middle should be mostly set but still have a slight jiggle. This initial bake develops the structure while maintaining moisture.
- Add The Cheesy Topping:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar over the top. Return to the oven for 10-15 more minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts completely and begins to bubble and develop golden brown spots. This final stage creates that irresistible cheesy crust.
- Slow Cooker Alternative:
- For potlucks or when oven space is limited, combine all ingredients except cheese in your lightly greased slow cooker. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4 hours, adding cheese during the final 20 minutes. This method produces a softer texture but equally delicious flavor.
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My favorite thing about this casserole is its incredible versatility. During summer, I often add diced jalapeños and fresh corn cut straight from the cob instead of frozen. The sweet and spicy combination with fresh corn transforms this comfort food classic into something that feels seasonal and special.
Make It Your Own
This forgiving recipe welcomes creative additions. Try stirring in crispy bacon bits, diced bell peppers, or chopped green chiles before baking. For a southwestern twist, add a teaspoon of cumin and some chopped cilantro. The basic recipe serves as a perfect canvas for experimentation based on your family's preferences or the main dish you're serving alongside it.
Storage And Reheating
Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the ingredients meld together. For best reheating results, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to recrisp the top. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may create uneven hot spots.
Serving Suggestions
While traditionally served alongside holiday meals, this casserole pairs wonderfully with barbecue, chili, or fried chicken for everyday dinners. For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. The slightly sweet nature of the corn casserole also makes it an excellent complement to spicy dishes like blackened fish or jerk chicken.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this corn casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. You can also bake it completely, refrigerate, and reheat at 300°F covered with foil until warmed through.
- → What can I add to this corn casserole for variations?
Popular additions include: diced jalapeños for heat, bacon bits for smokiness, diced bell peppers for color and flavor, green onions or chives for freshness, or different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Monterey jack.
- → Is this dish sweet or savory?
This casserole has a wonderful balance of both! The corn and sugar provide natural sweetness, while the cheese and sour cream add savory elements. This sweet-savory combination is what makes it so irresistible.
- → Can I freeze corn casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Bake it completely, cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat covered at 300°F until heated through.
- → What main dishes pair well with this corn casserole?
This versatile side pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, pork chops or ham. It's also perfect alongside holiday turkey, barbecued ribs, or as part of a vegetarian spread with roasted vegetables and salads.
- → How do I know when the corn casserole is done cooking?
The casserole is done when the center is set and firm (not jiggly), the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The cheese on top should be melted and starting to bubble.