Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe that I absolutely love making whenever I want something easy, cheesy, and downright delicious. It’s one of those dishes that somehow manages to feel homey and indulgent without any fuss, perfect for family dinners or potlucks—you’ll find that everyone asks for seconds!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work in harmony to give this casserole the perfect balance of sweetness, cheesy creaminess, and a little bit of that tender crumb that makes every bite delightful. Pro tip: use good-quality cheddar for best results.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the base and gives structure without weighing down the casserole.
• Yellow cornmeal: Adds a subtle corn flavor and a bit of texture.
• Sugar: Just enough to balance the savory and bring out the corn’s natural sweetness.
• Sea salt: I like sea salt for its clean flavor, but any salt works fine.
• Baking powder: Helps the casserole rise just a touch for a light, tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture—don’t skip it!
• Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
• Creamed corn: This is your secret weapon for that creamy corn flavor throughout.
• Whole kernel corn: Adds a pleasant bite and bursts of sweetness.
• Sour cream: Gives moisture and a tangy creaminess that makes this casserole irresistible.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: I always go for sharp cheddar, but mild works too if you prefer.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe is—you can easily switch it up to fit your taste or dietary needs without losing that cozy vibe. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper in the mix—I discovered this trick when I wanted some heat and it instantly elevated the dish.
• Vegetarian Upgrade: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or green onions for extra flavor and color; my family goes crazy for these additions!
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour and use gluten-free baking powder to keep it safe for those with sensitivities.
• Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack instead of cheddar for a bit of spice, or add mozzarella for extra gooeyness—always a crowd-pleaser in my house.

How to Make Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the center position to get even baking. Don’t forget to lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish with some butter or cooking spray—this helps to get that golden crust and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, sugar, sea salt, and baking powder. I find that mixing these dry ingredients well upfront ensures your casserole bakes evenly with no clumps.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Cheese

Next, stir in the melted butter and eggs until the batter becomes smooth. Then add the creamed corn, drained whole kernel corn, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t overmix here—you want everything evenly combined but still a bit lumpy for texture.

Step 4: Bake Your Casserole to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes until the casserole is set in the center and the edges turn a lovely golden brown. I like to check around 35 minutes because ovens can vary, and you don’t want it to dry out.

How to Serve Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top my casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions—they add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes, a dash of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky hint that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

This cheesy corn casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a simple leafy green salad. During the holidays, I love serving it alongside my mom’s roasted turkey—it complements the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins—it makes for a fancy, personalized touch! You could also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro to amp up the presentation and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers—and there usually are some!—I cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making for a quick reheat later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times, and it’s a great make-ahead option. I bake it fully, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop portions into the microwave for 1-2 minutes or rewarm the whole casserole in a 325°F oven covered with foil to keep it moist—adding a quick sprinkle of cheese on top during the last few minutes is always a crowd-pleaser.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some cheesy comfort, this dish comes through every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—give it a shot, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to favorites too!

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