Looking for a corn casserole that checks all the boxes—quick, easy, and irresistibly creamy? This version brings all the comforting flavors you love with a twist: no canned soups, a hint of cheddar for extra richness, and a golden, buttery finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This Southern classic has been a staple in my family for generations, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s the ultimate comfort food. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the people you love.
Old fashioned cheesy cornbread casserole is one of those dishes that instantly brings back memories of family get togethers. Growing up, it was always the first thing to disappear, with everyone sneaking back for seconds (and thirds). What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it fits into both everyday dinners and special occasions—it’s simple to make but tastes like you went all out.
Unlike other recipes that rely on canned soups, mine brings a fresh, homemade flavor that’s every bit as creamy and satisfying. The addition of shredded cheddar gives it a little extra richness and the golden finish on top? Perfection. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, heading to a potluck, or just looking for a comforting side dish, this corn casserole is guaranteed to be a hit every time. Trust me, once you’ve tried this version, it’ll be hard to go back to any other.
Why you’ll love this cheesy corn casserole recipe
It’s classic comfort, upgraded. This isn’t just any corn casserole. With the perfect blend of creamed corn, Jiffy mix, and a touch of cheddar, it delivers a creamy texture and great flavor that feels like pure comfort in every bite.
It’s made for busy lives. Whether you’re juggling after-school activities or hosting a holiday dinner, this recipe can fit your schedule. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip it up in no time.
There are no canned soups involved. Unlike some recipes that rely on condensed soups, this version keeps it fresh with sour cream and melted butter, creating a rich, homemade flavor.
It’s easy to customize. From adding jalapeños for a spicy kick to extra cheese, you can tailor this to your family’s taste while still keeping it simple.
Everyone loves it. Whether you’re feeding your family, entertaining friends, hosting a holiday dinner, or contributing to a potluck, this casserole is always a hit. You’ll even see picky eaters going back for seconds.
corn casserole ingredients
Frozen Whole Kernel Corn: You could also use fresh corn, but frozen is an easy shortcut that gives you that same sweet flavor.
Creamed Corn: Creates a creamy, slightly sweet base that blends everything together.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy flavor with a smooth texture to balance out the sweetness of the corn.
Unsalted Butter: Not only does this give it the buttery flavor, but it also helps to keep the casserole moist.
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: A convenient shortcut for a fluffy, slightly sweet texture. It’s typically found in the baking aisle of the grocery store.
Eggs: These help bind the casserole together while still staying fluffy.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Optional, but adds extra cheesiness. I highly recommend it!
Salt and Pepper: Grab kosher salt and ground black pepper.
Paprika: It adds a pop of color and a subtle smoky flavor on top.
how to make sweet corn casserole
To make this creamy corn casserole, start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, beaten eggs, and Jiffy corn muffin mix. Stir the mixture gently, just until everything is combined—you don’t want to overmix, as it can affect the texture. If you’re feeling a little extra, fold in shredded cheddar cheese for added creaminess, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Once the mixture is ready, pour it into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. For a little flair, sprinkle some extra cheese or a dash of paprika on top to give it a golden, bubbly finish. Bake it in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set—it shouldn’t jiggle when you gently shake the dish. Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps it firm up for perfect slices that hold together beautifully.
recipe variations
One of the best things about this corn casserole is how easy it is to customize. There are plenty of options to make it your own.
- If you’re a cheese lover, go ahead and double the cheddar or mix in some Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a gooey, melty twist.
- Stir in diced jalapeños or green chiles for a little heat. It’s the perfect way to give the dish a little spice.
- If you like it sweeter, add a tablespoon of honey or a sprinkle of sugar to the batter.
- You can can in veggies as well. Diced bell peppers, green onions, or even cooked, crumbled bacon can be folded into the mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- For a crunchy finish, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs, or even French-fried onions on top before baking.
The base recipe is so versatile that you can experiment with your favorite add-ins to create a version that feels uniquely yours.
tips and tricks
Make sure the frozen corn is fully thawed before mixing. This prevents extra moisture from sneaking into your casserole and keeps the texture just right.
Using high-quality, unsalted butter makes a big difference in the overall flavor.
After baking, let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. This step helps it set up for clean, easy slices.
Top Tip
Stir the ingredients until they’re just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense casserole instead of the light and fluffy texture you’re aiming for.
serving suggestions for this easy cream style corn casserole
If you’re serving this at the holidays, you can serve it alongside Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, Glazed Ham, or even a nice prime rib.
When you’re serving it up at home for a little comfort food combo, you can have it with Hamburger Steaks or Oven Baked Ribs.
For some lighter sides, you can serve it up with a House Salad or roasted veggies like Parmesan Broccoli and Cauliflower or Roasted Green Beans.
You can also serve it up backyard barbecue style with some Smoked Hamburgers or Pulled Pork Sandwiches.
How to store corn casserole
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s so good they might disappear!), this corn casserole stores and reheats beautifully:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Want to make it ahead or save some for later? Freeze it! Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
How to reheat corn casserole
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a quick warm-up, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
You sure can! Fresh corn adds a lovely texture and flavor. Just cut it off the cob and use it as you would the frozen corn.
The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set. A gentle shake of the dish should show no jiggling in the middle.
other side dishes you might like
If you loved this corn casserole, here are a few more comforting side dishes to try:
Learn how to make this old-fashioned creamed corn casserole, a Southern classic that’s creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet. Perfect for holidays or potlucks! This sweet corn casserole recipe is made with simple ingredients and bakes up beautifully every time. Plus, tips on how long to cook corn casserole and how to reheat it for leftovers!
If you make this recipe and love it, we would love a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! It helps us continue to provide free recipes.
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Sweet Corn Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen whole kernel corn thawed
- 14.75 ounces canned creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 8.5 ounces Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and Jiffy corn muffin mix. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- If you’re adding shredded cheddar cheese for a little extra flavor, fold it into the mixture at this point. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. If you’d like, sprinkle a little extra cheese or paprika on top for a golden finish.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (it should not jiggle when you shake the dish lightly).
- Let the corn casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What should the inside consistency be? Outside is golden brown but the inside seems more like creamed corn consistency.
Great question! The inside of the corn casserole should be creamy, but set. It’s normal for it to have a soft, slightly pudding-like consistency due to the creamed corn and sour cream. If it feels too runny, it may need a few more minutes in the oven. The top being golden brown is a great sign! A good way to check is to give the dish a gentle shake. The center should be set and not jiggle. Letting it cool for 5-10 minutes after baking also helps it firm up for serving. I hope this helps!