The ultimate easy side dish, this Corn Casserole recipe is a beloved classic for holidays and special occasions, yet simple enough to whip up on any busy weeknight!

Easy & Delicious Corn Casserole: Your Go-To Holiday Side Dish

When it comes to crafting a memorable holiday feast, especially for Thanksgiving, the side dishes often steal the show. While many recipes demand considerable time and effort, this delightful Corn Casserole offers a fantastic exception. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet delivers a rich, creamy, and flavorful experience that complements any main course. Forget the stress of complex culinary creations; with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this comforting dish ready for the oven in under 5 minutes!

Why This Easy Corn Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite

This Corn Casserole isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of comfort food, embodying the warmth and generosity of Southern cooking. For years, it has graced holiday tables across the nation, becoming a staple that evokes cherished memories. Its popularity stems from its undeniable deliciousness combined with its almost foolproof simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe guarantees success.

What makes it truly special? It’s that perfect balance of sweet corn, rich creaminess, and a hint of savory goodness from the corn muffin mix. The texture is irresistibly soft and moist, with a slightly golden, baked top that hints at the comforting flavors within. It’s a side dish that appeals to all ages, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Its creamy consistency and sweet flavor make it a wonderful complement to savory roasts and main courses, offering a comforting contrast that completes any meal.

Perfect for Holidays and Weeknights Alike

While often associated with grand holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the beauty of this easy corn casserole lies in its versatility. Its quick preparation time makes it an ideal candidate for busy weeknights when you need a comforting side without the fuss. Pair it with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a simple steak for a complete and satisfying meal. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, transforming everyday dinners into something special with minimal effort.

For your next holiday spread, imagine this golden, bubbly corn casserole sitting proudly alongside other festive favorites. It perfectly complements my recommended Sausage Stuffing with Apples and Cranberries, the decadent best Sweet Potato Casserole, and a basket of fluffy Easy Dinner Rolls. It adds a delightful creamy texture and a burst of sweet corn flavor that balances out richer dishes, ensuring a well-rounded and harmonious meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Corn Casserole

This recipe shines with its simplicity, requiring just seven core ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why:

• Corn: The undisputed star of the show! You’ll use a strategic combination of two types of canned corn to achieve that ideal texture and flavor profile.
  • Whole Kernel Corn: This provides a pleasant chewiness and bursts of classic corn flavor in every bite. It’s vital to drain this thoroughly to prevent your casserole from becoming watery and losing its creamy consistency.
  • Cream Style Corn: This ingredient is the secret to the casserole’s signature rich and creamy consistency, adding a delightful natural sweetness. Unlike the whole kernel corn, do *not* drain the cream style corn; its thick liquid is absolutely essential for moisture and binding.
• Corn Muffin Mix: An absolute game-changer for convenience, providing a consistent, slightly crumbly, and wonderfully textured base for the casserole.
  • Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: This is the brand most commonly used and tested with this recipe due to its reliable results and distinct, beloved flavor. An 8.5 oz box is the standard size needed and ensures the correct ratio of dry to wet ingredients.
  • Substitution Tip: While Jiffy is highly recommended for its convenience and taste, other brands of corn muffin mix can be used. Just ensure the package size is comparable (around 8.5 oz) for the best outcome. We’ll also cover a “from scratch” alternative later if you prefer a homemade mix or can’t find Jiffy.
• Sour Cream: This humble ingredient is a powerhouse, contributing to the incredible richness, tang, and moistness of the casserole, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the corn.
  • Full-Fat Sour Cream: For the creamiest, most luxurious texture and deepest flavor, full-fat sour cream is highly recommended. It adds a depth that lighter or low-fat versions simply can’t replicate, ensuring a truly indulgent side dish.
• Eggs: Eggs serve a crucial role as a binder, helping the casserole set and hold its shape beautifully as it bakes, preventing it from crumbling apart.
  • Large Eggs: Standard large eggs are precisely what this recipe calls for. They provide just the right amount of structure without making the casserole rubbery or overly dense.
• Butter: Butter is essential for enhancing the overall richness, moistness, and golden-brown crust of the casserole.
  • Melted Butter: Ensure your butter is fully melted before incorporating it into the mixture. This allows for even distribution throughout the batter, leading to a more consistent flavor and texture. Unsalted butter is often preferred as it allows you to control the total sodium content of the dish, especially if your corn muffin mix already contains salt.
• Cheese (Optional, but Highly Recommended!): While not strictly traditional in all corn casserole variations, cheese adds a wonderful savory, melty dimension that many find irresistible, making the dish even more decadent.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I find that sharp or mild shredded cheddar cheese works best. While some recipes suggest adding cheese to the top, I’ve found that mixing it directly into the batter yields a more uniform melt and makes serving much easier, especially if the casserole cools slightly. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference, or omit it entirely if you prefer a simpler, pure corn flavor. Remember, freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.

How to Make the Best Easy Corn Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing this corn casserole is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for novice cooks and busy hosts alike. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly golden and delicious dish:

1. Preparation is Key: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). While the oven heats, lightly grease or spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures easy serving, allowing you to scoop out perfect portions every time.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the core ingredients: the thoroughly drained whole-kernel corn, the undrained cream-style corn, the corn muffin mix, full-fat sour cream, large eggs, and the melted butter. Use a whisk or a sturdy spoon to gently stir all ingredients together until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will bake out, resulting in a tender casserole.
3. Fold in the Cheese: If you’ve chosen to include cheese (which I highly recommend for extra flavor!), gently fold the freshly shredded cheddar cheese into the batter. This ensures the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the casserole, melting into every bite and creating pockets of savory goodness.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully pour the entire corn casserole mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is lightly golden brown and the center is set. A good indicator of readiness is when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your dish.
5. Rest and Serve Warm: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for at least 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period is essential as it allows the casserole to set further, preventing it from falling apart when you scoop it out. It also helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve warm and watch it disappear!

No Jiffy Mix? Make Corn Casserole From Scratch!

While Jiffy corn muffin mix offers unparalleled convenience and is a staple for this recipe, you can absolutely make this delicious corn casserole from scratch if you prefer to avoid boxed mixes, or if a mix isn’t readily available in your area. Substituting the muffin mix is simple and ensures you still get that classic corn-bread-like texture and flavor profile.

Here’s how to create your own homemade corn muffin mix. In place of the 8.5 oz box of Jiffy corn muffin mix, simply combine the following dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt before adding them to your wet ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind works best for texture)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (you can adjust this to your taste, adding a bit more for a sweeter casserole, or less for a more savory one)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (this is crucial for providing the necessary lift and tenderness to the casserole)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness)

Once you have thoroughly mixed these dry ingredients, proceed with the rest of the recipe as instructed, combining this homemade mix with the canned corn, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter. This “from scratch” approach gives you more control over the ingredients and can be a satisfying alternative for those who enjoy baking from basics.

Delicious Variations & Customizations for Your Corn Casserole

This basic corn casserole recipe is fantastic as is, but it also serves as an excellent canvas for customization. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own! Here are some creative ideas to elevate your creamy corn bake and cater to different tastes:

• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding diced fresh or pickled jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat), a can of mild diced green chiles (thoroughly drained), or a pinch of cayenne pepper directly to the batter. These additions provide a delightful kick without overpowering the natural corn flavor.
• Add Savory Depth: To make the casserole heartier and more substantial, fold in cooked and crumbled bacon bits, browned sausage (like breakfast sausage or Italian sausage), or even diced cooked ham. This transforms it into a more robust side or even a light main dish.
• Herbal Freshness: Freshly chopped chives or green onions (scallions) can be stirred into the batter for a subtle oniony flavor, or sprinkled generously on top just before serving for a vibrant burst of color and a fresh aromatic touch. A bit of chopped fresh parsley can also add brightness.
• Cheese, Please! Beyond shredded cheddar, experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different flavor profile. For a truly rich and golden experience, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking can create a lovely crispy, savory crust.
• Sweet & Savory Balance: If you enjoy a sweeter profile, reminiscent of a true “cornbread pudding,” add a touch more granulated sugar (up to 2 tablespoons) to the batter. Conversely, for a more distinctly savory casserole, a pinch of black pepper, a dash of garlic powder, or a hint of onion powder can enhance the savory notes.
• Extra Creaminess: For an even richer, more decadent and creamy casserole, some recipes call for adding an 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese to the mixture. Whisk it well with the sour cream and eggs until smooth before combining with the other ingredients.
• Vegetable Boost: Enhance the vegetable content and color by adding finely diced red bell peppers, roasted red peppers, or even a handful of chopped spinach (ensure spinach is squeezed dry).

Expert Tips for a Perfectly Baked Corn Casserole

Achieving the perfect corn casserole is easy, but a few expert tips can elevate your dish from good to unforgettable. Keep these in mind for the best results every time, ensuring a creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked casserole:

• Mastering the Make-Ahead: This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for reducing stress during busy holiday meal prep! You can fully prepare and bake the casserole up to 2-3 days in advance. Once baked and completely cooled, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it gently in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) until it’s warmed through to the center. This strategic step saves valuable time and oven space on your main cooking day.
• Choosing the Right Baking Dish: The size of your baking dish significantly impacts the casserole’s thickness, texture, and baking time.
  • A standard 9×13-inch pan will result in a shallower, thinner layer. This bakes more quickly and offers more surface area for a desirable crispy, golden-brown top.
  • If you prefer a thicker, more substantial casserole with a creamier interior, opt for a smaller dish like a 9×9-inch square pan or an 11×7-inch rectangular dish. Be aware that a thicker casserole will require a longer baking time. Always monitor for doneness by checking for a set center and golden top.
• The Cheese Factor: While convenient, pre-grated bagged cheese often contains anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that can prevent it from melting as smoothly and creamily as freshly grated cheese. For the absolute best melt and luxurious texture, I highly recommend grating your own cheddar cheese from a block. You can grate it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days to cut back on prep time on the day of cooking.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: It’s crucial not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the corn muffin mix and eggs, leading to a tougher, more dense casserole with a less desirable texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no dry streaks remain. A few small lumps from the corn muffin mix are perfectly normal and will disappear during baking, resulting in a tender interior.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: The 5-minute resting period after baking is not just a suggestion; it’s a key step for success. This allows the internal structure of the casserole to set further, preventing it from falling apart or becoming watery when you scoop it out. It also helps the flavors meld together beautifully and ensures a more cohesive, appealing slice.
• Serving Temperature: Corn casserole is undeniably best served warm, allowing its creamy texture and rich flavors to truly shine. If reheating, ensure it’s warmed through evenly but be careful not to overcook or dry it out. Loosely cover with foil during reheating to retain moisture.

More Essential Side Dishes for Your Holiday Table

No holiday meal is truly complete without a generous spread of delicious side dishes that complement and enhance the main course. If you’re looking to round out your feast and create an unforgettable culinary experience, here are some other fantastic recipes that pair beautifully with this easy corn casserole and are sure to impress your guests:

• Scalloped Sweet Potatoes: A rich and creamy potato dish with tender layers of sweet potatoes baked in a decadent sauce, often topped with a comforting, cheesy layer. It’s a delightful alternative to traditional mashed sweet potatoes.
• My Favorite Mashed Potato Recipe: Experience velvety smooth mashed potatoes elevated with the nutty, aromatic richness of brown butter. This simple technique transforms a classic into a gourmet experience.
• Cranberry Salad: A refreshing and vibrant salad offering a sweet-tart contrast to richer, heavier holiday dishes. It often features fresh cranberries, nuts, and a light dressing, providing a burst of flavor and texture.
• Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots with a beautiful, glossy finish, often infused with brown sugar, butter, or maple syrup. This dish is simple yet elegant, adding both color and natural sweetness to your plate.
• Winter Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing: A light and zesty salad featuring seasonal winter fruits and greens, tossed in a bright, tangy lemon poppy seed dressing. It’s perfect for cutting through the richness of a holiday meal.
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter: A delightful twist on a classic, offering sweet and nutty notes that are incredibly comforting. This version is subtly different from a casserole, focusing on the pure, creamy texture of the potato itself.
• Looking for another amazing corn recipe to add to your repertoire? Don’t miss this incredibly creamy and irresistible Creamed Corn! It’s another simple yet decadent way to enjoy corn.

LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

Corn Casserole Recipe

This incredibly easy and delicious Corn Casserole is perfect for any holiday or a quick weeknight meal. A creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting side dish!

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 35-45 minutes

Total Time: 40-50 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 votes)

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 15.25 oz can whole-kernel corn, drained
• 14.75 oz can cream-style corn (do not drain)
• 8.5 oz box Jiffy corn muffin mix (or homemade substitute, see above in article)
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 oz (1 cup) freshly shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish (a 9×13-inch, 9×9-inch, or 11×7-inch pan works well) with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole-kernel corn, cream-style corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing.
3. If using cheese, gently fold the shredded cheddar cheese into the batter until evenly distributed.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the casserole is lightly golden brown on top and set in the center. (Baking time will vary slightly depending on the pan size and oven).
6. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Recipe Notes:

• For a thicker casserole, use a 9×9-inch or 11×7-inch baking dish; this may require slightly longer baking time.
• Mixing the cheese into the batter ensures an even melt and easier serving compared to topping it. You can also omit cheese entirely.
• This casserole can be prepared and baked 2-3 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate after cooling, then reheat in the oven before serving.
• Using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese typically provides a better melt and creamier texture.

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutritional information does include the shredded cheese.

• Serving: 1/12 of recipe
• Calories: 274 kcal (14% Daily Value)
• Carbohydrates: 24g (8% Daily Value)
• Protein: 6g (12% Daily Value)
• Fat: 18g (28% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 11g (69% Daily Value)
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 61mg (20% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 177mg (8% Daily Value)
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 3g (3% Daily Value)

Keywords: Corn casserole, easy corn casserole, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving corn casserole, creamy corn bake, Jiffy corn casserole, simple corn recipe, best corn casserole

Did you make this recipe?

Tag me on Instagram @tasteandtell and hashtag it #tasteandtell or leave me a comment & rating below.