Discover a delightful and comforting side dish that perfectly blends the sweetness of corn with the vibrant freshness of broccoli, all baked together with rich, bubbling cheese. This Scalloped Corn and Broccoli casserole is an irresistible addition to any meal, especially during the holidays, promising a flavor combination everyone will adore and ask for again and again.
PIN IT FOR LATER!
There’s nothing quite like a fantastic vegetable side dish to elevate a meal, and when corn is involved, you know it’s going to be a winner! If you appreciate the wholesome goodness and comforting flavors of corn-based casseroles, you’ll find this Scalloped Corn and Broccoli recipe a new staple in your kitchen. Much like a classic Corn Casserole, the savory richness of Creamy Corn and Bacon, or the velvety texture of Creamed Corn, this dish brings its own unique charm and undeniable appeal to the table. It’s more than just a side; it’s a centerpiece of comfort.
I first introduced this delightful Scalloped Corn and Broccoli dish back in January of 2009. It was initially served alongside some truly incredible Panko Pork Chops with Creamy Herb Dressing, creating a memorable meal combination. While this versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a myriad of main courses throughout the year, my thoughts continually drift to how utterly perfect it would be gracing a Thanksgiving spread. Or, for that matter, any festive holiday gathering where warmth, comfort, and easy elegance are desired.
Why Scalloped Corn and Broccoli Belongs on Your Holiday Table (And Beyond!)
When planning your holiday menu, efficiency and deliciousness are often at the top of the list. This Scalloped Corn and Broccoli checks both boxes with flair. First and foremost, its preparation is remarkably simple. You can effortlessly assemble this impressive dish in just a few minutes before it settles into the oven for a long, slow bake, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your holiday feast. This ease of preparation is a lifesaver during the often hectic holiday season, reducing stress without compromising on flavor.
Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, this casserole is the epitome of delicious comfort food. It delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy experience that is characteristic of the best holiday side dishes. The gentle sweetness of the corn complements the earthy notes of the broccoli, all bound together in a savory, cheesy embrace that is both hearty and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, providing that nostalgic feeling of home-cooked goodness that defines holiday meals.
So, as you dive into your holiday planning, consider adding this Scalloped Corn and Broccoli to your festive spread. Prepare to be delighted, and don’t be surprised if your guests declare it their favorite dish on the table, perhaps even rivaling the star turkey itself! Its vibrant flavors and comforting appeal make it a standout choice that promises to gather rave reviews.
Simple Ingredients for Extraordinary Flavor: What You’ll Need
One of the most appealing aspects of this scalloped corn and broccoli recipe is how few ingredients are required to create such a profoundly satisfying dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the casserole’s signature creamy texture and savory flavor profile.
- Canned Creamed Corn: This is the star ingredient, providing a luscious, sweet base and natural creaminess that binds everything together without the need for additional heavy creams. Its inherent sweetness perfectly balances the other savory elements.
- Eggs: Acting as a binder, the beaten eggs help set the casserole during baking, ensuring a cohesive and sturdy texture that holds its shape beautifully when served.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and rounds out the overall flavor, preventing the dish from leaning too savory or bland. It’s a subtle addition that makes a big difference.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just a couple of tablespoons of flour contribute to the dish’s thick, creamy consistency, ensuring it’s not watery but perfectly rich and comforting.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt brings out all the flavors of the vegetables and cheese, elevating the entire dish.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The quintessential choice for its sharp, familiar flavor and incredible meltability. Cheddar adds a golden, bubbly top and a creamy, tangy depth throughout the casserole. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack or a milder Monterey Jack for a different profile.
- Frozen Chopped Broccoli: A convenient and healthy addition, frozen chopped broccoli introduces a lovely green color, a subtle crunch, and essential nutrients. Using frozen makes this recipe incredibly quick to prepare.
Mastering the Scalloped Corn and Broccoli: Step-by-Step Guide
This vegetable side dish truly couldn’t be simpler to prepare, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Follow these straightforward steps to create a cheesy, comforting masterpiece:
- Preparation is Key: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven comes to temperature, take a moment to lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your delicious casserole won’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
- Combine and Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire can of creamed corn, the beaten eggs, a tablespoon of sugar, two tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and a teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
- Fold in the Goodness: Next, gently stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese and the frozen chopped broccoli. Make sure the broccoli is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Avoid overmixing; just combine until everything is incorporated.
- Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the entire mixture into your prepared 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly. Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is beautifully hot, bubbly around the edges, and the top has achieved a lovely golden-brown hue. The center should be set and firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set further and cool slightly, making it easier to scoop. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
- Cheddar Cauliflower Gratin
- Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Brussels Sprouts Gratin
- Glazed Carrots
- Sausage Stuffing with Cranberries and Apples
- My Favorite Mashed Potato Recipe
- Funeral Potatoes
- 2-Quart Baking Dish: As mentioned in the recipe, a 2-quart baking dish is ideal for this recipe. Most 8×8-inch and 9×9-inch square baking dishes typically hold 2 quarts. You can also use certain rectangular dishes that are similarly sized. The right size ensures your casserole bakes evenly and achieves the perfect thickness.
- Large Mixing Bowls: A good set of mixing bowls is an absolute necessity in any kitchen. You’ll need one large bowl to comfortably combine all the ingredients without spills.
- Whisk or Spoon: A sturdy whisk or a large mixing spoon will be perfect for combining the wet ingredients and then folding in the cheese and broccoli.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for baking, so make sure you have a reliable set of measuring cups and spoons for the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: To ensure your casserole releases easily from the dish, a good quality nonstick cooking spray is indispensable.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 2 quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, combine the creamed corn, eggs, sugar, flour and salt. Stir in the cheese and the broccoli and pour into the baking dish.1 (14.75 oz to 15 oz) can creamed corn, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, 5 ounces frozen chopped broccoli
- Bake until hot and bubbly, 1 hour.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scalloped Corn and Broccoli
Here are some common questions about making this fantastic Scalloped Corn and Broccoli casserole, along with helpful answers to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Do I need to thaw the frozen broccoli before adding it to the mix?
No, there’s no need to thaw the frozen chopped broccoli. You can add it directly to the mixture right from the freezer. It will cook perfectly in the oven alongside the other ingredients, saving you a step!
Can I prepare this broccoli casserole in advance?
While I haven’t personally tried mixing everything together and then refrigerating it before baking, it’s generally fine to prepare casseroles ahead of time. However, this recipe takes only about 5 minutes to mix together, so there isn’t a huge time-saving benefit to mixing it days in advance. If you do wish to prepare it early, you can mix the ingredients, cover the dish, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can bake it entirely ahead of time and then simply warm it up when you’re ready to serve. Cover it with foil when reheating to prevent drying out.
Can I use a larger 9×13-inch baking dish instead of a 2-quart dish?
Technically, you could use a 9×13-inch dish, but be aware that the recipe quantity is designed for a 2-quart dish. If you use a larger 9×13-inch pan, your end result will be quite thin. For a satisfying thickness in a 9×13-inch dish, I would strongly suggest doubling the recipe. This will give you a much heartier casserole. If doubling, you may also need to adjust the baking time; start checking for doneness every 10 minutes after the 1-hour mark.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe? Can I use something other than Cheddar?
Shredded Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for its flavor and melt, but feel free to experiment! Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of mild white cheddar and mozzarella could work wonderfully, offering slightly different flavor profiles and melt characteristics. For a touch of sharpness, a bit of Parmesan can also be grated on top during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you absolutely can use fresh broccoli! However, if you opt for fresh, you’ll want to blanch the broccoli florets briefly before adding them to the mix. To blanch, simply boil them for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. This helps tenderize them slightly and ensures they cook evenly in the casserole without being too firm.
How should I store leftovers, and can I freeze this dish?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. For freezing, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Scalloped Corn and Broccoli
This versatile Scalloped Corn and Broccoli casserole pairs beautifully with a wide array of main dishes, making it a flexible choice for any occasion. It’s particularly fantastic alongside roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken, where its creamy texture and rich flavor complement the savory protein. Consider serving it with baked salmon for a lighter meal, or alongside pork chops for a truly satisfying dinner. For a vegetarian feast, it can stand alone as a hearty main or be paired with a simple green salad.
More Irresistible Holiday Side Dishes that would be perfect for your table
If you’re looking to round out your holiday spread with more delicious and easy-to-make sides, consider these other fantastic options:
Essential Tools for a Flawless Scalloped Corn and Broccoli Bake
To whip up this delightful Scalloped Corn and Broccoli casserole, you won’t need an arsenal of specialty tools. However, having a few basic kitchen essentials will make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. (Affiliate links may be included for your convenience).
This Scalloped Corn and Broccoli casserole offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a universally loved side dish. Its ease of preparation and comforting appeal make it a fantastic choice for any occasion, from a simple family dinner to a grand holiday feast. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet corn, tender broccoli, and rich, melted cheese!
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.
Scalloped Corn and Broccoli
Pin
Save
Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.