If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s comforting, slightly sweet, and bursting with cheesy goodness, the Creamy Corn Casserole with Cheddar Recipe is going to become your new best friend. This casserole is a delightful combination of tender corn kernels, luscious creamed corn, tangy sour cream, and that irresistible sharpness from cheddar cheese, all baked together into a golden, fluffy dream. It’s the ultimate side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays when you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Corn Casserole with Cheddar Recipe is in its wonderful simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building texture, flavor, and richness—bringing that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and sweet to every bite.
- Whole kernel corn (1 can, 15-oz, drained): Adds a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and bursts of sweet flavor.
- Creamed corn (1 can, 15-oz, NOT drained): Provides the signature creamy base that makes the casserole so moist and luscious.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tanginess and creaminess that tenderizes the batter and enhances flavor depth.
- Melted butter (½ cup or 1 stick): Adds richness and helps achieve a buttery golden crust.
- Corn muffin mix (1 box, 8.5-oz): Acts as the structural backbone, creating a tender, crumbly texture reminiscent of cornbread.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn without being overpowering.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances flavors and highlights the sweetness and cheese.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ to 1 cup, optional but delicious): Infuses the casserole with sharp, melty cheesiness that elevates every bite.
How to Make Creamy Corn Casserole with Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or something close in size to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This simple prep step sets the stage for an evenly baked casserole with a scrumptious crust.
Step 2: Mix Up the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine your whole kernel corn, creamed corn (make sure not to drain this one), sour cream, melted butter, corn muffin mix, sugar, and salt. Stir gently until all the ingredients meld together beautifully. If you’re using cheddar cheese, fold in between ½ to 1 cup now—it’s the secret to that cheesy richness we love in the Creamy Corn Casserole with Cheddar Recipe. I personally like about ¾ cup for just the right cheesy kick without overpowering the sweet corn flavor.
Step 3: Transfer and Smooth
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Smooth the top so it bakes uniformly and looks picture-perfect once golden brown.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are beautifully golden brown and a center that’s mostly set but may have a tiny jiggle. Don’t worry if it jiggles a bit—it will firm up as it cools, locking in that creamy texture.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before diving in. This rest time lets the flavors settle and the texture become perfect for serving. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and mild oniony brightness.
How to Serve Creamy Corn Casserole with Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or even a little cilantro make stunning garnishes for this casserole. They add a pop of color and a subtle refreshing flavor that complements the richness perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top brings a delightful crunch contrast too.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Corn Casserole with Cheddar Recipe pairs beautifully with all sorts of mains—from juicy grilled chicken and roasted turkey to tender pork chops or even veggie-packed quinoa bowls. It’s a versatile side that can stand beside almost any entree and bring a cozy, comforting vibe to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or dinners where you want a bit of flair, serve this casserole in a rustic cast iron skillet straight from the oven—it keeps things warm and gives a charming homemade feel. Another fun idea is to scoop it into mini ramekins for individual portions, perfect for impressing guests or managing portion control.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting dish again without extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Creamy Corn Casserole with Cheddar Recipe on hand for longer, it freezes well! Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through, which helps restore its golden crust and creamy interior. Microwave reheating is fine too but tends to soften the crust a bit, so oven warming is my personal favorite to preserve that just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut or cashew cream and use dairy-free cheddar shreds or simply omit the cheese. Use vegan butter or oil instead of regular butter for a fully dairy-free version.
Is it possible to use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh corn kernels can be used—just cook them slightly beforehand to soften, and use about 3 cups total to replace the canned varieties. Keep in mind fresh corn might make the casserole a bit more textured and slightly less creamy.
What if I don’t have corn muffin mix on hand?
You can make a simple substitute by mixing cornmeal with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. However, the boxed mix really simplifies the process and creates that perfect crumbly texture key to this casserole’s charm.
How spicy is this dish?
The Creamy Corn Casserole with Cheddar Recipe is not spicy at all—it’s a gentle, sweet, and cheesy comfort food. But you can add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the batter if you want a little kick.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works great! Just use a larger baking dish or split the batter between two pans. Keep the baking time similar but start checking for doneness around 40 minutes, as oven times can vary.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Corn Casserole with Cheddar Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that’s easy to whip up but delivers so much warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite roast or enjoying it as a hearty vegetarian option, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try soon—you might just find it becoming your go-to comfort food staple.
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Creamy Corn Casserole with Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This creamy and cheesy Corn Casserole is a comforting and easy side dish perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Made with a combination of whole kernel and creamed corn, sour cream, and a touch of sweetness, it’s baked to golden perfection with an optional cheesy twist for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15-oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15-oz) can creamed corn, NOT drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup melted butter (1 stick)
- 1 (8.5-oz) box corn muffin mix
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients
- ½ to 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but delicious)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similarly sized dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make batter: In a large bowl, combine the whole kernel corn (drained), creamed corn (with juice), sour cream, melted butter, corn muffin mix, sugar, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. If using cheddar cheese, fold in between ½ to 1 cup, with ¾ cup recommended for a balanced cheesy flavor.
- Pour batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but may still have a slight jiggle. The casserole will firm as it rests.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. For a decorative and flavor boost, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley on top if desired.
Notes
- The slight jiggle in the center after baking is normal; it will firm up as it cools.
- Using different amounts of cheddar cheese lets you adjust the cheesiness to your taste.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the corn muffin mix with a gluten-free alternative.
- Adding chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley can brighten the dish visually and taste-wise.
