If you’re craving comfort with a sweet twist and a bit of crispy magic on top, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole with a Crispy Parmesan Crust. This dish is sunshine in a baking dish, marrying tender, honey-sweetened corn with a golden, savory parmesan crust that might just make everyone at the table fight for seconds. With creamy interiors and a crunchy topping, it’s irresistible as a holiday side or a weekday treat—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this casserole is in the simple, classic ingredients—each one adds a burst of flavor, texture, or that irresistible golden color. When you use these pantry staples together, you create a dish that tastes like so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Unsalted butter (for greasing): Helps the casserole release from the dish cleanly and adds a subtle buttery aroma.
- Canned whole kernel corn: Brings bursts of sweetness and pops of texture to every bite.
- Creamed corn: Adds a luscious, creamy consistency that ties everything together.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding the casserole, making it sliceable but still moist.
- Sour cream: Gives a tangy richness and keeps the casserole ultra-tender.
- Honey: The star that delivers a delicate glaze, subtly sweetening the corn blend.
- Melted unsalted butter: Infuses extra flavor and ensures the interior is luxuriously soft.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance the dish’s savory and sweet notes with a touch of seasoning.
- Cornmeal: Brings a hearty texture and a faintly toasty, rustic flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Lightens the structure for the perfect, just-set crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: A little lift goes a long way for a lighter casserole.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (divided): Savory, nutty, and essential for that show-stopping crispy crust.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that irresistible golden crunch in every forkful.
How to Make Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole with a Crispy Parmesan Crust
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with a bit of butter—this helps the Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole with a Crispy Parmesan Crust release easily and ensures the edges get that lightly toasted, buttery finish we all love.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, eggs, sour cream, honey, melted butter, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s beautifully blended and you can see that creamy, golden base starting to form. This combo is the foundation of all that irresistible flavor!
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This step might seem simple, but properly blending the dry ingredients ensures your casserole rises evenly and bakes up with that perfect, fluffy yet slightly dense texture.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, being careful not to over-mix. Once everything is just combined, stir in half of the shredded Parmesan cheese. This cheesiness melts right into the casserole, flavoring every bite with a savory, nutty undertone.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the surface so it’s even. In a small bowl, mix the remaining Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture all over the top—this is your soon-to-be superstar parmesan crust!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set, the top is deeply golden, and your kitchen smells like heaven. Let your Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole with a Crispy Parmesan Crust cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing in—this short wait gives it time to set so you get clean, beautiful servings.
How to Serve Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole with a Crispy Parmesan Crust
Garnishes
For a pop of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like chives or thyme over the top just before serving. A little extra shredded parmesan or a light drizzle of hot honey also makes the Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole with a Crispy Parmesan Crust simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This cozy casserole shines alongside just about any main—think juicy roast chicken, savory beef brisket, baked salmon, or your favorite holiday ham. Add a crisp green salad or garlicky sautéed greens to round out your plate and keep things light and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake the casserole as individual servings in ramekins or muffin tins—each guest gets their own adorable mini Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole with a Crispy Parmesan Crust. Or, cut the cooled casserole into squares and serve as a hearty appetizer at your next party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the casserole stays delightfully moist, making it just as tasty for lunch the next day—or even as a delicious midnight snack.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely, then wrap portions (or the whole pan) tightly with plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to 2 months; when the craving hits, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To maintain that signature crisp crust, reheat slices in a 350°F oven until warmed through—usually about 15 minutes. For quicker heating, microwaving works too, but the crust will soften a bit (still delicious, I promise!).
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Substitute equal amounts of thawed frozen corn or freshly cooked corn kernels for the whole kernel corn. The creamed corn adds moisture, so don’t skip it for best results.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes—just use your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes for the topping. You’ll still get that classic Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole with a Crispy Parmesan Crust experience.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve—it’s a huge time-saver for parties and holidays!
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great swap if you want a touch more tang or need a lighter option. It’ll keep your Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole with a Crispy Parmesan Crust moist and creamy.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The top should be deeply golden and crisp, and the center should feel set when gently pressed. If you insert a knife near the center, it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole with a Crispy Parmesan Crust, I have a feeling it’ll join your lineup of go-to favorites—just like it did in my kitchen. Whip up a batch and watch as every forkful disappears with happy smiles and requests for the recipe!
