Transform your next meal with this incredibly easy and exceptionally delicious Creamy Corn Casserole! This beloved side dish offers a delightful blend of rich, velvety creaminess and a sweet burst from tender corn kernels, making it the quintessential accompaniment for any holiday feast, family dinner, or casual potluck. Its simple preparation belies a depth of flavor and a comforting texture that guarantees a spot on your table for years to come.
Don’t Sweat The Recipe is supported by its readers. We may earn a commission if you purchase through a link on our site. Learn more.
Why This Easy Creamy Corn Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite Side Dish
There are countless reasons why this Creamy Corn Casserole is a culinary gem, especially for those seeking a balance of indulgence and effortless preparation. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of comfort food, perfect for enhancing any meal.
- Unforgettable Taste and Texture – Imagine a spoonful of pure comfort: this Jiffy corn casserole boasts an incredibly velvety, melt-in-your-mouth creamy texture that gracefully cradles bursts of naturally sweet, tender corn kernels. The inherent sweetness of the corn is beautifully elevated by the rich indulgence of melted butter and the subtle tang of sour cream. What truly sets this dish apart is the addition of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, which provides a unique, slightly crumbly cornbread-like consistency and a savory-sweet depth that balances the creamy elements perfectly. Each bite is a harmonious symphony of sweet, savory, and utterly satisfying flavors.
- Effortless Preparation for Busy Cooks – One of the most appealing aspects of this creamy corn casserole recipe is its astounding simplicity. With just about 5 minutes of hands-on preparation, it’s a dream come true for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you simply want to minimize kitchen time. The steps are so straightforward that it’s an excellent recipe for introducing children to the joys of cooking, making it a true family affair from start to finish.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion – Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast like Thanksgiving or Christmas, attending a casual potluck, or simply looking to elevate a standard family dinner, this easy corn casserole is a universal hit. Its inviting aroma and comforting appeal make it a dish that disappears quickly, satisfying even the pickiest eaters. It’s the kind of reliable recipe you’ll turn to again and again, knowing it will always impress.
Looking for more delicious and easy side dishes to complete your meal? Be sure to explore some of our other cherished recipes, including Oven Roasted Broccoli, Hearty Roasted Potatoes and Carrots, Classic Macaroni Salad, Quick and Delicious Mashed Potatoes, Flavorful Easy Twice Baked Potatoes, and our comforting Southern Squash Casserole.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Corn Casserole
Crafting the perfect creamy corn casserole relies on a handful of simple yet potent ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that sought-after flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this delightful dish:
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – This is your ultimate shortcut to a consistently delicious corn casserole. One box of Jiffy corn muffin mix not only contributes a wonderfully soft, cornbread-like consistency but also imparts a distinctive sweet and savory corn flavor that forms the foundation of this dish. Its pre-portioned blend of cornmeal, flour, sugar, and leavening agents simplifies the ingredient list and ensures a fool-proof result every time. For those who prefer a completely homemade touch or can’t find Jiffy, a simple homemade substitute is provided below.
- Unsalted Butter – Butter is essential for both richness and moisture. When melted and incorporated into the batter, it creates a luxurious mouthfeel and deepens the overall flavor profile, ensuring your casserole is never dry but always moist and tender.
- Sour Cream – The sour cream is key to the “creamy” in Creamy Corn Casserole. It introduces a delightful tang that cuts through the sweetness of the corn and butter, creating a balanced flavor. More importantly, it adds incredible moisture and contributes significantly to the casserole’s smooth, velvety texture, making it undeniably decadent.
- Granulated Sugar – While corn itself is naturally sweet, a tablespoon of granulated sugar enhances and balances the overall flavor, particularly complementing the Jiffy mix and the inherent sweetness of the corn. It helps to achieve that perfect sweet-and-savory dynamic that makes this dish so addictive.
- Kosher Salt – Just a quarter teaspoon of kosher salt works wonders by enhancing the natural flavors of all the ingredients, making them pop. It also perfectly balances the sweet and savory notes, preventing the casserole from being overly sweet or bland.
- Canned Creamed Corn – This ingredient is a cornerstone of the casserole’s creamy texture. Creamed corn consists of corn kernels suspended in a rich, milky sauce, which provides an extra layer of moisture and a smooth, almost pudding-like consistency throughout the dish.
- Canned Whole Kernel Corn – Complementing the creamed corn, whole kernel corn adds essential texture and freshness. When drained, these firm, sweet kernels provide a delightful bite and burst of pure corn flavor, preventing the casserole from becoming monotonous in texture. Together, the two types of corn create a dynamic and satisfying experience.
- Large Eggs – Eggs serve as a vital binder in this casserole, holding all the ingredients together as it bakes. They also contribute to the structure and moisture, ensuring the casserole sets properly while remaining tender and never dry.
Effortless Steps to Prepare Your Creamy Corn Casserole
Preparing this incredibly flavorful and comforting corn casserole is surprisingly simple, making it a perfect recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly baked, golden-brown side dish that will impress everyone at your table.
- Prepare Your Baking Environment: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven heats, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously grease it with cooking spray or butter. This crucial step ensures your creamy corn casserole won’t stick and will slide out beautifully for serving.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently whisk together the room temperature eggs, smooth sour cream, and slightly cooled melted unsalted butter. Continue to whisk until these ingredients are thoroughly combined and create a homogeneous, creamy mixture. This base will ensure a consistent texture throughout your casserole.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Into the bowl with your whisked wet ingredients, add the canned creamed corn, the drained whole kernel corn, the Jiffy corn muffin mix, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Use a spatula or spoon to stir all these ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher casserole. Once evenly mixed, pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using the back of your spoon or spatula to ensure consistent thickness.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the prepared pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. The casserole is ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked and set. Be mindful not to overbake, as this can dry out the casserole. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the casserole to set further, resulting in a cleaner slice and more cohesive texture.
Homemade Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix Substitute
While Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix offers unparalleled convenience and consistent results, there may be times when you can’t find it at your local grocery store, or perhaps you prefer to make your corn casserole entirely from scratch. Fear not! You can easily create a homemade substitute that closely mimics the texture and flavor profile of the store-bought mix. This ensures your creamy corn casserole is still a delicious success, even without the familiar blue box.
To create your own Jiffy-style corn muffin mix, simply whisk together the following dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Once thoroughly combined, you can then add this homemade mix to your wet ingredients as instructed in the main recipe.
- 1/2 cup Yellow cornmeal: This provides the signature corn flavor and gritty texture characteristic of cornbread.
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour: Flour gives the casserole its structure and lightness, preventing it from becoming too dense.
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder: This acts as a leavening agent, helping the casserole to rise and achieve a fluffy, tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory notes of the corn and mirroring the sweetness found in Jiffy mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and ensuring the casserole isn’t bland.
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or melted butter: These fats contribute moisture and richness, making the texture more tender and flavorful.
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Corn Casserole
Achieving a truly exceptional creamy corn casserole is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips will help you elevate your dish from great to unforgettable, ensuring perfect results every time.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Always use room temperature eggs and sour cream. This seemingly small detail makes a big difference. Room temperature ingredients blend much more smoothly and evenly, preventing lumps and ensuring a consistently creamy batter. It also helps the casserole bake more uniformly.
- Frozen Corn Substitute: If you don’t have canned whole-kernel corn on hand, you can absolutely substitute 2 cups of frozen whole-kernel corn. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand; simply add it directly to the batter. The baking process will take care of thawing and cooking the corn.
- Check for Doneness: The key to a perfectly baked casserole is a set center. Be sure to bake until the center is firm and no longer jiggles when gently shaken. While a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, the absence of jiggle is an even better indicator for this creamy dish. Overbaking can lead to a dry casserole, so keep a close eye on it!
- Baking Pan Material Matters: The type of baking pan you use can affect baking time. If you are using a metal pan, the casserole tends to cook a few minutes faster than in a glass or ceramic baking dish. Always start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than suggested if using a metal pan.
- Versatile Baking Dish Sizes: This recipe is adaptable and can be baked in a 9×13 inch, 9×9 inch, or 8×8 inch casserole dish. However, be aware that baking times will vary significantly with each size. Smaller, deeper dishes will require longer baking times. For reference, the pan used for this specific recipe was 10.5″x7.5″ and required approximately 45 minutes of baking. Always monitor your casserole closely and use the “no jiggle” test for doneness.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tougher, less tender casserole.
- Allow for Resting Time: Once out of the oven, resist the urge to immediately slice into your masterpiece. Letting the casserole cool for at least 15 minutes allows it to set properly, making for cleaner slices and a better overall texture.
- Customize Sweetness and Saltiness: The recipe provides a starting point for sugar and salt. Taste your corn mixture (before adding eggs for safety) and adjust to your preference. Some prefer a sweeter dish, while others like it more savory.
Delicious Variations to Customize Your Creamy Corn Casserole
This classic creamy corn casserole recipe is a fantastic starting point, but its versatility truly shines when you begin to explore different variations. Over the years, countless home cooks have adapted this dish to suit their personal tastes and dietary needs. The standard recipe is often the most loved, but don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some popular and delightful ways to customize your corn casserole:
- Add Cheese for Extra Richness – Cheese and corn are a match made in heaven! Stir in 1 cup of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a savory kick. You could also experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a touch of spice, or a blend of cheeses. Pro Tip: Always shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded varieties are often coated in anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that prevent them from melting smoothly and can result in a gritty texture. For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded cheese over the casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, or right before serving.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking – The Jiffy cornbread mix itself contributes a fair amount of sweetness. If you prefer a more savory corn casserole, you might consider omitting the granulated sugar entirely. Conversely, if you have a sweet tooth or are serving it with savory meats, adding another tablespoon of sugar can enhance its dessert-like qualities, creating a truly sweet corn pudding experience.
- Experiment with Eggs – While eggs are included in this recipe for their binding and moistening properties, some variations omit them. I personally haven’t tested this recipe without eggs, but many similar recipes exist that do not include them. Omitting the eggs will generally result in a denser, more custard-like consistency, closer to a traditional corn pudding rather than a firmer casserole. If you try it without eggs, be aware the texture will be significantly different.
- Introduce Meats for a Heartier Dish – For a more substantial main dish or a truly robust side, consider adding cooked and crumbled meats. Cooked sausage (breakfast sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even chorizo) or crispy bacon bits are excellent choices that introduce savory depth and a textural contrast. You could also fold in diced ham or shredded cooked chicken for a complete meal in a dish. Add these cooked meats during the mixing stage with the other wet and dry ingredients.
- Spice it Up! – If you enjoy a bit of heat, transform this creamy corn casserole into a zesty Southwestern-inspired dish. Stir in a can of diced green chilies (mild or hot, drained), finely chopped fresh jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat), a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. These additions complement the sweetness of the corn beautifully.
- Fresh Herbs for Brightness – A sprinkle of fresh herbs can add an unexpected layer of flavor. Finely chopped chives, fresh parsley, or a delicate hint of thyme can elevate the casserole, especially if serving it as part of a more gourmet meal. Add these during the final mixing stage before baking.
- Crunchy Toppings – For an added textural dimension, consider a crunchy topping. Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with a little melted butter, crispy fried onions, or even a sprinkle of breadcrumbs can be baked on top for the last 15 minutes to create a golden, flavorful crust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Corn Casserole
While often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle distinction. Corn pudding typically has a higher ratio of eggs and milk or cream, resulting in a softer, more custard-like, and often sweeter consistency, similar to a savory soufflé. Corn casserole, like this recipe, is generally thicker, more substantial, and holds its shape better, akin to a very moist and creamy cornbread or baked side dish. Our creamy corn casserole blends the best of both worlds, offering a rich, creamy texture that still holds its shape beautifully.
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for busy holiday preparations. You have a couple of options:
1. Unbaked: Prepare the casserole batter completely but do not bake it. Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes prior to baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as instructed.
2. Baked: You can also bake the casserole completely ahead of time. Once cooled, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently in the oven before serving. While convenient, please note that it is always best served fresh from the oven for optimal taste and texture.
Yes, it certainly can! This is a great option for freeing up oven space during holidays. To make it in a slow cooker: spray the inside of your crock pot thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the prepared casserole batter into the slow cooker, cover it with the lid, and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so keep an eye on it. The edges should be set and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
To store, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For reheating, it’s best to let the chilled casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Reheat it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), covered with aluminum foil, for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until it is thoroughly warmed through. Covering it with foil prevents the top from drying out. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven method usually yields better texture.
While this creamy corn casserole is undeniably at its peak when freshly baked, you can absolutely freeze it for longer storage. To freeze, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze it as a whole casserole or in individual portions. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as stated above for baked leftovers.
This versatile side dish complements a wide array of main courses. It’s a classic pairing with holiday roasts such as turkey, ham, or roasted chicken. For everyday meals, it goes wonderfully with BBQ ribs, pulled pork, grilled steak, or even simple pan-fried pork chops. Its sweet and savory profile makes it a comforting addition to almost any hearty meal.
Yes, absolutely! If fresh corn is in season, it will add an extra layer of sweetness and crunch. For this recipe, you would need about 3 cups of fresh corn kernels (approximately 3-4 ears of corn). Simply cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the mixture as you would the canned whole kernel corn. You’ll still want to use canned creamed corn for the desired creamy base.
The original recipe, using Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, is not gluten-free as Jiffy contains wheat flour. However, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free corn muffin mix or by making your own homemade substitute using gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour. Always check ingredient labels carefully if you have strict dietary requirements.
More Irresistible Holiday Side Dish Recipes
Round out your festive spread with these other delectable side dish recipes that are perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion. Each one is designed to be easy to prepare while delivering maximum flavor.
Easy Pecan Roasted Sweet Potato Casserole
Baked Macaroni And Cheese
Southern Slow Cooker Green Beans
Creamy Corn Casserole
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 1 8.5oz Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix 1 box
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup Sour cream room temperature
- 2 large Eggs room temperature
- 1 15 oz can Creamed corn
- 1 15 oz can Whole kernel corn drained
- 1 tbsp Granulated sugar or more to taste
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt or more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and melted butter until well combined and smooth.1 cup Sour cream, 2 large Eggs, 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
- Stir in the creamed corn, sweet corn (drained), Jiffy corn muffin mix, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Mix until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.1 8.5oz Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, 1 15 oz can Creamed corn, 1 15 oz can Whole kernel corn, 1 tbsp Granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (the center should not jiggle). Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.