Golden, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy, this casserole combines corn’s natural sweetness with gooey melted cheese and a tender, moist base. A versatile dish that’s equally at home on a holiday table or at a backyard BBQ.
📝 Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
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Total Time: 45–50 minutes
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Yield: 6–8 servings
Dietary Badges
✅ Vegetarian
✅ Family-Friendly
✅ Budget-Friendly
✅ Holiday Favorite
Ingredients
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Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
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Mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Cheddar cheese, shredded
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Sour cream
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Eggs, beaten
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Milk
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Cornmeal (or biscuit mix for fluffier texture)
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Butter, melted
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Salt & pepper
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
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(Optional add-ins): diced jalapeños, cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or herbs
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease baking dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir in cornmeal until smooth.
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Fold in corn, mozzarella, and half the cheddar.
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Transfer to baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar.
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Bake 35–40 minutes, until set in center and golden brown. Toothpick should come out clean.
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Rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
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Drain canned corn or thaw frozen corn well.
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Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt.
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Add breadcrumbs on top for crunch.
🌟 Introduction
At its core, cheesy corn casserole is a humble recipe: corn kernels, cheese, eggs, and a binder like cornmeal, baked until bubbling and golden. But the magic lies in its versatility — from jalapeño-spiked versions to smoky bacon upgrades or gluten-free adaptations.
This dish is comfort food at its best: affordable, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Prepare Batter
Whisk eggs, sour cream, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Stir in cornmeal for a smooth base.
2. Add Cheese & Corn
Fold in corn kernels, mozzarella, and half the cheddar.
3. Bake
Spread mixture into greased dish. Top with remaining cheddar. Bake until set and golden.
4. Finish
Let rest 5 minutes before cutting. Garnish with parsley.
Tip: Don’t overbake — the casserole should be moist inside, not dry.
🧾 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
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Corn kernels → Fresh, canned (drained), or frozen (thawed).
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Mozzarella & cheddar → Melty and sharp balance. Substitute with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or provolone.
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Cornmeal vs biscuit mix → Cornmeal gives a rustic texture; biscuit mix makes it fluffier.
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Eggs → Bind ingredients; for egg-free, use 2 tbsp cornstarch + 4 tbsp water.
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Sour cream → Adds tang and moisture. Swap with Greek yogurt.
🍽 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
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Classic Southern Style → Use cream-style corn for extra creaminess.
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Spicy Jalapeño → Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
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Bacon & Onion → Fold in crispy bacon and caramelized onions.
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Gluten-Free → Use GF cornbread mix or almond flour.
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Extra Cheesy → Layer in Gruyère or provolone.
Serving Suggestions
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With roasted meats: turkey, chicken, ham, beef.
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At BBQs: balances smoky ribs or brisket.
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As breakfast: topped with a fried egg.
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At potlucks: portable, easy-to-serve favorite.
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Make Ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake before serving.
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Store: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in oven.
⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 10 g
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Carbs: 22 g
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Fat: 15 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sodium: 360 mg
✅ Hearty side
✅ Balanced comfort food
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I freeze corn casserole?
A: Yes — wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use frozen corn?
A: Yes, just thaw and drain.
Q: How do I make it creamier?
A: Add cream cheese or substitute milk with heavy cream.
Q: Difference between casserole and cornbread?
A: Casserole is softer and creamier; cornbread is drier and bread-like.
Personal Note
Cheesy corn casserole is one of those recipes that always disappears first at gatherings. It’s warm, creamy, and endlessly adaptable, making it a staple in my kitchen year-round. From Thanksgiving to summer BBQs, this dish has earned a permanent spot on my table.
👉 What’s your favorite twist — spicy jalapeño, smoky bacon, or extra cheesy?
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