Cheesy Corn Casserole

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

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings

Dietary Badges
✅ Vegetarian
✅ Family-Friendly
✅ Budget-Friendly
✅ Holiday Favorite

Ingredients

• Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Sour cream
• Eggs, beaten
• Milk
• Cornmeal (or biscuit mix for fluffier texture)
• Butter, melted
• Salt & pepper
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• (Optional add-ins): diced jalapeños, cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or herbs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir in cornmeal until smooth.
3. Fold in corn, mozzarella, and half the cheddar.
4. Transfer to baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar.
5. Bake 35–40 minutes, until set in center and golden brown. Toothpick should come out clean.
6. Rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• Drain canned corn or thaw frozen corn well.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt.
• 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

• Corn kernels → Fresh, canned (drained), or frozen (thawed).
• Mozzarella & cheddar → Melty and sharp balance. Substitute with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or provolone.
• Cornmeal vs biscuit mix → Cornmeal gives a rustic texture; biscuit mix makes it fluffier.
• Eggs → Bind ingredients; for egg-free, use 2 tbsp cornstarch + 4 tbsp water.
• Sour cream → Adds tang and moisture. Swap with Greek yogurt.

🍽 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

• Classic Southern Style → Use cream-style corn for extra creaminess.
• Spicy Jalapeño → Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
• Bacon & Onion → Fold in crispy bacon and caramelized onions.
• Gluten-Free → Use GF cornbread mix or almond flour.
• Extra Cheesy → Layer in Gruyère or provolone.

Serving Suggestions

• With roasted meats: turkey, chicken, ham, beef.
• At BBQs: balances smoky ribs or brisket.
• As breakfast: topped with a fried egg.
• At potlucks: portable, easy-to-serve favorite.

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Make Ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake before serving.
• Store: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in oven.

⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 22 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• 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?