Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s loaded with melty cheese and sweet corn goodness, you’ve come to the right place. This Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving it at a family dinner, or just craving something hearty and cheesy, this casserole always impresses. I absolutely love how it’s both rich and fluffy, and the cheesy corn combo is just downright irresistible.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy corn casserole with a subtle sweetness and the perfect cheesy finish. I usually like to buy fresh cheddar cheese and get creamed corn from a trusted brand, but otherwise, it’s pantry staples that make this dish so easy and satisfying.

• All-purpose flour: Acts as the base and helps give structure—don’t skip it or the casserole might be too loose.
• Yellow cornmeal: Adds great texture and a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
• Sugar: Just a little to enhance the corn’s sweetness without making it dessert-like.
• Sea salt: Balances the flavors, so use good quality salt for the best taste.
• Baking powder: Helps the casserole rise slightly for a light, fluffy texture.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter enriches the casserole—you can use salted butter but omit extra salt then.
• Eggs: The binder that holds everything together, giving that custardy texture.
• Creamed corn: This adds moisture and a luscious creamy corn flavor; I’ve found it’s key for that signature smooth bite.
• Whole kernel corn: Adds bursts of corn texture—make sure to drain it well!
• Sour cream: Gives tanginess and moisture that makes the casserole creamy and tender.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty cheddar creates that gooey, cheesy goodness everyone loves.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this cheesy corn casserole recipe is how versatile it is. I love tweaking the flavors just a bit to keep it fresh or accommodate dietary needs, and you can definitely make it your own!

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the mix, which brings a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
• Different Cheeses: Swapping cheddar for pepper jack or a mix of cheeses gives it a new dimension—my family loved it with smoked gouda!
• Make it Gluten-Free: I’ve tried using gluten-free flour and cornmeal blends, and it still turns out creamy and delicious.
• Herbs and Extras: Mixing in chopped green onions or fresh thyme can brighten up the flavor if you want something a bit more savory.

How to Make Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). I always place the rack in the center to ensure even cooking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray—this helps the casserole come out cleanly and adds a bit of richness to the edges.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, sea salt, and baking powder. This is your dry base, and mixing these first helps distribute the leavening evenly so your casserole rises just right.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Cheese

Stir in the melted butter, eggs, creamed corn, drained whole kernel corn, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until just combined. I like to avoid overmixing here to keep the casserole tender—just make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are a lovely golden brown and the center is set—pressing lightly should feel firm, not jiggly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps it set and makes portioning easier.

How to Serve Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving. It adds color and a fresh bite that contrasts nicely with the richness. Sometimes, a little drizzle of honey butter or a pinch of smoked paprika on top gives it an extra punch.

Side Dishes

This cheesy corn casserole pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats—think BBQ chicken, ribs, or a juicy steak. I also like to serve it alongside a simple green salad or sautéed greens to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own cheesy portion. It’s perfect for holiday tables or when entertaining guests, and it makes portion control easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and honestly, I often reheat it for lunch because it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I let the casserole cool completely, then cut it into portions and freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I recommend freezing in single or double servings for convenience.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15-20 minutes depending on portion size. I avoid microwaving if I can because the oven keeps that crispy edge texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this cheesy corn casserole recipe a try soon—it’s a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliably delicious and comforting. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how something so simple could taste so indulgent and satisfying. It’s become one of those go-to dishes that always brings smiles around the table. You’ll really enjoy how easy it is to prepare and how much your family or guests will rave about it. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your new favorite side dish, too!

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