Baked Corn Casserole
Baked Corn Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite. With its creamy base and a delicious crisp topping, this dish evokes nostalgia, conjuring memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or a casual weeknight meal, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step recipe for Baked Corn Casserole that will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes Baked Corn Casserole so attractive? For starters, it comes together with minimal ingredients, making it incredibly easy to whip up, even after a long day. The blend of sweet creamed corn and savory cheese creates a delicious contrast that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, with just one mixing bowl and a casserole dish, cleanup is a breeze. This recipe is not only quick to prepare, but it also caters to a variety of dietary preferences, making it a fantastic option for potlucks, barbecues, and family dinners.
Ingredients
To create this delectable Baked Corn Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 can (15oz) creamed corn: This creamy base adds a rich texture and sweet flavor that melds beautifully with other components.
- 1 box (8.5oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix: This convenient mix provides a light, fluffy consistency that is essential for the casserole’s structure.
- 1 cup sour cream: This creamy addition enhances richness and lends a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup butter (melted): The melted butter brings deep flavor and moisture to the dish, ensuring each bite is savory.
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard: This adds a subtle zing and depth, elevating your casserole beyond basic comfort food.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: A hint of black pepper rounds out the flavors, giving just the right amount of warmth.
- 1 can (15oz) whole unsalted sweet corn (drained): This provides lovely bites of sweetness and texture throughout.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated or shredded): The melted cheese on top contributes gooey goodness that everyone loves.
- 1 tbsp chives (finely chopped): Sprinkling the dish with fresh chives not only adds a splash of color but also a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating Baked Corn Casserole is both rewarding and simple. Follow these clear steps to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F: Start by setting your oven to the correct temperature, letting it warm up while you prepare the casserole.
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Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamed corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, melted butter, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Using an electric mixer, blend until well mixed but still slightly chunky.
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Fold in the sweet corn: Gently fold in the drained sweet corn using a spatula, mixing just until combined without overworking it.
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Transfer to the casserole dish: Pour the corn mixture into a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish, spreading it evenly in the pan.
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Add cheese: Top the casserole generously with grated cheddar cheese, ensuring every inch is covered for that gooey layer on top.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until set to your liking—this may vary based on your oven.
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Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes once out of the oven. Top with finely chopped chives for a burst of color and serve warm, inviting everyone to enjoy.
Tips & Tricks
- Make Ahead: Prepare the mixture a day in advance, storing it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for a freshly cooked dish.
- Add Extras: Feel free to jazz up your casserole by adding cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños for an extra flavor kick.
- Vegetarian Option: This dish is already vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for a wider range of guest diets.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Baked Corn Casserole is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, grilled meats, or as part of a holiday feast. It pairs wonderfully with green salads, coleslaw, or your favorite barbecue dishes. Consider serving it with some crusty bread or cornbread for an added comforting touch.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Baked Corn Casserole contains approximately 240 calories. It provides a lovely mix of carbohydrates and proteins, primarily from the corn and cheese. Keep in mind that while it’s rich and satisfying, balance your plate with vegetables or lean meats to ensure a hearty and nutritious meal.
Storing Tips & Variations
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This casserole also freezes well—just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
For variations, you might try using different cheese types, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick. You could also incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to elevate the flavor profile.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve been introduced to the irresistible Baked Corn Casserole, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create this comforting dish for your next family gathering or weeknight dinner. Don’t hesitate to share your experience after trying the recipe—your feedback is invaluable!
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Jiffy corn muffin mix with a gluten-free alternative to make this casserole gluten-free.
2. Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
You can replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
3. How can I make this spicier?
Consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a delightful kick.
4. Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, using fresh corn is a wonderful option—just make sure to cook it first and then fold it into the mixture.
5. What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the casserole’s texture. Cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Get started on your Baked Corn Casserole today, and indulge in a nostalgic dish that promises to bring warmth and joy to your table!
Print
Baked Corn Casserole
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of flavors and textures with a creamy base and a crisp topping, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15oz) creamed corn
- 1 box (8.5oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 can (15oz) whole unsalted sweet corn (drained)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated or shredded)
- 1 tbsp chives (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamed corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, melted butter, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Blend until well mixed but still slightly chunky.
- Gently fold in the drained sweet corn using a spatula.
- Pour the corn mixture into a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with grated cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until set to your liking.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes, top with chives, and serve warm.
Notes
Make ahead by preparing the mixture a day in advance. This dish is vegetarian-friendly and can be made gluten-free with substitutions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
