5 Irresistible Corn Casserole Recipes You'll Love
If you've been searching for the perfect addition to your family dinners, holiday feasts, or simply to satisfy your comfort food cravings, look no further than corn casserole. A beloved Southern dish, corn casserole is versatile, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. Today, we’ll explore five irresistible recipes that will leave you craving more. Each recipe brings its unique flavor profile, catering to different tastes, dietary preferences, and ingredient availability.
1. Classic Creamy Corn Casserole
This is where many of us start our love affair with corn casseroles. The Classic Creamy Corn Casserole embodies comfort with its sweet and creamy texture, a perfect balance of sweetness from the corn and richness from the cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15.25 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (14.75 oz) cream-style corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 stick (1⁄2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 package (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
🌟 Note: For a healthier version, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use light butter.
2. Southwestern-Style Corn Casserole
Infuse your casserole with a Southwestern twist for a vibrant, flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with Tex-Mex and barbecue dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15.25 oz each) corn, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
- 1⁄2 cup sour cream
- 1 package (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1⁄2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
🚨 Note: Adjust the level of heat with milder or hotter chilies to suit your taste.
3. Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Casserole
This recipe amps up the spice level, appealing to those who love a bit of heat with their cheesy comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15.25 oz each) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 1⁄2 cup sour cream
- 2 jalapeños, diced
- 1⁄4 cup diced red bell pepper (optional for color)
- 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1⁄4 cup diced green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients except the cheese in a large bowl.
- Pour into a greased 9x9 inch dish.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving to allow the casserole to firm up.
🔥 Note: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use less jalapeño or seed them to reduce the heat.
4. Gluten-Free Sweet Corn Casserole
Increasingly, people are looking for delicious alternatives that fit their dietary restrictions. This Gluten-Free Sweet Corn Casserole does just that without compromising on taste.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or frozen, thawed)
- 1⁄2 cup almond flour
- 1⁄2 cup buttermilk
- 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
- 1⁄2 tsp baking powder (gluten-free)
- 1⁄4 cup melted unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl.
- In another bowl, combine wet ingredients including corn.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients together gently until just combined.
- Pour into a greased 9-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is cooked through.
- Allow to cool before serving to let it set.
🌱 Note: For an even healthier version, reduce or omit the butter and increase the almond flour by 1/4 cup.
5. Vegan Corn Casserole
Vegans can enjoy the creamy texture of corn casserole too with this plant-based version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1⁄2 cup cornmeal
- 1⁄2 cup coconut cream
- 1⁄4 cup cashew cheese or nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
- 2 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tbsp water (as egg substitute)
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or oil
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flaxseed meal with water to create a vegan egg substitute. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Pour into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until firm and golden on top.
- Let it cool slightly before serving to help it set.
🌿 Note: You can add some chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
Each of these recipes offers a unique twist on the classic corn casserole, accommodating various diets and flavor preferences. Whether you're looking to stick with tradition or experiment with new flavors, there's a corn casserole here to suit every palate. The versatility of corn casserole means you can adapt these recipes with your favorite ingredients or to suit special diets like gluten-free or vegan. Enjoy experimenting and making these recipes your own!
Can I make these corn casserole recipes in advance?
+Absolutely! Most corn casserole recipes can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking them straight from the fridge.
Are there any substitutions for sour cream in these recipes?
+Yes, for a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or even a mix of mayonnaise and cream cheese for a tangy and creamy texture.
Can I freeze corn casserole?
+Yes, you can freeze corn casserole both before and after baking. For unbaked, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the refrigerator before baking. For baked, let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw overnight and reheat to serve.