Cheesy Creamed Cornbread Casserole Recipe
If you’re someone who loves that perfect blend of cheesy comfort and sweet corn goodness, you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Creamed Cornbread Casserole Recipe. It’s such a heartwarming dish that feels like a hug from the inside out—creamy, cheesy, and with just the right touch of sweetness. I’ve made this casserole countless times for family dinners and gatherings, and believe me, it always disappears fast. Stick around, because I’m going to walk you through every step to get it just right in your kitchen!
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy Texture: The combination of creamed corn and sour cream keeps the casserole moist and rich.
- Balanced Sweetness: The sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn without overpowering it.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sharp cheddar cheese adds that perfect savory zing every bite needs.
- Easy to Customize: You can add extra cheese or swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Cheesy Creamed Cornbread Casserole Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a key role, so making smart choices when shopping helps the whole dish shine.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to your casserole, so it’s tender but holds up well.
- Yellow cornmeal: Adds that classic cornbread flavor and a slight texture that balances the creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to enhance the corn’s sweetness without making it taste like dessert.
- Baking powder: Helps the casserole rise lightly for a nice fluffy texture.
- Salt: Always important to bring out the flavors fully.
- Whole kernel corn: Fresh or canned both work, adding lovely bursts of real corn flavor and texture.
- Cream style corn: This keeps the casserole creamy and moist, avoid skipping it!
- Sour cream: My secret for that velvety texture and a subtle tang that cuts through richness.
- Butter: Melted for richness and buttery flavor throughout.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star flavor that turns this from a simple corn casserole to a cheesy dream.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this cheesy creamed cornbread casserole recipe is how much room there is for you to make it your own. I often tweak it depending on what I have in the fridge or the season, and you’ll find your favorite version in no time.
- Extra cheesy variation: On cheese day, I toss in a handful of mozzarella or pepper jack for a gooey, melty finish that my kids absolutely adore.
- Spicy twist: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat—trust me, it’s delicious!
- Dairy-free modification: Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives; the flavor remains comforting.
- Herb boost: Sometimes, I stir in fresh chopped chives or thyme for an herby pop that complements the corn well.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Creamed Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish
First things first: get your oven set to 350℉ and grease a 2-quart baking dish well. I like to use a little butter or a non-stick spray to make sure the casserole comes out with ease—plus, it helps the edges get beautifully golden and crispy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together your flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This is the base that holds everything together, so make sure it’s well combined to avoid any lumps in your batter.
Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, grab your large bowl and stir together the whole kernel corn (drain it well to avoid sogginess!), creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Then sprinkle in your dry mix and gently fold everything together until just combined. I usually stop once there are no flour streaks—overmixing can make it tough.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pour your batter into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown on top and set in the middle—give it a gentle jiggle; it shouldn’t wobble. If you’re doubling the recipe, plan on adding extra bake time and use a larger dish.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Skip Draining the Corn: I learned the hard way that too much liquid makes the casserole soggy—so drain canned corn well to avoid this.
- Use Sharp Cheddar: It packs more flavor and adds a beautiful tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes out of the oven—this helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir just until combined to keep your texture light and fluffy instead of dense.
How to Serve Cheesy Creamed Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra shredded cheddar or chopped green onions on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that brightens up the richness. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream on the side is an easy go-to that guests appreciate.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with pulled pork, fried chicken, or even a simple green salad if you want to keep things light. I’ve found it’s also great alongside roasted veggies or baked beans during family cookouts—comfort food for the win!
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or potlucks, I’ve served the casserole in a pretty ceramic dish garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a festive touch. You could even make individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your casserole has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I’ve eaten it cold straight from the fridge and also reheated it, and both ways are tasty depending on your mood!
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for busy weeks, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, scoop into an airtight container, and freeze for up to 6 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Reheating
I usually reheat leftovers in the microwave if I’m short on time, covered loosely to keep the moisture in. For a crispier top, reheating in a 350℉ oven for 15-20 minutes works wonders and brings back that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh corn instead of canned in this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels add a wonderful sweetness and crunch. Make sure to cook or blanch them briefly if they’re very fresh to soften them slightly before mixing into the casserole.
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Is there a gluten-free version of this casserole?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and confirm your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture will be just as delicious with these simple ingredient swaps.
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Can I make this casserole vegan?
You can! Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives and replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. Keep an eye on the casserole’s moisture level to make sure it sets properly.
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How can I tell when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole should be golden on top and mostly firm at the center—give it a gentle jiggle; it shouldn’t wobble. Sometimes a toothpick inserted in the middle will come out with a few moist crumbs but no liquid batter.
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What can I serve alongside this casserole?
This casserole is versatile! It pairs well with smoky barbeque meats, fresh salads, or simply roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Creamed Cornbread Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s just so reliably delicious and comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss. If you give it a try, I think you’ll come back to it again and again—there’s just something magical about that cheesy, sweet, creamy combo that everyone seems to love. So go ahead, bake it, share it, and enjoy every gooey, comforting bite like I do!
Print
Cheesy Creamed Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy cornbread casserole is a comforting and savory side dish featuring a moist, cheesy cornbread base combined with whole kernel and cream style corn. It’s baked until golden brown and perfect for serving warm alongside your favorite meals.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients & Mix-ins
- 15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained (or 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen thawed corn)
- 15 ounce can cream style corn
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, cream style corn, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and the dry flour mixture. Stir until just combined; add extra cheese if you prefer a cheesier casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the casserole warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Storing Leftovers: Cover cooled casserole tightly and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in microwave or enjoy cold.
- Freezer Storage: Cool completely before scooping into an airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat before serving.
- Make Ahead: Bake up to 2 days ahead and reheat at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes, or prepare batter up to 24 hours in advance and bake as directed.
- To Double: Double the recipe for a 9×13 inch casserole dish and add about 10 minutes to baking time or until set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
