Corn Casserole Oven Baked

This corn casserole combines the best of creamy corn with cornbread for a dish that bridges the gap between bread and side dish. It's a staple at holiday tables but simple enough for weeknight dinners, offering that perfect balance of sweet corn flavor and savory comfort.

I first made this corn casserole for a potluck dinner where I needed something that would please both picky eaters and food enthusiasts. Three people asked for the recipe before the night was over, and now it's my most requested contribution to family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Whole kernel corn: provides texture and sweet corn flavor that forms the foundation of this dish
• Cream style corn: delivers moisture and creaminess that keeps every bite tender
• Sour cream: adds tanginess and richness that balances the sweetness of the corn
• Unsalted butter: contributes richness and helps achieve that golden brown top
• Large eggs: work as binding agents that give structure to the casserole
• Cornbread mix: offers convenience while providing that signature cornbread flavor
• Shredded cheddar cheese: creates delicious pockets of melty goodness throughout
• Salt: enhances all the flavors without making the dish taste salty
• Ground black pepper: adds subtle warmth that complements the sweet corn

How To Make Corn Casserole Oven Baked

Prepare The Baking Dish:

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C to ensure it reaches the proper temperature before baking. Thoroughly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray, making sure to cover the bottom and sides completely. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier.

Mix The Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, cream style corn, sour cream, melted butter, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should look somewhat chunky from the corn kernels but otherwise smooth and consistent.

Incorporate The Cornbread Mix:

Add the cornbread mix to your wet ingredients. Use a gentle folding motion with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing will develop gluten and result in a tougher texture, so stop as soon as everything is combined.

Add Cheese If Desired:

If using cheese, gently fold it into the batter with just a few strokes. The cheese will melt during baking, creating delicious pockets of flavor throughout the casserole. Leaving some larger streaks of cheese rather than fully incorporating it creates more interesting texture.

Transfer To Baking Dish:

Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the corners. The surface doesn't need to be perfectly smooth as it will level somewhat during baking.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the dish in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with perhaps a few moist crumbs.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period allows the casserole to set up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve while maintaining its structure.

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The cream style corn is my secret weapon in this recipe. My grandmother always insisted on using it rather than substituting with more whole kernel corn and additional liquid. The unique texture it provides simply cannot be replicated, and I've never found a suitable alternative that creates the same creamy interior with the perfect cornbread crust.

Storage And Reheating

Once cooled completely, cover the corn casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, cut into portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The best way to reheat is in a 150°C oven, covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but may result in uneven heating and can dry out the edges.

Delicious Variations

While this classic version is perfect on its own, you can customize it to suit different tastes. Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or mix in 150 grams of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor profile. For a more savory version, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese. You can also make it more substantial by adding 300 grams of diced cooked chicken to transform it into a complete meal.

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Serving Suggestions

This versatile casserole pairs beautifully with nearly any protein. Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or holiday turkey for a complete meal. It's particularly wonderful with barbecued meats where the sweetness complements smoky flavors. For a vegetarian meal, pair it with a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. During the holidays, it fits perfectly on the table with other traditional sides like green bean casserole and cranberry sauce.

Cultural Context

Corn casserole has deep roots in American Southern cuisine where corn has been a staple for centuries. This particular version, often called "spoon bread" in some regions, evolved during the mid-20th century when convenience products like cornbread mix became popular. It represents the perfect blend of traditional ingredients with modern convenience. While purists might insist on making cornbread from scratch, this shortcut version has become a beloved tradition in its own right, especially during Thanksgiving when oven space and preparation time are at a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of corn is best for this dish?

Use both whole kernel corn (drained) and cream-style corn for the best texture and flavor combination.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

→ What variations can I try?

You can add jalapeños for heat, diced bell peppers for sweetness, or swap cheddar for a different cheese like pepper jack.

→ How do I know when it's done?

The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown, the center is set, and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, it already suits a vegetarian diet! Just ensure that your cornbread mix doesn’t contain any non-vegetarian ingredients.

→ Can I use a larger or smaller casserole dish?

You can adjust the dish size as needed. A larger dish results in a thinner casserole, while a smaller dish makes it thicker—adjust baking time accordingly.