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Paula Deen’s corn casserole is my trick for a fast yet memorable side dish that never fails to earn requests for seconds. With just a handful of kitchen staples you get rich sweet and creamy comfort baked to golden perfection. Whether for a holiday spread or a casual weeknight table this casserole promises old-fashioned flavor and crowd-pleasing joy.
I first whipped this up on a busy Thanksgiving and it quickly became my most-saved recipe. Now I make it year-round for BBQs and everyone always asks for the secret.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Sour cream: provides tangy richness and helps make the casserole creamy. Choose full-fat for best texture
- Shredded cheddar cheese: creates melty pockets throughout the casserole. Freshly grate from a block for the smoothest melt
- Butter: brings depth and moisture. Use real unsalted butter for pure flavor
- Sugar: adds a subtle sweetness that highlights the corn. Adjust to your taste or skip if you prefer savory
- Sweet corn and cream-style corn: add texture and a blend of sweet and savory corn flavor. Canned varieties save time but use the best quality you can find
- Cornbread mix: is the base that binds everything while offering just enough fluff. Choose name-brand mixes for consistent results
How to Make It
- Prep the Oven:
- Set your oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures even gentle baking that lets everything meld together without burning the edges
- Mix the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl stir together sweet corn cream-style corn sour cream cheddar cheese melted butter cornbread mix and sugar. Mix for at least a minute making sure everything is evenly combined and there are no streaks of dry mix left
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Generously grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Use butter for extra flavor or a baking spray for convenience. This step ensures easy serving and prevents sticking
- Fill and Smooth:
- Pour the batter into your greased dish. Use a spatula to even out the surface so the casserole bakes uniformly and every scoop is luscious
- Bake to Golden:
- Place in the center of your oven and bake for 45 minutes. Look for firm edges and a softly set center with a golden top. A toothpick should come out clean when tested in the center
The cheddar cheese is my favorite part. I love catching gooey bites tucked into each spoonful. Once my sister confessed she only came to our holiday dinners for this casserole and everyone burst out laughing.
Flavor Boosters
Cool completely before covering with foil or placing in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps nicely for up to three days. When reheating sprinkle a little fresh cheese or a dot of butter on top for that just-baked taste.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs naturally with roast chicken BBQ ribs or even a bowl of chili. At potlucks I’ll cut it into small squares for easy handheld sides. For breakfast try it warm with a fried egg on top.
Creative Twists
Swap in Monterey Jack for a milder cheese or use a blend for different flavors. Greek yogurt works in place of sour cream if that is what you have on hand. Jalapeños or diced green chilies make a spicy twist for variety.
Always shred your own cheddar to avoid the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese which can hinder melting. Let your ingredients sit at room temperature for about fifteen minutes before mixing for a more uniform batter.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of cheddar is best for this corn casserole?
Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but mild or medium cheddar will also melt well and offer a smoother taste. Choose according to your preference.
- → Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, simply substitute equal amounts of thawed frozen corn for canned sweet corn. For cream-style texture, blend part of the corn until slightly pureed.
- → Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish and cover in the refrigerator up to one day in advance. Bake just prior to serving for best results.
- → Can the sugar be omitted or replaced?
If you prefer less sweetness or a different taste, reduce or omit the sugar, or use honey or a sugar substitute to suit your needs.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to retain texture.