Get ready for the ultimate comfort food! This easy creamy cornbread casserole offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory, with an incredibly moist texture. It’s a classic side dish that comes together in just 5 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings or special occasions. You will love how quickly this versatile dish comes together.
Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Casserole
- Quick & Effortless Prep: You only need 5 minutes to mix the ingredients. This makes it ideal for a quick weeknight addition or last-minute potluck dish.
- Delicious & Creamy: Enjoy a comforting, moist texture that melts in your mouth. This creamy cornbread casserole is a true crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at holidays, family dinners, or simply as a comforting side. It fits every menu beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish: Everyone loves the rich flavor and satisfying texture. Expect rave reviews from your guests.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. No fancy items are needed for this recipe.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create a perfect cornbread casserole. Gather everything before you begin.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 8.5 ounce package cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
- 15 ounce can whole corn kernels (drained)
- 15 ounce can creamed corn (or homemade)
Notes & Substitutions
For the best texture and richness in your cornbread casserole, use full-fat sour cream. You can also substitute buttermilk for sour cream if desired. Adjust the granulated sugar amount to your taste; omit it for a more savory dish, or add a bit more for a sweeter profile. Consider making homemade creamed corn for an extra fresh flavor. Any 8.5-ounce cornbread mix, like Krusteaz, works well in this recipe.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and easy.
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk for combining ingredients
- Rubber spatula for smoothing the batter
Instructions
Making this delicious cornbread casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This liquid base forms the creamy heart of your cornbread casserole.
Now, add the dry cornbread mix, the drained whole corn kernels, and the canned creamed corn to the bowl. Stir everything together gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough texture.
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use your rubber spatula to smooth out the top evenly. This ensures consistent baking and a beautiful golden crust.
Bake the cornbread casserole for 55-60 minutes. The top should appear golden brown, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. This indicates it is fully cooked through.
Finally, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This cooling period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut into neat portions. Enjoy this comforting and creamy side dish!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Do not overmix your batter; overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cornbread texture. To understand more about this process, refer to King Arthur Baking’s beginner’s guide to gluten development. Mix just until ingredients are combined. If your casserole seems too wet, ensure your oven calibration is accurate, and allow for proper baking time. A perfectly golden-brown crust means it is cooked through and delicious. Adjust baking time for different pan sizes; a larger, shallower pan might bake faster. For extra richness, add an additional tablespoon of melted butter to the batter. Don’t skip the cooling time before serving; it helps the casserole set and prevents crumbling.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This creamy cornbread casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of savory main dishes. Serve it alongside a tender Crockpot ham for a holiday meal, or make it the perfect accompaniment to classic meatloaf. It also complements slow cooker beef brisket beautifully, soaking up all those delicious juices.
Variations:
- For a heartier dish, stir in 1 cup of cooked, crumbled Italian sausage into the batter.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
- Introduce some heat by mixing in ½ cup of diced pickled jalapeños or a can of green chilis.
- Top the casserole with an extra ½ cup of shredded cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking for a bubbly, cheesy crust.
- Serve individual slices with a dollop of honey butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweet indulgence.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Allow your delicious cornbread casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: While the texture may change slightly after freezing, you can certainly freeze this casserole. Wrap individual portions or the entire cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warm, or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 384 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 92 mg |
| Sodium | 526 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Potassium | 224 mg |
| Vitamin A | 675 IU |
| Vitamin C | 3.6 mg |
| Calcium | 61 mg |
| Iron | 1.3 mg |
Nutritional information is an estimate based on a standard recipe and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is cornbread casserole (corn pudding)?
Cornbread casserole, often called corn pudding, is a creamy, baked dish made with cornbread mix, corn kernels, and creamed corn. It has a custard-like texture and is a popular side dish, especially in the Southern United States. Explore the rich origins of this beloved dish by watching Southern Living’s video on the history of cornbread in the South.
Can I make cornbread casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Why is my cornbread casserole too wet?
An overly wet casserole often means it needs more baking time, or your oven temperature might be slightly off. Ensure you drain the whole corn kernels thoroughly before adding them.
Can I use a homemade cornbread mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cornbread mix recipe, substitute it for the packaged mix, ensuring it yields approximately 8.5 ounces or 1.5 cups of dry mix.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, this cornbread casserole is freezer-friendly, although the texture might soften slightly after thawing. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn and thaw in the refrigerator.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9×9-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, yielding a good height and even cooking. You can also use a similar volume rectangular or round dish.
Can I omit the whole corn kernels?
Yes, you can omit the whole corn kernels if you prefer a smoother texture. The creamed corn provides plenty of corn flavor and moisture.
Conclusion
This easy creamy cornbread casserole is truly a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, comforting side dish with minimal effort. Its quick prep time and simple ingredients make it perfect for busy schedules, while its rich, creamy texture guarantees it will be a crowd-pleaser. We encourage you to try this fantastic recipe soon and experience its homemade goodness. Please leave a comment and rate the recipe once you have, and consider sharing it with your family and friends for your next gathering!