Easy Creamy Cornbread Casserole

Welcome to your new favorite side dish: an easy, creamy cornbread casserole that’s guaranteed to become a staple. This buttery, comforting dish combines two kinds of corn for an incredible texture and flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple weeknight meal, this recipe brings Southern comfort right to your table. To understand the roots of this beloved dish, exploring the culinary history of cornbread reveals its significance in Southern cuisine. The best part? You can prepare this delightful cornbread casserole in just 10 minutes, making it a truly stress-free addition to any menu. Get ready for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Casserole

This delightful cornbread casserole is more than just a side; it’s a culinary hug! We know you’ll adore it for so many fantastic reasons. It truly makes baking simple for busy parents and beginners.

Effortless Preparation: You only need minimal prep and simple steps for this recipe. It is perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
Irresistible Creamy Texture: Sour cream and creamed corn create a wonderfully moist and tender result. Every bite melts in your mouth.
Versatile Side Dish: This dish shines alongside any meal, from holiday feasts to casual weeknight dinners. It pairs with almost anything.
Comfort Food Classic: Indulge in classic Southern comfort with every spoonful. This recipe brings warmth and nostalgia.
Crowd-Pleaser: Both picky eaters and adults will ask for seconds of this flavorful cornbread casserole. It’s universally loved.

Ingredients

To make this delicious cornbread casserole, gather these simple ingredients. Each component contributes to the casserole’s rich flavor and incredible texture, making it truly special. The balance of flavors in this baked corn casserole is key for its delightful taste.

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

You have flexibility with many of the ingredients for this easy cornbread casserole. Feel free to adapt them based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. This makes the recipe even more convenient for busy parents and beginners.

Cornbread Mix: An 8.5-ounce package of cornbread mix, like Jiffy, works perfectly. You can also use your favorite homemade cornbread mix if you prefer. Just ensure it’s the correct amount.
Sour Cream Alternatives: For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Full-fat cream cheese, softened, also adds a lovely richness.
Butter Options: Unsalted butter is recommended, but salted butter works in a pinch; just reduce any additional salt you might add. Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil can also be used.
Corn Choices: While canned corn is quick and easy, you can use fresh or frozen corn kernels. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well before adding.
Adjust Sugar: One tablespoon of sugar provides a touch of sweetness. Adjust this amount up or down to suit your personal preference for a sweeter or more savory casserole.

Equipment

Gathering your equipment before you begin makes the cooking process smoother. You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this easy cornbread casserole. This keeps the recipe simple and beginner-friendly.

9×9-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

Creating this creamy cornbread casserole is incredibly straightforward, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result. This easy process ensures a perfectly baked dish every time.

Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take your 9×9-inch baking dish and coat the inside generously with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking and ensures easy serving later. Proper dish preparation is key for a successful bake.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the two large eggs, one cup of sour cream, half a cup of melted unsalted butter, and one tablespoon of granulated sugar. Use your whisk to thoroughly combine these ingredients. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well-incorporated. This forms the creamy base for your delicious cornbread casserole.
Add Dry & Corn: Next, add the 8.5-ounce package of cornbread mix to the wet ingredients. Then, stir in the 15-ounce can of drained whole corn kernels and the 15-ounce can of creamed corn. Mix everything gently until all the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough, dense texture. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
Pour & Smooth: Carefully transfer the entire cornbread casserole mixture from the mixing bowl into your prepared 9×9-inch baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly across the dish. Ensure the top is smooth and level, promoting even baking and a beautiful golden crust.
Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 55-60 minutes. The casserole is ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown color and the edges appear set. Baking the casserole for the correct time ensures it’s cooked through.
Check for Doneness: To confirm your creamy cornbread casserole is fully cooked, insert a wooden toothpick or a thin skewer into the center of the dish. If the toothpick comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it, your casserole is perfectly done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
Cool & Serve: Once baked, remove the cornbread casserole from the oven. Let it cool in the baking dish for about 5-10 minutes before you slice and serve it. This resting period allows the casserole to set properly, making it easier to cut into neat portions. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect creamy cornbread casserole is simple with a few smart tips. These suggestions help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a consistently delicious outcome. Following these guidelines will elevate your baking experience.

Prevent Wet/Runny Casserole: Ensure your oven is accurately preheated and bake for the full recommended time. The toothpick test is crucial; if it’s wet, keep baking. Using the correct pan size also helps with proper cooking.
Avoid Dry Edges: Don’t overbake your casserole. Once the toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden, remove it from the oven. Overbaking can dry out the edges and affect the overall moisture.
Baking Dish Size: Stick to a 9×9-inch baking dish. Using a larger dish may result in a thinner casserole that cooks faster and dries out, while a smaller dish could lead to underbaking in the center.
Melting Butter: Make sure your butter is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the wet ingredients. Lumps of unmelted butter can cause an uneven texture in your final dish.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the cornbread mix, which can lead to a tough, rubbery cornbread casserole instead of a tender one.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile cornbread casserole is a fantastic addition to any meal, offering both sweet and savory potential. Learn how to serve it best, store leftovers, and explore exciting variations to keep things fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Main Dish Pairings: This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory main dishes like roasted chicken, juicy ham, comforting meatloaf, or slow-cooked brisket.
Holiday Side: It’s an indispensable side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners. Its comforting flavor complements any holiday spread beautifully.
Everyday Comfort: Enjoy this creamy baked corn casserole as a simple, satisfying side for any family meal. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Storage

Following USDA guidelines for safely handling leftovers is crucial to maintain food quality and prevent spoilage. Store any leftover cornbread casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for reheating.

Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For larger amounts, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed.
Freezer: You can freeze the baked casserole in a freezer-safe dish, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Thaw: For best results, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

Add Spice: For a kick, stir in ½ cup of diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) or a small can of diced green chilies.
Cheesy Version: Elevate the flavor by folding in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese into the batter.
Savory Additions: Incorporate cooked crumbled bacon, browned Italian sausage, or even diced ham for a heartier, more savory cornbread casserole.
Extra Sweetness: Before serving, drizzle individual slices with a touch of honey or maple syrup for an added layer of sweetness.

Nutrition

Understanding the nutritional breakdown can help you fit this delicious cornbread casserole into your diet. This information is based on a serving size of one-eighth of the recipe.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	384 kcal
Carbohydrates	39g
Protein	6g
Fat	23g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	92mg
Sodium	526mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	10g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying your creamy cornbread casserole. These answers provide quick solutions to ensure your baking success.

Why is my cornbread casserole too wet? Your casserole might be too wet due to inaccurate oven temperature, insufficient baking time, or using a pan size different from the recipe. Ensure your toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Can I make cornbread casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Bake the casserole completely, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving for the best results.
Can I make cornbread casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Bake the casserole completely, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving for the best results.
Can I use a different cornbread mix? Yes, you can use other brands of cornbread mix, but the Jiffy 8.5-ounce package is the standard and provides reliable results. Adjustments might be needed for different sizes.
Can I make this in a muffin tin? Yes, you can! Pour the mixture into greased muffin tins for individual portions. Adjust the baking time, likely to 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and a tester comes out clean.
Do I cover cornbread casserole when baking? Typically, you bake this cornbread casserole uncovered. This allows the top to become beautifully golden brown and form a slight crust, adding to its delicious texture.
Is this cornbread casserole sweet? This recipe has a subtle sweetness from the granulated sugar and creamed corn. You can adjust the sugar content to make it sweeter or more savory, according to your preference.

Conclusion

This easy creamy cornbread casserole is a true gem, delivering incredible flavor and comforting warmth with minimal effort. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, from holiday feasts to simple weeknight meals, and its beginner-friendly steps make it accessible to everyone. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe as much as we do. Give this amazing cornbread casserole a try tonight, and prepare to delight your taste buds! Don’t forget to rate and review this recipe to share your experience with our community.