Cornbread casserole is a comfort food that brings back memories of family gatherings. I remember my grandmother making this dish for special occasions, filling the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baking corn and cheese. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
This recipe captures that nostalgia and brings it to your dinner table with ease. It combines simple ingredients for a hearty dish that is perfect as a side or a main course. Enjoy its cheesy goodness and versatile nature, which makes it a family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This cornbread casserole takes minimal prep time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The blend of corns, cheeses, and spices creates a mouthwatering flavor that pleases all palates.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a filling side at barbecues or as a standalone dish for a cozy family dinner.
- Great for Leftovers: The casserole stores well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it for days.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients or spice levels to tailor it to your taste preferences.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Whole kernel corn – 30 ounces. This adds texture and sweetness to the casserole.
- Creamed corn – 30 ounces. It provides moisture and a creamy consistency to the dish.
- Salted butter – ½ cup, melted. This enhances flavor and helps achieve a golden crust.
- Sour cream – ½ cup. It adds a rich tanginess that balances the sweetness of the corn.
- Large egg – 1, at room temperature. This binds the ingredients together for a cohesive texture.
- Onion powder – ½ teaspoon. This contributes depth and savory notes to the casserole.
- Garlic powder – ¼ teaspoon. A pinch of garlic flavor elevates the overall taste.
- Fresh ground black pepper – ½ teaspoon. This adds a bit of warmth and seasoning to the dish.
- Corn muffin mix – 8 ounces. The base for the casserole that brings a delightful cornbread flavor.
- Pepper jack cheese – 1 cup, grated. This adds a spicy kick and creamy texture.
- Cheddar cheese – 2 cups, grated, divided. Its melty goodness ensures a cheesy finish.
- Garnish (optional) – Sliced green onions or sliced chives to add freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Cornbread Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, melted butter, sour cream, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, corn muffin mix, pepper jack cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 4: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50 minutes. Look for a golden brown color as an indicator that it is ready.
Step 5: Add More Cheese
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle on the remaining cheddar cheese. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and has golden brown spots.
Step 6: Serve
Once done, let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or chives if desired.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
✓ Perfect Texture – For a fluffier casserole, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving an even texture.
✓ Cheese Choice – If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute pepper jack cheese with mild cheddar. This still gives you a delicious cheesy dish without the spice.
✓ Don’t Rush Cooling – Allow the casserole to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
✓ Storing Leftovers – Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three days, making for a quick reheat option.
✓ Batch Cooking – Consider doubling the recipe and freezing a portion for later. This casserole freezes well and can be a great time-saver for busy days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornbread Casserole
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Be sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing into the casserole for the best results.
The casserole is done when it turns golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It should also have a slight jiggle but not be too wet.
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and cover it. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Your casserole may be too mushy if there is too much liquid. Ensure you adequately drain both canned corns before mixing.
This dish pairs wonderfully with barbecued meats, roasted chicken, or a fresh salad. Enjoy it as a hearty side or main dish.
Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 ounces Whole kernel corn
- 30 ounces Creamed corn
- 0.5 cup Salted butter, melted
- 0.5 cup Sour cream
- 1 large Egg, at room temperature
- 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Fresh ground black pepper
- 8 ounces Corn muffin mix
- 1 cup Pepper jack cheese, grated
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, grated, divided
- to taste Garnish (sliced green onions or chives) Optional, adds freshness.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, melted butter, sour cream, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, corn muffin mix, pepper jack cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle on the remaining cheddar cheese. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling.
- Once done, let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or chives if desired.
Notes
- For a fluffier casserole, ensure ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Consider doubling the recipe and freezing a portion for later.
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