Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a soul-soothing side dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that always steals the show during family dinners and holiday gatherings because it pairs a luscious, creamy texture with the cozy flavor of cornbread—utterly fan-freaking-tastic. Stick with me, and I’ll share everything I’ve learned to make sure yours comes out perfect every time.

💙

Why This Recipe Works

  • Creamy Texture: The combination of whole kernel and creamed corn with sour cream makes this casserole irresistibly moist and smooth.
  • Balanced Sweetness: A touch of sugar in the cornbread batter enhances the natural sweetness of the corn without overpowering it.
  • Cheesy Goodness: Sharp cheddar adds a savory depth, complementing the sweetness perfectly and giving a slight tangy punch.
  • Simple Prep: Minimal ingredients and easy steps make it a perfect go-to dish for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Creamy Cornbread Casserole, cornbread casserole recipe, cheesy cornbread side dish, creamy cornbread bake, comforting cornbread dish - A square white baking dish holds a golden casserole with a slightly crispy top layer dotted with whole yellow corn pieces and melted orange cheese. The casserole surface is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs, giving a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The sides of the dish show the casserole's thick, soft texture, with a light brown crust along the edges. The casserole is set on a white marbled surface, with some loose corn kernels scattered nearby, a small bowl of corn to the left, a striped cloth napkin below, and a spoon to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients come together in this recipe for a reason—they balance moisture, flavor, and texture beautifully. Plus, most are pantry staples, so you may already have everything you need!

Creamy Cornbread Casserole, cornbread casserole recipe, cheesy cornbread side dish, creamy cornbread bake, comforting cornbread dish - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of yellow cornmeal, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright yellow whole kernel corn, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy corn, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl with melted butter, a simple white ceramic plate with a small pile of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the casserole, helping it hold together just right.
  • Yellow cornmeal: Adds that classic cornbread flavor and a bit of hearty texture.
  • Granulated sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn without making it dessert-like.
  • Baking powder: Gives the casserole a gentle rise so it’s fluffy and tender.
  • Salt: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
  • Whole kernel corn: Adds texture and bursts of sweetness; fresh or frozen works just as well as canned.
  • Cream style corn: Brings creaminess and moisture to keep the casserole soft.
  • Sour cream: Boosts the creamy texture and adds a subtle tang that keeps things interesting.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps the casserole brown beautifully.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets, giving that irresistible cheesy flavor.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this creamy cornbread casserole recipe is. Over time, I’ve found little tweaks that make it my own, and you can absolutely customize it to match your mood or what’s in your fridge.

  • Variation: Sometimes I swap out sharp cheddar for pepper jack when I want a bit of a spicy kick, and it’s honestly delicious.
  • Dietary Modifications: Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream works well if you want a lighter version without losing creaminess.
  • Extra Mix-ins: Adding cooked bacon or jalapeños packs an extra flavor punch that my family always asks for during football season.
  • Less Sweet: If you prefer a more savory casserole, I reduce the sugar slightly and add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and greasing a 2-quart baking dish. I like using a little butter here instead of spray because it adds extra flavor and helps with browning.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This helps everything blend evenly into the batter without clumps of baking powder or sugar.

Step 3: Combine the Creamy Goodness

In a larger bowl, fold together the drained whole kernel corn, cream style corn, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and the dry mix you just made. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix or you might lose some of that lovely tenderness.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pour your batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Pop it in the oven for 50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the middle—check with a toothpick if you want to be sure. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

  • Drain the Corn Well: If you don’t drain the whole kernel corn properly, the casserole can turn out too watery, so give it a good squeeze or use a fine mesh strainer.
  • Don’t Skip the Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds that necessary savoriness; I always err on the side of adding a little extra for gooey pockets in every bite.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It helps everything come together easier and ensures even baking throughout.
  • Watch Your Baking Time: Overbaking can dry out the casserole, so start checking 5 minutes before the timer goes off.

How to Serve Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Creamy Cornbread Casserole, cornbread casserole recipe, cheesy cornbread side dish, creamy cornbread bake, comforting cornbread dish - A close-up of a white square baking dish filled with a golden baked corn casserole. The casserole has a thick base layer with a crumbly texture mixed with whole yellow corn kernels and small green herb bits scattered throughout. The top layer is slightly browned and crispy, showing a mix of melted cheese and corn. A silver spoon lifts a square piece from the dish, showing the fluffy and moist inside with visible corn and herbs. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or even a handful of crispy fried onions brings a lovely contrast too.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines next to roasted chicken, pulled pork, or even a simple green salad. One of my favorite combos is crispy air-fried chicken wings with this cornbread casserole—the creamy texture balances the crunch perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to bake this casserole in a pretty ceramic dish and garnish it with colorful roasted mini bell peppers or a swirl of chipotle mayo for a little zing. It makes a humble dish feel festive and special, and guests always ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I cover leftover casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge—it stays good for 3-4 days. I’ve happily eaten it cold straight from the fridge, but reheating in the microwave or oven warms things up nicely too.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole works like a charm. Once fully cooled, I scoop portions into freezer-safe containers and keep them for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Reheating in a 350℉ oven for 15-20 minutes works best to keep the texture close to freshly baked. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is fine—just cover loosely to keep moisture, and check in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures like regular flour. This substitution keeps the texture just as tender and the casserole just as delicious.

  2. What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from being too watery?

    Drain the whole kernel corn thoroughly, and make sure your cream style corn isn’t overly liquidy. You can also gently pat fresh corn kernels dry if using fresh or thawed frozen corn. This keeps the casserole thick and creamy instead of soggy.

  3. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

    Yes, doubling the recipe works great! Just use a 9×13 casserole dish and add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time, checking doneness with a toothpick toward the end.

  4. Is this suitable to make ahead for a party?

    Definitely. You can bake the casserole up to 2 days in advance and reheat, or even prepare the batter a day ahead and bake fresh right before serving—it’s a great time-saver!

  5. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

    For sure! While sharp cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda add delightful twists. Just pick one that melts well and suits your flavor preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s one of those dishes that brings folks together around the table, instantly comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, I promise you’ll feel that warm, cozy vibe with every bite. Give it a try and see how easy it is to make a little magic with simple ingredients—you’ve got this!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Cornbread Casserole is a comforting side dish featuring a moist and cheesy cornbread base combined with sweet corn and a touch of sour cream. Baked to golden perfection, it pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and is perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained (or 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen, thawed corn)
  • 15 ounce can cream style corn
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the drained whole kernel corn, cream style corn, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and the dry flour mixture. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated. For extra cheesiness, feel free to add more shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Bake the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  5. Serve Warm: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Storing Leftovers: Cover the cooled casserole tightly and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold.
  • Freezer Storage: Cool completely, transfer to an airtight freezer container, and freeze up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
  • Make Ahead: Bake the casserole up to 2 days in advance and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or prepare the batter up to 24 hours ahead and bake fresh.
  • To double the recipe, use a 9×13 casserole dish and add 10 minutes or more to the baking time as necessary.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star