Paula Deen’s Classic Corn Casserole Recipe: Creamy Southern Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this Paula Deen corn casserole that’s pure Southern charm on a plate.

Generations of cooks have cherished this creamy, golden dish that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Kernels of sweet corn nestle perfectly with rich, melted cheese, creating a side that steals the spotlight.

Each spoonful promises a delightful blend of texture and flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation that pairs beautifully with almost any main course.

You’ll want to bookmark this classic corn casserole for every potluck, holiday, and family gathering.

This dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why Corn Casserole Is Classic

• Paula Deen's corn casserole delivers heartwarming southern-style goodness that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Swap ingredients or adjust cheese quantities to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe super flexible for different palates.
• This cheesy, creamy side dish appeals to all ages, from picky kids to hungry adults, guaranteeing clean plates at every meal.
• Simple step-by-step instructions ensure even novice cooks can nail this recipe without stress, providing two cooking options (oven or crock pot) for maximum convenience.

Corn Casserole Ingredient Lineup

• Whole Kernel Corn: A sweet and juicy base that provides texture and classic corn flavor to the casserole.
• Cornmeal: Adds a rich, hearty corn essence and helps thicken the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Creates a creamy and tangy base that enhances the overall richness of the dish.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty topping that creates a golden and delicious crust.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the corn casserole.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent that helps set the casserole and provides structure.

Tools for Corn Casserole

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient quantities.
• 9×13 casserole dish or 10-inch cast iron skillet: Perfect for baking the corn casserole evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients without overmixing.
• Cheese grater: Helps shred fresh cheddar cheese for topping.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot dishes.
• Crock pot (optional): Alternative cooking method for slow cooking the casserole.

Steps for Creamy Corn Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

This will create the perfect environment for our delicious corn casserole to bake beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Magic

• Corn kernels (well-drained)
• Sour cream
• Butter
• Cornbread mix
• Whole kernel corn

Stir everything together until you’ve got a smooth, creamy mixture that looks absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Generously grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish or a charming 10-inch cast iron skillet.

Pour your corn mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly with love.

Step 4: First Baking Session

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake uncovered for 45 minutes.

Your kitchen will start smelling like a slice of comfort heaven.

Step 5: Cheese Crown

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the partially baked casserole.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes.

This helps it set and makes serving a breeze.

Crock Pot Alternative Method:

Step 7: Slow Cooker Preparation

Follow the same mixing instructions as the oven method.

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased Crock Pot.

Step 8: Slow and Steady Cooking

Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4 hours.

The magic is in the slow, gentle cooking.

Step 9: Cheesy Finale

During the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Let it melt into creamy perfection.

Step 10: Final Check

Ensure the center is firm and set before serving.

Your corn casserole is ready to steal the show at any meal!

Pro Tips for Corn Casserole

• Remove excess liquid from whole kernel corn to prevent a watery casserole and maintain the perfect creamy texture.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged varieties.
• Adjust milk quantity slightly if you prefer a thicker or lighter corn casserole base, keeping overall liquid proportions balanced.
• Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or chopped green onions on top before final baking for added depth and crunch.
• Prepare the casserole mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient meal planning.

Corn Casserole Recipe Options

• Gluten-Free Corn Casserole: Replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free cornbread mix or almond flour to create a safe version for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Corn Delight: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and vegan cheese to make a dairy-free, egg-free option.
• Spicy Southwest Corn Bake: Add diced jalapeños, green chilies, and a sprinkle of cumin to transform the classic recipe into a zesty, southwestern-inspired side dish.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Corn Swap: Replace corn with riced cauliflower and use low-carb cheese to create a keto-friendly version of the original casserole.

Serving Corn Casserole Ideas

• Family-Style Feast Companion: Pair this creamy corn casserole with grilled BBQ chicken or roasted pork tenderloin for a hearty southern-style meal that satisfies.
• Potluck Party Star: Bring this dish to gatherings where comfort food reigns supreme, guaranteeing everyone will ask for seconds and request the recipe.
• Holiday Harvest Side: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this corn casserole complements turkey, ham, and traditional holiday roasts with its rich, cheesy goodness.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and biscuits for a weekend breakfast that transforms an ordinary morning into a delightful culinary experience.

Corn Casserole Storage Help

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the corn casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

FAQs

• What ingredients are needed for this corn casserole?

You’ll need whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, butter, cornbread mix, and cheddar cheese. The recipe combines these ingredients to create a rich, creamy side dish that’s perfect for family gatherings.

• Is this corn casserole gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains cornbread mix, which typically includes wheat flour. If you need a gluten-free version, you’ll need to substitute the cornbread mix with a gluten-free alternative or gluten-free cornbread mix.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, simply transfer to the baking dish or Crock Pot and follow the cooking instructions. This makes it convenient for meal planning and potlucks.

Paula Deens Classic Corn Casserole – Creamy and Cheesy Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Corn casserole from Paula Deen brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with rich, buttery goodness. Home cooks can easily craft this crowd-pleasing side dish that promises warmth and deliciousness you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 14.75 ounces (418 grams) creamed corn
• 15.25 ounces (432 grams) whole kernel sweet corn, drained
• 8.5 ounces (241 grams) Jiffy corn muffin mix
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded

Dairy and Fat:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) sour cream
• 1 stick (113 grams / 4 ounces) butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), creating an optimal baking environment for the corn casserole.
2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a spacious mixing bowl, carefully draining the whole kernel corn to prevent excess moisture.
3. Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish or 10-inch cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
4. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking vessel, spreading evenly to create a uniform texture.
5. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop rich flavors.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the partially cooked casserole, returning it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Watch for a golden-brown top indicating the cheese has melted and created a delectable crispy layer.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
9. Alternatively, for slow cooker preparation, combine ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a lightly greased Crock Pot.
10. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4 hours, ensuring the center becomes firm and set.
11. During the final 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a melty, appetizing finish.

Notes

• Use freshly drained corn for maximum flavor and texture, avoiding soggy consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• Consider using low-fat dairy options to create a lighter version of this classic comfort dish.
• For gluten-free adaptation, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free before preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg