Cheesy Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting side dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe. Seriously, it’s amazing—rich, cheesy, with that perfect creamy texture that makes it impossible to eat just one serving. Whether you’re bringing it to a family dinner or sneaking bites while it’s still warm from the oven, this recipe is going to be your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Stick around because I’m sharing every little tip to make sure yours turns out just right.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Texture Balance: Combines creamy corn and cornbread to create a moist but set casserole that’s not too dense or dry.
- Cheese-Loaded Goodness: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds that irresistible savory punch that keeps you coming back for more.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Uses pantry staples, making it a go-to recipe for easy dinner parties or weeknight sides.
- Flexible & Friendly: Adjust the cheese and corn types to suit your family’s taste or what you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Cheesy Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe blends basic baking staples with a couple of secret heroes that bring it all together—the sour cream and creamed corn. These guys keep the casserole luscious and tender while the sharp cheddar gives it that take-it-to-another-level taste.
- All-purpose flour: Helps give the casserole structure without weighing it down.
- Yellow cornmeal: Adds that classic cornbread flavor and a little texture.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch balances the savory elements and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Baking powder: Gives the casserole a nice rise and fluffiness.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Whole kernel corn (or fresh/frozen): Adds sweet bursts of corn goodness and texture; fresh is amazing in season.
- Cream style corn: This is where the creamy magic starts.
- Sour cream: Keeps everything moist and adds a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- Butter (melted): Enriches the casserole and helps it brown beautifully.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds cheesy depth and a melty finish—I always go a little heavier here for max flavor.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best things about this Cheesy Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over the years, I’ve found that adding a little extra cheddar or a sprinkle of jalapeños can really amp things up if you’re craving a bit of spice or even a little crunch. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Extra cheese: I sometimes double the cheddar because, honestly, you can never have too much cheese.
- Spicy twist: Toss in diced green chiles or jalapeños for a nice kick that’s subtle yet exciting.
- Dairy alternatives: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if you want a tangier but equally creamy effect.
- Make it vegetarian or not: Feel free to mix in cooked bacon or sausage if you want a hearty, meaty casserole.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Start with Dry Ingredients
I like to whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl first. It helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt so your casserole bakes up just right without any surprise salty patches or lumps.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Goodness
In a larger bowl, mix your whole kernel corn, cream style corn, sour cream, melted butter, and sharp cheddar cheese together. Once everything’s combined, sprinkle in the dry mixture and fold gently until just combined. Overmixing here can make it tough, so keep it light and easy.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour your batter into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Pop it in your preheated 350℉ oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll want to look for a golden top and a set middle that’s not jiggly when you shake the dish gently. If you poke it with a toothpick, it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Let it cool just a bit before serving—this helps the casserole settle and makes it easier to cut good portions. I love grabbing a warm scoop straight away, but it’s also fantastic at room temp or even cold as a snack.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Prep Your Dish Well: I always grease my baking dish with butter instead of spray to give a richer flavor edge and help the edges caramelize nicely.
- Don’t Skip the Baking Powder: This little ingredient is key to keeping the casserole fluffy, so make sure it’s fresh and well mixed.
- Add Cheese Last: Fold in the cheese gently to keep those melty pockets intact rather than stirring it in too much and losing texture.
- Watch Your Baking Time: Ovens vary, so start checking your casserole around 45 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.
How to Serve Cheesy Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I often top my casserole with a sprinkle of extra shredded sharp cheddar and a few chopped fresh chives or green onions for a fresh, pop-of-color finish. A dollop of sour cream on the side adds creaminess and tang that balances the cheesy richness well.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside roasted chicken, barbecue ribs, or a simple green salad. It’s also great served with chili or a steaming bowl of soup to bring a rustic, homestyle vibe to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I like to bake the casserole in small ramekins or a muffin tin—individual servings packed with cheesy, creamy goodness. It’s a fun way to jazz things up and makes portion control a breeze!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I cover leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave and is still tasty cold, which is perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by letting it cool completely, then scooping it into airtight containers. It keeps well for up to 6 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently—no worries about texture loss here!
Reheating
For the best texture, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes to regain that slight crust on top. The microwave works fine when you’re in a hurry but can soften the edges, so it depends on what you’re craving.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh corn instead of canned in this casserole?
Absolutely! Fresh corn, ideally cut directly from the cob, works wonderfully and provides an even sweeter, fresher flavor. Just make sure to remove any excess liquid to keep your casserole from becoming too soggy.
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Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, the Cheesy Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container after it’s completely cooled. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
With a few substitutions, yes! Swap out sour cream for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free butter or oil. Vegan cheese can replace the cheddar. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
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What’s the best way to tell when the casserole is done?
You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a set center. Give the dish a gentle shake—if the middle jiggles slightly, give it a few more minutes. The toothpick test should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Cheesy Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I love coming back to—whether it’s a potluck, a family dinner, or just a cozy night in. It’s easy, forgiving, and feels like a little celebration every time I dig in. I have a feeling once you try it, you’ll be sharing it with your friends and family just like I do. So go ahead, make it, savor it, and enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
Print
Cheesy Creamy Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy cornbread casserole that combines the sweetness of corn with a tender, golden crust. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a hearty vegetarian main, this casserole is easy to prepare and bakes to a delightful golden brown.
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
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Grease a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Combine Wet and Dry: In a large bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, cream style corn, sour cream, melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the dry flour mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are fully incorporated. For extra cheesiness, you may add more cheddar cheese at this stage.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the middle.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Storing Leftovers: Cover the cooled casserole tightly and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold.
- Freezer Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then store in an airtight freezer container for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Make Ahead: You can bake the casserole up to 2 days in advance and reheat at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, prepare the batter up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate it, then bake as directed.
- Scaling Up: Double the recipe for a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Increase baking time by at least 10 minutes or until set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
