The Best Corn Casserole

Article by: Krissy Downey

Our best corn casserole is just as easy as it is delicious. It’s one of those throw-everything-into-a-bowl, mix and bake recipes that always comes out simply delicious. We’ve enhanced it with some savory add-ins like cheddar and chives, making it an extra rich and flavorful side dish for a crowd. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple family supper, this fuss-free side is sure to become a cozy favorite.

Key Ingredients In Our Best Corn Casserole

Canned corn: Whole corn kernels offer both a corn-forward flavor and a chunky texture to the corn casserole.

Canned creamed corn: Creamed corn has all the same flavor benefits as canned corn, but it also helps create a moist, creamy texture.

Cheddar cheese: We add sharp cheddar to our best corn casserole recipe, making it extra tasty and indulgent.

Cornmeal: Cornmeal boosts the corn flavor, but it also helps absorb moisture from the other ingredients, giving the casserole a sturdy texture.

Sour cream: We love the creaminess and slight tangy flavor the sour cream brings to our corn casserole. Corn is naturally very sweet, so sour cream helps balance out the sweet and savory flavors.

Chives: Fresh chives bring an onion-y and fresh flavor that really makes this corn casserole something special. We love the brightness of fresh chives, but if you only have dried on hand, use 2 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup.

Sugar: This side dish is all about a balance of savory and sweet, so we add sugar to help bring out the natural sweetness of the corn.

Baking soda: Baking soda is a leavening agent, so it helps our corn casserole rise slightly in the oven and turn out light and fluffy.

Corn Casserole vs. Corn Pudding

Corn casserole and corn pudding are similar, but not quite the same. Many people use the two terms interchangeably, but there are some key differences that differentiate the two. Corn casserole uses cornmeal, giving it a firmer structure. Our corn casserole, which has cornmeal in it, cuts into clean squares, almost like cornbread. Sometimes, corn pudding does contain cornmeal, but it also has dairy like cream cheese, milk or cream, giving it a softer, more custard-like texture.

Can You Make Corn Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes, corn casserole can be made up to two days in advance, but it is a dish that is really better served fresh. If you need to work in advance, let the casserole cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven.

Can You Freeze Corn Casserole?

We don’t recommend freezing corn casserole. It is best served right out of the oven, and freezing can add unwanted moisture to the corn casserole.

What to Serve with Corn Casserole

Casseroles are best served to a crowd, and our recipe for corn casserole is no different. It is an excellent accompaniment for any roast meat, like simple roast chicken, elegant standing rib roast or a proper holiday turkey. It yields 6-8 full servings, but it will feed even more on a holiday with lots of side dishes.