Creamy Sweet Corn Bake

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delightful and creamy **Sweet Corn Casserole**! This classic dish, often referred to as corn pudding, is a true crowd-pleaser, especially during holiday gatherings and family meals. Forget bland, dry casseroles or relying on store-bought mixes; our recipe elevates this beloved side dish into a masterpiece of flavor and texture, made entirely from scratch with a luscious, cheesy topping that melts in your mouth. Get ready to impress your guests with a homemade side that tastes incredible and comes together with surprising ease.

There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm, savory corn casserole. It brings a touch of home-style goodness to any table, effortlessly complementing a wide range of main courses. Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving feast, a festive Christmas dinner, a lively Easter brunch, or simply seeking a comforting side for a weeknight meal, this sweet corn casserole is an absolute must-try. Its rich, creamy base, studded with tender corn kernels and crowned with gooey, melted cheddar cheese, offers an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sweet Corn Casserole in a serving bowl with fork, showcasing its cheesy topping.

This particular recipe stands out because it doesn’t require a cornbread mix. Instead, we create our own simple, four-ingredient cornbread “mix” right in the bowl, ensuring fresh flavors and complete control over the ingredients. This approach not only enhances the taste and texture of the casserole but also allows you to avoid unnecessary additives often found in pre-packaged mixes. The result is a richer, more authentic corn pudding experience. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile – it can be prepared ahead of time, making it a perfect option for busy hosts, and it stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer. The best part? Adding the cheese right after baking guarantees that perfect, irresistible gooey topping every single time!

Why This Sweet Corn Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try

Our Sweet Corn Casserole isn’t just another side dish; it’s an experience. Here’s why this recipe deserves a prime spot in your culinary repertoire:

**Authentic & From Scratch Flavor:** By ditching the box mix and crafting our own simple cornbread base with flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and sugar, we ensure a genuinely fresh and authentic corn flavor that truly shines. This method offers a depth of taste that pre-packaged alternatives simply cannot match.
**Incredibly Easy Preparation:** Despite its “from scratch” nature, this recipe is remarkably straightforward. With minimal prep time and simple steps, even novice cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality side dish with confidence. Most of the work involves mixing ingredients in a single bowl before baking.
**Rich, Creamy, & Cheesy Perfection:** The combination of whole kernel corn and creamed corn creates a delightful texture – tender kernels enveloped in a smooth, sweet, and savory custard-like base. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar, it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that satisfies every palate.
**Perfect for Any Occasion:** While it’s a staple for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas, this corn casserole is equally at home at potlucks, barbecues, Sunday suppers, or as a comforting side on a chilly evening. It’s a versatile dish that complements everything from roasted turkey and ham to grilled chicken and pork chops.
**Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly:** One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its excellent make-ahead potential. Prepare it a day or two in advance, or freeze it for up to four months, making meal prep for holidays or busy weeks a breeze. This saves you precious time when entertaining or simply when you need a quick, delicious meal option.

Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Corn Casserole

Crafting the perfect sweet corn casserole starts with high-quality ingredients. Our recipe uses a harmonious blend that creates a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

**Whole Kernel Corn (1 can):** This provides the classic texture of individual corn kernels, adding a pleasant bite and burst of natural sweetness. Be sure to drain and rinse it well to remove excess sodium and moisture.
**Creamed Corn (1 can):** The secret to the casserole’s irresistible creaminess! Creamed corn adds a smooth, velvety consistency and amplifies the sweet corn flavor, making the pudding truly luscious.
**Sour Cream:** A key ingredient for tanginess, richness, and moisture. Sour cream helps tenderize the casserole, keeps it from drying out, and contributes to its delightful, slightly tangy flavor profile.
**Butter (melted):** Butter adds essential richness and flavor, complementing the sweetness of the corn and providing a tender crumb to the casserole’s structure. Melting it ensures it incorporates smoothly into the batter.
**Eggs:** Eggs act as a binder, helping the casserole set and achieve its pudding-like consistency. They also add a touch of richness and contribute to the overall structure.
**Cheddar Cheese (shredded):** The star of our cheesy topping! Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a golden, gooey crust that is both savory and comforting. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking, or even experiment with other cheeses.
**All-Purpose Flour:** Part of our homemade cornbread mix, flour provides structure to the casserole, preventing it from becoming too dense or crumbly.
**Cornmeal:** This gives the casserole its distinctive corn flavor and slightly grainy texture, characteristic of a classic corn pudding. It’s crucial for that homemade taste.
**Baking Powder:** A leavening agent that helps the casserole rise slightly and achieve a lighter, more tender crumb.
**Salt:** Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness of the corn and the richness of the dairy.
**Granulated Sugar:** Just a touch of sugar brings out the natural sweetness of the corn, creating that perfect sweet and savory balance that makes this dish so addictive.

Corn Casserole Ingredients laid out on a marble board.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet Corn Casserole

Creating this delicious sweet corn casserole is incredibly simple, requiring just a few easy steps. Follow these instructions for a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and satisfying side dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dish and Dry Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, take a 13″ x 9″ casserole dish or a 2-quart baking dish and grease it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent the casserole from sticking. In a medium mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well combined. This mixture acts as our homemade cornbread base and will be added later.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the two types of corn: the drained and rinsed whole kernel corn and the can of creamed corn. Stir them gently. Next, crack in the two large eggs and whisk them into the corn mixture until just combined. Then, add the sour cream and stir until smooth and fully incorporated. Finally, pour in the melted butter and mix it thoroughly with the rest of the wet ingredients. Ensuring all these wet components are well combined creates the rich, creamy base for your casserole.

Adding melted butter and cornbread mix to corn mixture.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Bake

Now, add the previously whisked dry ingredient mixture (flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt) to the large bowl with your wet ingredients. Stir well, but be careful not to overmix. Mix until just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to a tough casserole. Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased casserole dish. Place the dish on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Topping and Serve

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot surface. Lightly cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. The residual heat from the casserole will perfectly melt the cheese, creating that irresistible gooey, melty topping we all love. If you were to add the cheese before baking, it would likely set and brown too much, losing that desirable melt-in-your-mouth texture. After the cheese has melted, uncover and serve your warm, cheesy sweet corn casserole. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sweet Corn Casserole

Achieving a perfectly creamy and flavorful corn casserole is simple with a few expert tips:

**Don’t Overmix:** When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, less tender casserole.
**Room Temperature Ingredients:** For a smoother batter and more even baking, try to use room temperature sour cream and eggs. This helps them emulsify better with the melted butter and other ingredients.
**Drain Canned Corn Well:** Ensure your whole kernel corn is thoroughly drained and rinsed. Excess water can make your casserole watery or prevent it from setting properly.
**Adjust Sweetness:** Taste your corn mixture before baking. If your corn is naturally less sweet or you prefer a sweeter casserole, you can add an extra teaspoon of sugar.
**The Gooey Cheese Secret:** For the ultimate gooey cheese topping, always add the shredded cheese *after* baking. The residual heat will melt it beautifully without drying it out or making it too crusty.
**Patience is Key:** Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven and adding the cheese. This resting period not only melts the cheese but also allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Variations & Customizations

While this sweet corn casserole is fantastic on its own, it also serves as a wonderful base for culinary creativity:

**Spicy Kick:** For those who enjoy a little heat, add a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat), a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
**Bacon Lovers:** Cook and crumble 4-6 slices of bacon, then stir half into the batter and sprinkle the other half over the top with the cheese.
**Herbaceous Notes:** Fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or a touch of thyme can add a lovely aromatic dimension. Stir them into the batter before baking.
**Cheese Varieties:** While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
**Onion & Garlic:** Sautéed finely diced onion or a clove of minced garlic can add depth and savoriness to the casserole. Add them to the wet ingredients.
**Cream Cheese Boost:** For an even richer and tangier casserole, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.

Can I use frozen corn to make this dish?

Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great alternative to canned whole kernel corn. However, it’s crucial to **thaw the frozen corn completely first** and then drain any excess moisture. If you use frozen corn directly, it will release too much water during baking, which can make your casserole watery and prevent it from setting properly. Simply place the frozen corn in a colander and run cool water over it, or let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Squeeze out any extra liquid before adding it to the mix.

Can I use fresh corn off the cob to make this dish?

Yes, and it’s a fantastic option! Using fresh corn kernels sliced right off the cob will impart an even brighter, sweeter, and more vibrant corn flavor to your casserole. Fresh corn also offers a delightful texture with a bit more “bite” than canned or frozen varieties. If you opt for fresh corn, you’ll want approximately 3-4 cups of kernels, which typically comes from about 4-6 ears of corn. You won’t need to drain it, as fresh corn usually has less excess moisture than thawed frozen corn or canned corn that hasn’t been rinsed.

Corn Pudding with cheesy topping in baking dish.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

This sweet corn casserole is not only delicious fresh out of the oven but also perfect for making ahead and enjoying later. Here’s how to properly store, freeze, and reheat it:

Make Ahead

You can easily prepare this dish up to 2 days in advance. Simply follow all the steps up to pouring the batter into the casserole dish. Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats. Then, bake as directed. For the best gooey cheese topping, add the shredded cheese after baking, just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover corn casserole should be stored in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the baking dish. Place it in the refrigerator within two hours of baking. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Instructions

This corn casserole freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or for saving holiday leftovers. To freeze:

**Cool Completely:** Allow the baked casserole to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming.
**Portion and Wrap:** You can freeze the entire casserole or divide it into individual portions. For the entire casserole, cover the baking dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. For individual portions, transfer them to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
**Label and Freeze:** Label with the date and freeze for up to 3-4 months.

Reheating Instructions

For best results when reheating frozen casserole:

**Thaw:** Transfer the frozen casserole to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw completely overnight.
**Room Temperature:** Let the thawed casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C).
**Reheat:** Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If it seems a little dry, you can sprinkle a tablespoon or two of milk or cream over the top before covering.
**Add Cheese:** If you want a fresh, gooey cheese topping, add shredded cheese during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating, or immediately after reheating and then cover for a few minutes to melt.

For refrigerated leftovers, simply reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warm. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Sweet Corn Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, making it a star alongside any meal, especially during the holidays.

**Holiday Feast:** Serve it alongside classic holiday roasts such as Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast, baked ham, or prime rib. Its rich and creamy texture perfectly complements savory meats.
**Comfort Food Pairings:** For a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s excellent with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, meatloaf, fried chicken, or pork chops.
**Vegetable Sides:** Enhance your meal with other delicious vegetable sides like Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Green Bean Casserole from Scratch, or a fresh garden salad.
**Potlucks and BBQs:** It’s a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or backyard barbecue, as it travels well and is always a hit with adults and kids alike.

More Delicious Side Dish Recipes to Explore:

Green Bean Casserole from Scratch: A homemade take on a beloved classic.
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole: Another holiday favorite, sweet and comforting.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, garlicky, and incredibly easy to make.
Cranberry Relish: A fresh, zesty accompaniment to any meal.

For an even wider selection of delectable accompaniments, be sure to browse our comprehensive **Side Dish Category** for more inspiration!

Decorative image for recipe section divider.

If you try this delightful Sweet Corn Casserole recipe and love it as much as we do, we’d be thrilled to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Make sure to tag us @crunchycreamysweet so we can check it out. Your feedback and comments truly make our day! Thank you for cooking with us!

Sweet Corn Casserole

Author:
Anna

A classic corn pudding made from scratch, with a cheesy topping. No cornbread mix needed.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time

10
mins

Cook Time

50
mins

Total Time

1
hr

Course
Side Dish

Cuisine
American

Servings

6
people

Calories

503
kcal

Ingredients

½
cup
all-purpose flour
½
cup
cornmeal
2
teaspoons
granulated sugar
1
teaspoon
baking powder
½
teaspoon
salt
15
oz
can whole kernel corn
drained and rinsed
15
oz
can creamed corn
1
cup
sour cream
8
tablespoon
butter
melted
1
cup
shredded cheddar cheese
2
large eggs

Instructions

Grease a 13″ x 9″ casserole dish or a 2-quart baking dish. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350℉ (175°C).
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn and creamed corn. Add the eggs and whisk them in.
Add the sour cream and mix until well combined.
Stir in the melted butter.
Add the dry cornmeal mix to the wet ingredients and stir well until just combined; do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared casserole dish.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes on the center rack of your oven, or until golden brown and set.
Remove from oven, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and cover lightly with aluminum foil or a lid.
Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey topping.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

If you prefer to use a store-bought cornbread mix, you can skip the first 4 ingredients (flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt) and follow the package directions for the dry mix, then combine with the wet ingredients as outlined in step 6.
Please note that nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on specific product brands and quantities used.

Nutrition

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