corn bake casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best corn bake casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite corn bake casserole recipe that has been a staple in our household for years. This dish is a classic American comfort food that never fails to please. It’s a simple, yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick weeknight dinner. I remember first trying this recipe at a church potluck, and it was love at first bite! The combination of sweet corn, creamy cheese, and crispy breadcrumb topping is absolute perfection.

My kids adore it, and it’s one of the few dishes they’ll actually eat without complaining. As for me, I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – you can serve it as a side dish or even use it as a main course. The best part? It’s incredibly healthy, thanks to the abundance of corn and minimal added sugars. My whole family has been asking for this recipe for years, and I’m finally sharing it with all of you today!

So, let’s get started on this delicious journey together. This corn bake casserole recipe has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine. The original recipe calls for canned creamed corn and heavy cream, but I’ve adapted it to use fresh corn kernels instead. This gives the dish a lighter, more vibrant flavor that we all love. The key to making this recipe shine is in the technique – you have to be gentle when mixing the batter so as not to over-develop the gluten in the cornmeal.

It’s all about finding that perfect balance between crunch and tenderness. Now, let me tell you a little secret: this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just need a quick weeknight meal, this corn bake casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. And don’t even get me started on leftovers – they’re just as delicious reheated in the microwave or oven. As I mentioned earlier, this dish is incredibly healthy.

Not only does it use fresh corn kernels instead of canned creamed corn, but it also incorporates Greek yogurt for added protein and moisture. The breadcrumb topping adds some extra crunch without overpowering the delicate flavors of the dish. As we dive into this recipe together, I want to emphasize just how easy it is to make. You don’t need any special equipment or ingredients; just good old-fashioned pantry staples like butter, eggs, flour, and cheese. That’s what makes this recipe so accessible to everyone.

Before we get started on the actual recipe itself, I want to give you some context about where this dish comes from. The original Southern recipe was meant to be made with canned creamed corn and heavy cream, but I adapted mine using fresh corn kernels instead. The result is a lighter, much fresher-tasting dish.

Cheesy Corn Bake Casserole

4.9 from 852 votes

A comforting and flavorful casserole featuring sweet corn, creamy cheese, and a crispy topping. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 cups frozen corn
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp butter
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine frozen corn, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3Stir until well combined.
4Transfer the corn mixture into a greased baking dish.
5Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
6Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is hot and bubbly.
7Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl.
8Add the panko breadcrumbs to the melted butter and stir until well coated.
9Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the hot casserole.
10Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
11Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and texture. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the corn mixture.

I love serving this corn bake casserole at family gatherings because everyone always raves about it – kids included! It’s one of those rare dishes where everyone will finish their plate without complaint (no small feat!)

You can easily store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for later use. Reheating is as simple as popping them back into your oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot throughout.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Corn Bake Casserole

1.

What type of cheese should I use in this corn bake casserole recipe?

In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese! Both have great melting properties and add plenty of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

2.

Can I make this recipe without using Greek yogurt?

While Greek yogurt adds moisture and protein to the dish, you can substitute it with sour cream or even plain regular yogurt if that’s what you have on hand.

3.

How do I prevent the breadcrumb topping from getting soggy?

To keep your breadcrumb topping crispy, mix them with melted butter before sprinkling them over the top layer of cheese.

4.

Is there an alternative way to cook this dish other than baking in the oven?

You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot!

5.

Can I customize this recipe with my own favorite vegetables?

Absolutely!

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