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Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe

This cheesy corn casserole is the side dish that disappears first at every holiday table: sweet corn baked in a creamy, cheesy custard with a golden, buttery crumb topping. It tastes like cornbread and creamed corn had a perfect baby, and it comes together in one bowl in ten minutes. No one will guess how easy it was.

November 3, 2026 1 hr
Golden cheesy corn casserole scooped from a baking dish with melted cheddar on topDinner
Prep10 mins
Cook50 mins
Total1 hr
Serves8
CourseSide Dish
CuisineAmerican

This Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe is pure comfort in a baking dish. Sweet corn kernels, creamed corn, and a cornbread style batter bake into a soft, spoonable casserole that is part side dish, part savory pudding. Sharp cheddar melts through every bite, and a buttery cracker crumb topping adds the crunch that makes people go back for seconds.

For more favourites, try our Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, our Crockpot Green Bean Casserole and our Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter.

What Makes This Cheesy Corn Casserole So Good

The texture is the magic. Whole kernels give pops of sweetness, creamed corn keeps the center moist and custardy, and the cornbread batter binds it all into something sliceable yet spoon soft. Cheddar adds savoriness and a golden top, while sour cream keeps the crumb tender instead of dry.

It is also one of the easiest holiday sides ever invented. Everything mixes in one bowl, there is no chopping, and the oven does the rest. It holds beautifully on a buffet, reheats well, and scales up for a crowd with zero extra effort.

The Key Ingredients

Pantry staples and a few fridge basics are all you need.

The Corn

A mix of whole kernel corn and creamed corn gives the best texture: kernels for bite, creamed corn for moisture. Frozen corn works too, but thaw and drain it first so the casserole does not turn watery.

The Cheese

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, and shredding it yourself melts far better than pre shredded cheese, which is coated to prevent clumping. Pepper Jack adds a gentle kick if you want heat.

The Base

A box of cornbread mix, or a simple mix of cornmeal, flour, and baking powder, gives the casserole its structure. Sour cream and eggs keep it moist and rich, and melted butter adds flavor and a golden crust.

How to Make Cheesy Corn Casserole

One bowl, one dish, one oven. That is the whole method.

  • Mix the batter: stir together the corn, creamed corn, sour cream, eggs, melted butter, and cornbread mix.
  • Add the cheese: fold in most of the cheddar, saving a handful for the top.
  • Fill the dish: spread the mixture in a buttered baking dish and sprinkle with cheese and cracker crumbs.
  • Bake until golden: bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes, until set in the center and golden on top.
  • Rest briefly: cool for 10 minutes so the casserole sets before scooping.

Mistakes to Avoid

Using Undrained Corn

Extra liquid makes the casserole soggy. Drain canned corn well, and thaw and drain frozen corn before mixing.

Overbaking

The center should be just set, with a slight jiggle, when you pull it out. It firms up as it cools, and overbaking dries it out.

Skipping the Rest

Cutting into a hot casserole gives a runny scoop. Ten minutes of rest lets it set into neat, spoonable servings.

What to Serve with Cheesy Corn Casserole

This casserole pairs with holiday mains and weeknight dinners alike:

  • Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter, with gravy
  • Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, sweet on sweet
  • Roast chicken, for a simple Sunday dinner
  • Chili, as a cornbread style side that scoops up the sauce

Make It Your Own

The base welcomes additions. Stir in diced green chiles for a Southwestern twist, add crumbled bacon for smokiness, or fold in diced jalapeno for heat. A topping of crushed butter crackers or panko adds crunch, and a handful of scallions on top keeps it fresh. Leftovers reheat beautifully and make a great breakfast alongside eggs.

Make This Cheesy Corn Casserole Today

Sweet, cheesy, and ridiculously easy, this corn casserole is the side dish that earns a permanent spot on your holiday menu. Mix it in ten minutes and let the oven do the rest. Browse more of our Dinner recipes for more crowd pleasing sides.

Recipe card

Cheesy Corn Casserole Recipe

P Pin
Prep
10 mins
Cook
50 mins
Total
1 hr
Serves
8
Course
Side Dish
Cuisine
American

Ingredients

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Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • mixing bowl
  • measuring cups

Method

Tap a step when it’s done.

Nutrition

410 kcal

Calories

12 g

Protein

38 g

Carbs

24 g

Total Fat

3 g

Fibre

620 mg

Sodium

Notes

  • Drain canned corn well so the casserole does not turn soggy.
  • Shred your own cheddar for the smoothest melt.
  • The center should be just set when you pull it out; it firms as it cools.
  • Rest for 10 minutes before scooping for neat servings.
  • Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat well in the oven.

Tips for success

  • Add diced green chiles for a Southwestern twist.
  • Crumbled bacon adds smokiness and crunch.
  • Diced jalapeno gives a gentle kick.
  • A panko topping stays extra crisp.
  • Double the recipe in a larger dish for a big crowd.
  • Leftover casserole is excellent alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Questions & answers

Can I make corn casserole ahead?+
Yes. Assemble it up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake from cold, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use frozen corn?+
Yes. Thaw it completely and drain well before mixing, so the casserole does not turn watery.
Is corn casserole the same as corn pudding?+
They are close cousins. Corn casserole has a cornbread mix base and a firmer, scoopable texture, while corn pudding is softer and more custardy.
Can I freeze corn casserole?+
Yes. Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350 degree oven until hot.