Velvety Creamed Corn Bake

The Inspiration Behind This Irresistible Corn Casserole

This exceptional creamed corn casserole recipe was born from a memorable culinary journey, specifically after a visit to Truth BBQ in Houston – hands down, one of my favorite BBQ joints of all time. Their version of creamed corn casserole, sometimes referred to as corn pudding, left an indelible impression. It boasted a dense, satisfying texture with a perfect balance of sweetness that complemented their smoky meats flawlessly. Recreating that magic at home became a mission, leading to this very recipe.

This casserole isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. It’s incredibly versatile, making it the perfect accompaniment for a variety of meals. I especially love to prepare this when we’re smoking a brisket, grilling BBQ chicken, or for any potluck or picnic gathering. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a firm family favorite that always disappears quickly.

If you’re as much of a corn bread enthusiast as I am, you might also enjoy exploring other recipes that feature this beloved staple. For a different twist, consider trying our Hearty Cornbread Stuffing, ideal for holiday feasts. Our Easy Cornbread Muffins are perfect for a quick snack or dinner roll substitute, and for a savory option, these Ham and Cheese Cornbread Muffins are simply delightful. Each offers a unique way to enjoy the comforting taste of corn.

Crafting the Ultimate Easy Creamed Corn Casserole

A holiday dinner truly wouldn’t feel complete without this easy and satisfying cornbread casserole gracing the table. It masterfully combines the best elements of traditional cornbread, the velvety texture of corn pudding, and the sweet creaminess of creamed corn into one utterly delicious dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it achieves without relying on pre-made mixes.

Instead of the typical Jiffy Cornbread Mix, we start by creating a simple homemade cornbread base using a few basic pantry ingredients. This homemade foundation allows for greater control over flavor and texture, resulting in a superior casserole. To this, we incorporate tender corn kernels for a delightful bite, rich creamed corn for an extra layer of sweetness and smoothness, and a generous dollop of sour cream to ensure the casserole remains incredibly moist and adds a subtle tang. The grand finale involves a luxurious drizzle of homemade honey butter, which melts into the warm casserole, imparting a sweet, golden glaze that elevates it to the status of ultimate comfort food side dish.

And for those seeking more fantastic side dishes to complement their meals, we have an array of options. Our Southern Turnip Greens, slowly simmered with salt pork, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, offer a tender and tasty soul food experience. You also won’t want to miss our incredibly indulgent Cheesy Potato Casserole or the crisp, fresh simplicity of our Classic Caesar Salad Recipe. Each of these recipes is designed to bring joy and flavor to your table, just like our beloved creamed corn casserole.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Creamed Corn Casserole

Crafting this delightful creamed corn casserole from scratch involves a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its perfect moistness, tenderness, and rich flavor. Here’s a detailed look at the key components:

• Cornmeal: The foundation of our homemade cornbread base. While any good quality yellow cornmeal will work, I typically opt for a finer ground variety for a smoother texture. Feel free to experiment with medium-ground cornmeal if you prefer a slightly more rustic feel in your casserole.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour works in tandem with the cornmeal to give the casserole its structure and a tender crumb, preventing it from becoming too dense.
• Sugar: Essential for balancing the savory notes of the corn and providing that classic sweet undertone. Adjust to your preference, but the recommended amount creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent is vital for ensuring the cornbread casserole rises beautifully and achieves that light, airy texture that contributes to its overall tenderness.
• Salt: A small but mighty ingredient, salt enhances all the other flavors, bringing out the natural sweetness of the corn and balancing the richness of the dairy.
• Milk: Whole milk is my go-to choice for its richness and ability to contribute to a deeply moist casserole. However, 2% milk can also be used successfully if that’s what you have on hand, with only a minimal difference in the final product.
• Butter: Unsalted or salted butter can be used, just be mindful of your salt addition later if using salted butter. It needs to be melted but should be allowed to cool slightly before mixing into the wet ingredients to avoid scrambling the egg. Butter adds an incredible richness and a golden hue.
• Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the batter together and contributing to the casserole’s overall structure and moisture. Any large egg will integrate perfectly into the mix.
• Canned Corn (Drained): This provides distinct, sweet corn kernels throughout the casserole, adding textural contrast and a burst of fresh corn flavor. Make sure to drain it thoroughly before adding.
• Canned Creamed Corn (Undrained): This is a cornerstone ingredient for the “creamed” aspect of the casserole. Its thick, creamy consistency and concentrated corn flavor are crucial for achieving that characteristic moist, pudding-like texture. No need to drain this one!
• Sour Cream: A true hero ingredient, sour cream is key to this casserole’s exceptional moistness and rich flavor. It adds a lovely tang that cuts through the sweetness, ensuring a well-rounded and deeply satisfying taste profile.
• Honey Butter Drizzle: This simple yet decadent topping is what truly makes the casserole irresistible. It’s a harmonious blend of melted butter and sweet honey, which is drizzled over the hot casserole straight from the oven, creating a glossy, sweet finish that sinks into every tender bite.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Corn Casserole from Scratch

Making this delectable creamed corn casserole from scratch, without relying on Jiffy mix, is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly moist and flavorful side dish:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, grab a large mixing bowl. Into this bowl, add your cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these dry ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of the leavening agent and flavorings.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, slightly cooled melted butter, large egg, and sour cream until well combined and smooth. This creates the rich, creamy base for your casserole. Next, incorporate the star ingredients: add the can of drained corn kernels and the can of undrained creamed corn to this wet mixture. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Gently Combine Batter: Now, carefully pour the prepared wet ingredients into the bowl containing your dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, mix them together just until they are combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in a more tender casserole. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, which we want to avoid.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the cornbread batter into a greased 8″ x 8″ or 9″ x 9″ baking dish. Alternatively, for individual portions, you can divide the batter among 12 greased muffin tins (filling them about two-thirds full). Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked through.
5. Finish with Honey Butter Drizzle: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes. While it cools, prepare the irresistible honey butter drizzle: in a small bowl, simply stir together the honey and additional melted butter until smooth. Generously drizzle this sweet, fragrant mixture over the warm Creamed Corn Casserole. Serve warm and savor every comforting bite!

Absolutely! While this Creamed Corn Casserole truly shines and is at its absolute best when served fresh and warm straight from the oven, it can certainly be made ahead of time to help streamline your meal preparation. You have a couple of options: you can bake the entire casserole the night before your event and then gently reheat it on the day of serving. To reheat, cover it loosely with foil and warm in a 300-325°F (150-160°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, this casserole freezes exceptionally well. Simply bake it, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Although this recipe is specifically designed to be made from scratch for optimal flavor and texture, we understand that sometimes convenience is key. If you wish to substitute Jiffy Cornbread Mix for the homemade dry ingredients, you can certainly do so. To adapt the recipe, you would eliminate the individual dry ingredients: cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, simply use one standard box of Jiffy Cornbread Mix (8.5 oz or similar size). When making this substitution, you’ll also want to slightly decrease the sugar in the recipe to about ½ cup, as Jiffy mix already contains sugar. Follow the remaining wet ingredient and baking instructions as written.

This versatile casserole isn’t limited to just a square baking dish! You can easily adapt it to other vessels depending on your presentation preference or occasion. A popular alternative is to bake them as individual cornbread muffins. To do this, prepare approximately 12 muffin tins by lining them with paper liners or greasing them thoroughly. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake them in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for a slightly shorter duration, typically around 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. This makes for a great grab-and-go option for potlucks or as part of a brunch spread.

Storing and Reheating Your Creamed Corn Casserole

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your delicious creamed corn casserole long after it’s freshly baked. Here are the best practices:

• Refrigerator Storage: If you find yourself with leftovers, ensure they are completely cooled before storing. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, this casserole freezes beautifully. Once the casserole has cooled completely, cover the entire dish securely with a layer of aluminum foil, followed by a layer of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored frozen for approximately 2 months. To use, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Microwave: For small, individual portions, a microwave works efficiently. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through, stirring halfway if possible.
  • Oven: For reheating a larger portion or the entire casserole, the oven is recommended for the best texture. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out. Warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through to the center.

Exciting Creamed Corn Casserole Variations

While the classic creamed corn casserole is a showstopper on its own, don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious variations. Try one or combine a couple for a sweet and savory corn casserole experience you won’t soon forget! These additions can transform the dish, making it suitable for different tastes and occasions.

• Spicy Jalapeño: For those who appreciate a little kick in every bite, adding a small can of diced jalapeños (drained, or undrained if you want more heat) into the batter before baking is a fantastic option. The heat from the jalapeños perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn, creating a dynamic flavor profile.
• Bacon Lovers: Everything’s better with bacon! Crumble some crispy, cooked bacon into the batter before it goes into the oven. Our homemade bacon bits would be absolutely perfect here. You can also reserve some extra crumbled bacon to sprinkle on top as a garnish just before serving, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
• Southern Style: To create a heartier, protein-packed variation with a distinct Southern flair, consider incorporating cooked breakfast sausage or spicy chorizo into the batter. This makes the casserole more substantial and can even serve as a main course for a casual brunch or light dinner.
• Maple Bacon: This variation offers an indulgent blend of sweet and savory. Start by adding cooked and crumbled bacon into the batter. Instead of the honey butter, drizzle warm maple syrup over the casserole immediately after it comes out of the oven. The rich, woodsy sweetness of maple pairs exquisitely with the salty crunch of bacon, creating an irresistible combination. You’re going to absolutely adore this one!

Discover More Irresistible BBQ Side Dishes You’ll Love

No barbecue spread is complete without an array of flavorful side dishes to complement your grilled and smoked meats. From hearty casseroles to refreshing vegetables, these recipes are designed to elevate any BBQ gathering. Explore these popular options that are sure to be a hit alongside your creamed corn casserole:

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1¼ cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• ¾ cup butter, melted (and slightly cooled)
• 1 large egg
• 1 (14.75-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (14.75-ounce) can creamed corn, not drained
• 1 cup sour cream

For the Honey Butter Drizzle:

• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
3. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the milk, melted butter (ensure it’s not hot), large egg, and sour cream. Whisk these wet ingredients well until smooth, then gently fold in the drained canned corn and the undrained creamed corn.
4. Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, mix them together just until they are combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly lumpy batter is ideal for a tender casserole.
5. Pour the prepared cornbread batter into a greased 8″ x 8″ or 9″ x 9″ baking dish. If you prefer individual portions, you can divide the batter among 12 greased muffin tins.
6. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. While it cools, prepare the honey butter: in a small bowl, stir together the honey and the additional ¼ cup of melted butter until combined. Drizzle this warm honey butter generously over the Creamed Corn Casserole. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Storing Leftovers: Ensure any leftover casserole is completely cooled. Cover it well with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, completely cool your baked casserole. Wrap the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil, and then add another layer of plastic wrap. It can be stored frozen for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: You can microwave small portions until warm, or for the best results with a larger portion, cover the entire casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories:

494kcal

Carbohydrates:

59g

Protein:

5g

Fat:

28g

Saturated Fat:

16g

Polyunsaturated Fat:

2g

Monounsaturated Fat:

7g

Trans Fat:

1g

Cholesterol:

90mg

Sodium:

282mg

Potassium:

272mg

Fiber:

3g

Sugar:

31g

Vitamin A:

820IU

Vitamin C:

0.3mg

Calcium:

130mg

Iron:

2mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only. Individual results may vary.

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