This Sweet Corn Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that blends creamy corn with a hint of sweetness. It’s like a hug on a plate that everyone loves!
Perfect for gatherings, I often make it for holidays. The best part? It’s super easy! Just mix it up, bake, and watch it disappear. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cornmeal: Yellow cornmeal gives a nice texture. If you want it sweeter and fluffier, corn muffin mix is a great choice too! Just remember to check the sugar content if you opt for this substitution.
Sugar: This recipe calls for granulated sugar to balance the corn’s sweetness. For a healthier twist, try using honey or maple syrup in a slightly reduced amount to keep the sweetness level just right.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds creaminess and tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt works well! It’s thicker, so it keeps the casserole nice and rich without too many calories.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. If you’re avoiding dairy, a vegan butter or coconut oil can be good substitutes. Both will still keep that rich flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Comes Out Perfectly Baked?
Baking time is key for the perfect Sweet Corn Casserole. Here’s how to ensure it comes out just right:
- Preheat your oven before putting in the casserole to cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on the baking time! Start checking it around 45 minutes. You want the top golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- If you notice the top browning too fast, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Allow the casserole to cool a bit before serving. This helps it set up nicely and makes it easier to cut into squares!
Enjoy baking this delicious dish; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Sweet Corn Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (or corn muffin mix)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or thyme for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Sweet Corn Casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake. Overall, set aside about 1 hour for cooking and cooling before serving. It’s easy to make and the result is a creamy, dreamy side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping for Baking:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×9-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with some butter or non-stick spray. This will help your casserole come out easily after baking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal (or corn muffin mix), granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step is important to ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Combining Everything Together:
Next, add in the cream-style corn, drained whole kernel corn, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir everything until just combined. Don’t worry; the batter will be thick and slightly lumpy—this is normal!
4. Pouring into the Dish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread the batter evenly so it cooks nicely. Make sure to give it a little shake to level things out!
5. Time to Bake:
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a golden brown top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If the edges are getting too brown, you can tent the dish with aluminum foil.
6. Cooling & Serving:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve. Finally, you can garnish it with some fresh parsley or thyme, if desired, before diving in!
Enjoy this delicious Sweet Corn Casserole as a delightful side that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead?
Absolutely! If using frozen corn, let it thaw completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. This will prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge, covered. Just stir it well before pouring it into the baking dish and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk or cream to revive the texture!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in ingredients like shredded cheese, diced jalapeños for some heat, or crumbled bacon for added flavor. Just keep in mind that adding extras may alter the baking time slightly, so check for doneness as usual!
