This sweet corn casserole is a cozy side that’s easy to love! It’s creamy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious, making it perfect for family gatherings or just a simple dinner.
Honestly, it never fails to bring smiles around the table. I love serving it warm, with its sweet topping—it’s like sunshine on a plate! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Corn: Canned sweet corn is super convenient, but you can use fresh or frozen corn instead. Just make sure to cook frozen corn briefly before adding it to the mix for the best texture.
Cream-Style Corn: This adds moisture and sweetness. If you don’t have it, you can blend whole corn with a bit of milk to achieve a similar consistency.
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: This mix provides a great base. If you want a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free corn muffin mix, or make your own with cornmeal and baking powder.
Sour Cream: It adds creaminess and tang. You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for a healthier option—just check the flavor, as it can be a bit more tangy.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt in the dish. You could also use melted coconut oil or a non-dairy butter for a dairy-free variation.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Casserole?
Getting the right texture in your corn casserole is key! Ensure you mix everything thoroughly so that the corn and muffin mix combine well. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a big bowl to give yourself room for mixing. The batter should be thick but well-combined.
- Don’t overmix. Stir just until the ingredients are blended—this keeps the casserole light and fluffy.
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. Check for that golden top and do the toothpick test to ensure it’s just set.
Let it cool slightly before serving, as this helps everything firm up a bit more!
How to Make Sweet Corn Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (15-16 oz) whole kernel sweet corn, drained
- 1 can (14-15 oz) cream-style corn
- 1 package (8.5 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sweet corn casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 45 to 55 minutes to bake. So, in about an hour, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, let’s get the oven going! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grab a 1.5-quart casserole dish and lightly grease it. This will make it easier to serve later!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the drained sweet corn, cream-style corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. If you’re using sugar, add that in too! Mix everything well until it’s nicely blended. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
3. Pour and Spread:
Pour the corn mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly; this helps it cook uniformly, giving you a deliciously fluffy texture.
4. Bake It Right:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the casserole in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on it; it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This cooling time lets it set nicely. Before serving, consider garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your creamy, sweet, comforting corn casserole warm—it’s the perfect side for any meal, especially during the holidays!
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Corn Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh or frozen corn for this recipe. If using frozen corn, just thaw and drain it before mixing it in. Fresh corn should be cooked briefly before adding, as it needs to soften up a bit!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream to restore some moisture.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time! Just follow the recipe up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, as it will be cold from the fridge.
Is There a Dairy-Free Option?
Definitely! You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt and use a plant-based butter instead of regular butter. Just check the labels to ensure they’re dairy-free!
