Southern Corn Casserole: Easy Recipe in 60 Minutes

Get ready to whip up a truly comforting classic with our **Southern Corn Casserole: Easy Recipe in 60 Minutes**! This creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet side dish is a staple at potlucks, holidays, and family dinners across the South. It’s incredibly simple to make and always disappears fast.

Introduction: The Perfect Southern Side Dish

There’s something uniquely comforting about Southern food, and this corn casserole perfectly embodies that warmth and hospitality. Often associated with holiday feasts and Sunday suppers, a good corn casserole is a must-have at any gathering. It’s the kind of dish that brings a smile to everyone’s face.

This recipe delivers a rich, flavorful corn casserole that tastes just like grandma used to make, but without all the fuss. Whether you call it corn pudding, corn soufflé, or simply corn casserole, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a weeknight meal.

Why This Southern Corn Casserole Recipe Works

Our recipe for **Southern Corn Casserole: Easy Recipe in 60 Minutes** is a winner for several reasons. It combines canned and frozen corn for the best texture and flavor, striking a perfect balance between creamy and slightly chunky. The addition of sour cream and butter ensures a moist, rich consistency that is simply irresistible.

Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving. Even beginner cooks can achieve perfect results with this straightforward recipe. You’ll love how quickly you can get this delicious side dish on the table, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests and other preparations.

Simple Ingredients for Corn Casserole

You likely have many of these ingredients in your pantry already! This easy corn casserole comes together with just a few basic items.

1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can cream-style corn
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for a sweeter taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make Southern Corn Casserole: Step-by-Step

Making this delightful Southern Corn Casserole is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps for a dish that tastes amazing every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Corn Mixture

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish or a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, softened cream cheese, melted butter, sour cream, sugar (if using), black pepper, and salt.
Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the cream cheese is fully incorporated. Ensure there are no large lumps of cream cheese.

Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the corn mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and lightly golden brown on top. The center should be set.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set further and makes for easier scooping.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Corn Casserole

To elevate your **Southern Corn Casserole: Easy Recipe in 60 Minutes**, consider these simple tips. For an extra savory touch, mix in some shredded cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking, or sprinkle it on top. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

Using room temperature cream cheese ensures a smoother mixture, preventing lumps. Don’t overbake, as this can dry out the casserole. It should still have a creamy consistency when removed from the oven.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Corn Casserole

This versatile corn casserole is the perfect accompaniment to a wide array of main dishes. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, baked ham, or a classic holiday turkey. For a complete Southern meal, serve it alongside BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or fried catfish.

It’s also fantastic with simple weeknight dinners like meatloaf or grilled pork chops. This easy side dish truly complements nearly anything! For more great ideas, Read our in-depth guide here.

Storing Leftover Corn Casserole

If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious **Southern Corn Casserole: Easy Recipe in 60 Minutes**, they store beautifully. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave or place the entire dish, covered, in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk or a pat of butter before reheating to maintain its creamy texture. Learn more about food storage best practices on sites like Food Network.

More Delicious Southern Recipes to Try

Loved this corn casserole? There’s a whole world of incredible Southern cuisine waiting for you! Explore other comforting classics like creamy mac and cheese, collard greens with ham hocks, or a sweet potato soufflé. Each dish offers a taste of true Southern hospitality and flavor.

Don’t forget to try a classic peach cobbler for dessert. These recipes are perfect for expanding your repertoire of hearty, family-favorite meals.

FAQ

Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?

Absolutely! You can use about 3 cups of frozen corn kernels (no need to thaw) in place of the canned whole kernel corn. The cooking time might increase slightly, so keep an eye on it.

Can I prepare Southern Corn Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Mix all the ingredients together as directed, pour into your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What makes this corn casserole “Southern”?

Southern corn casserole often features a creamy, slightly sweet profile, incorporating ingredients like cream-style corn, butter, and sometimes sugar, which are hallmarks of traditional Southern side dishes. This version embodies that rich, comforting, and family-friendly style typical of the region.