Name: Creamy Corn Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2/3 cup (100g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (80g) yellow cornmeal; 1/4 cup (55g) white sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; Pinch of cayenne pepper; 420 g / 14 oz creamed corn (or substitute with blended creamed corn mixture as described); 420 g / 14 oz canned corn kernels (do not drain); 2 eggs, beaten; 1 stick / 115 g unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup (230g) sour cream; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

You’re going to adore this Creamy Corn Casserole Recipe—it’s one of those comforting, no-fuss dishes that always steals the show at my family gatherings. I remember the first time I tried it, I was skeptical about how such simple ingredients could come together so beautifully. But trust me, once it’s baked, you’ll find that rich creaminess combined with that golden crust is absolute magic. Whether you want a perfect side for a holiday feast or a cozy midweek treat, this casserole never disappoints.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Creamy Texture: The combination of creamed corn and sour cream gives it a luscious, velvety feel every bite.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items—mostly pantry staples you likely already have.
Perfect Make-Ahead Side: I love how well it reheats, making your life easier for gatherings or leftovers.
Crowd Pleaser: My family literally goes crazy for this at Thanksgiving and every potluck since.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a golden brown corn casserole. The casserole has a slightly crispy top layer sprinkled with small green chives bits. The inside is bright yellow with visible corn kernels scattered throughout, showing a soft and moist texture. A silver spoon lifts a scoop from the dish, revealing the cheesy, creamy layers underneath the browned crust. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s so great about this cream corn casserole recipe is how these simple ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of sweet corn flavor and cozy creaminess. When you shop, look for fresh, quality canned corn and creamed corn—you’ll taste the difference!

Flour: I prefer all-purpose for a nice structure, but cake flour works in a pinch for a lighter texture.
Yellow cornmeal: Gives the casserole a subtle corn flavor and a bit of pleasant texture; I buy mine labeled as “polenta” but it’s really cornmeal.
White sugar: Balances out the savory elements and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
Baking powder: Helps the casserole rise gently so it’s light, not dense.
Salt and cayenne pepper: Just enough to boost flavor and add a very subtle spicy kick—don’t skip the cayenne (even if it’s tiny!).
Creamed corn: The star of the dish; if you can’t find it, don’t worry—I have a trick below to make your own.
Canned corn kernels (with liquid): I never drain them to keep that extra moisture and sweetness.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
Unsalted butter: Melted for smooth richness and to ensure you can control the salt level perfectly.
Sour cream: Adds tang and creamy texture, making this casserole stand out from the crowd.
Vegetable oil: Helps keep the casserole moist and adds a nice subtle flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this recipe lends itself to creativity. Over time, I’ve played around with a few variations that really take it to the next level, but honestly, you can make it just how you like and still get incredible results. Don’t hesitate to tweak according to your taste or what you have on hand!

Cheesy Corn Casserole: Adding a handful of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top just before baking creates a bubbly, golden crust—my kids beg for this twist every time.
Spicy Kick: If you like things a little bolder, try mixing in diced jalapeños or swapping the cayenne for smoked paprika—it adds a smoky warmth that’s delicious.
Herb-Infused: Stir in chopped fresh chives or parsley towards the end—this freshens up the deep creamy flavors nicely, especially if you’re serving it with a heavy main dish.
Vegan Friendly: Swap butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of chicken eggs, and replace sour cream with vegan yogurt. The texture shifts a bit, but it’s still creamy and satisfying.

How to Make Creamy Corn Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it’s warming up, whisk together all your dry ingredients—the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and that tiny pinch of cayenne pepper—in a large mixing bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, so you get consistent flavor in every bite. I always find this initial whisking step makes the texture so much smoother.

Step 2: Mix In the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the eggs, melted butter, sour cream, vegetable oil, creamed corn, and canned corn kernels (with their juice!) to the dry mix. I never drain the corn—the liquid keeps the casserole nice and moist. Stir until just combined; you want a thick but pourable batter. Overmixing can make the texture tougher, so stop once everything looks blended.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your mixture into an 8-cup casserole dish, smooth the top, and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 55-60 minutes if your oven isn’t convection, or 50 minutes if it is. You’re aiming for a set casserole with a little jiggle in the center—this tells you it’s perfectly cooked and not dry. And don’t let me forget to mention: that golden brown top? It’s absolutely everything. Let it cool slightly before serving to let it finish setting up.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Corn Casserole Recipe

Don’t Drain the Corn: Keeping the liquid from canned corn kernels adds moisture and sweetness, resulting in a perfectly creamy texture.
Use Fresh Sour Cream: I’ve found that fresh, full-fat sour cream gives the casserole the best tangy flavor and richness.
Watch Your Bake Time: Keep an eye after 50 minutes; pulling it out while it still jiggles slightly guarantees it won’t dry out.
Mix Gently: Overmixing flour-based batters can toughen baked goods — stir just until combined for soft, tender results.

How to Serve Creamy Corn Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a golden brown cornbread patty with a crispy top layer that has a rough texture and is dotted with small green chive pieces and yellow corn kernels. Below the top, the cornbread is soft and crumbly with a light yellow color. The cornbread is on a white plate with faint embossed floral patterns. A silver fork rests next to the cornbread with some of it broken into pieces near the fork. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishes, I like sprinkling freshly chopped chives or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness—that subtle herbal note cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top after baking when serving it warm, just to indulge the cheese lovers in the family.

Side Dishes

This creamy corn casserole pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like roasted turkey, baked ham, or slow-cooked barbecue meats. I often serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed green beans to balance out the richness with some crispness and color.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve spooned this casserole into individual ramekins and topped them with a little smoked paprika and crispy corn kernels for texture—it’s an impressive way to present a classic crowd-pleaser. You can also bake in mini cast iron skillets to bring a rustic charm to your table setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After we’ve devoured dinner, I usually cover any leftover creamy corn casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors even meld more overnight. I always label mine so no one forgets to eat it!

Freezing

If I’m prepping ahead for a big meal, I freeze this casserole without baking it. I cover the unbaked mixture tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s time to bake, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual—then you get fresh-baked goodness without the last-minute rush.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven method: cover the casserole and heat at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes to crisp the golden top again. If I’m short on time, the microwave works fine too—but the texture is best when reheated slowly in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make this creamy corn casserole without creamed corn?

Absolutely! If you don’t have creamed corn, you can make a substitute by blending canned corn kernels with a bit of the liquid and a tablespoon of flour until it’s mostly smooth but still chunky. This trick mimics the texture and moisture of creamed corn really well.
Is this casserole gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour and cornmeal, which contain gluten. You could swap the flour for a gluten-free blend, but the texture might be a bit different. I’d recommend experimenting with a trusted gluten-free baking mix if gluten is a concern.
Can I prepare the casserole a day ahead?

Yes! You can mix everything and keep it refrigerated overnight. When you’re ready, just bake it as instructured. This is a great way to save time on busy days or before holiday meals.
How can I add extra flavor to my corn casserole?

Adding cheese, fresh herbs, or a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor. Also, mixing in some sautéed onions or diced bell peppers can add texture and depth.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Corn Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s simple, comforting, and versatile. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of those cozy family dinners where everyone eagerly asks for seconds. I hope you give it a try and find it as satisfying and delightful as I do—this recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, the perfect side that always shines no matter the occasion.