The Best Creamy Corn Casserole Recipe That Feels Like Home

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, buttery corn casserole fresh from the oven. One evening, after craving something cozy yet simple, I whipped up this corn pudding that quickly became my go-to side dish. Its creamy texture and sweet corn flavor make it a perfect complement to everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday spread. What I love most is how effortlessly this dish comes together—minimal ingredients, maximum comfort, and a crowd-pleaser every time. If you’re tired of the same old sides and want to bring a little nostalgia and cozy vibes back to your table, this corn casserole recipe might just become your new favorite.

Why choose Corn Casserole (Corn Pudding)?

Comforting Simplicity: This corn casserole brings cozy warmth with minimal effort. Creamy, Sweet Flavor: The natural sweetness of corn shines through in every bite. Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for weeknights or festive occasions alike. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Loved by kids and adults, making it a party favorite. Easy Ingredients: You likely have what you need already in your kitchen.

Corn Casserole (Corn Pudding) Ingredients

For the Corn Base

Whole Kernel Corn – Use canned or fresh; drainage affects moisture in your corn casserole.
Creamed Corn – Adds velvety texture and enhances the creamy feel of the corn pudding.
Eggs – Bind everything together for that smooth, custardy finish.

For the Creaminess

Sour Cream – Provides tangy richness and keeps the casserole moist.
Butter – Adds buttery depth and a golden crust when baked.
Milk – Use whole milk or cream for extra indulgence; balances the texture gently.

For the Baking Mix

Cornbread Mix – Combines easily with the wet ingredients and offers subtle crumb structure.

Flavor Boosters

Sugar – Just a touch to highlight corn’s natural sweetness in your corn casserole.
Salt – Essential for bringing all flavors together without overpowering.
Black Pepper – Optional, for a mild spice lift to contrast the sweetness.

How to Make Corn Casserole

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is in the center for even baking and a golden-brown crust.
Combine Corn: In a large bowl, stir together whole kernel corn, creamed corn, and sour cream until smooth and creamy with no large lumps.
Add Eggs & Butter: Crack eggs one at a time into the bowl; add melted butter until golden. Stir gently, beating until mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Fold in Dry Mix: Pour in milk and whisk until silky. Gradually fold in cornbread mix, sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring just until no dry streaks remain.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter; spoon batter evenly into pan, smoothing the top so it’s level for uniform, golden baking.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45–50 minutes, until edges are puffed and golden. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of cheddar and green onions before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Corn Casserole (Corn Pudding) Variations

Feel free to adapt this delicious corn casserole to suit your preferences and dietary needs, transforming it into a unique family favorite.

Gluten-Free: Substitute cornbread mix with a gluten-free blend to keep the same delightful texture without the gluten.
Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk and swap sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the corn.
Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives or thyme for an aromatic twist that elevates the flavor profile; it makes your casserole feel garden-fresh.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese before baking for a gooey, cheesy finish; sprinkle more on top for a golden crust.
Add Veggies: Stir in chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach to enhance nutrition while giving your corn casserole a vibrant color and extra texture.
Sweeten the Deal: For dessert lovers, fold in cooked, mashed sweet potatoes for an unexpected sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the corn.
Savory Spice: A dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder brings an exciting depth to the flavor, ensuring that every bite bursts with personality.

Enjoy experimenting with these variations and let your corn casserole shine in ways you never imagined!

What to Serve with Corn Casserole (Corn Pudding)?

A warm bowl of corn casserole is a delightful addition to any meal, and it’s begging for the perfect companions to create a spread that sings with flavor.

Grilled Chicken: Tender and juicy, grilled chicken balances the sweetness of the corn with savory goodness, making your meal complete and heartwarming.
Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies bring a crispy texture and earthy depth to the table, enhancing the sweetness of the casserole beautifully.
Classic Meatloaf: The rich and hearty nature of meatloaf provides a comforting contrast to the lightness of corn pudding, creating a nostalgic feel on your plate.
Creamy Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a crunchy, tangy element that cuts through the creaminess of the casserole, making each bite interesting.
Cornbread: For the cornbread lovers, pairing it with corn casserole means a double dose of deliciousness—both offer warmth and that feel-good factor at any gathering.
Green Salad: A light, zesty green salad is perfect for balancing the richness of your meal, adding freshness and a pop of color to your dining experience.
Iced Tea: A glass of sweet iced tea refreshes the palate, making it a delightful drink option that perfectly rounds out your comforting dinner.
Apple Pie: End on a sweet note with a slice of warm apple pie, its spiced flavors harmonize with the corn casserole’s sweetness, creating a comforting finale.

Every dish adds its own character to the comfort of corn casserole, ensuring each meal feels special and invites everyone back for seconds!

How to Store and Freeze Corn Casserole

Room Temperature: Allow the corn casserole to cool completely before leaving it at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
Fridge: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled corn casserole in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until completely warmed through for best texture. Enjoy your deliciously creamy corn casserole!

Expert Tips for Corn Casserole (Corn Pudding)

Use Fresh or Well-Drained Corn: Fresh corn offers the best sweetness, but if using canned, drain whole kernels well to avoid a soggy corn casserole.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir gently to combine ingredients; overmixing can make the texture dense instead of creamy and tender.
Check Oven Temperature: An accurate 350°F ensures even baking and a perfect golden crust without drying out your corn pudding.
Test Doneness Properly: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, never wet batter, for ideal texture.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes to set nicely, making it easier to slice and enhancing flavor melding.
Customize with Add-Ins: While classic is comforting, sprinkling cheese or herbs just before baking can elevate the corn casserole without complicating the base.

Make Ahead Options

These Corn Casserole (Corn Pudding) are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the entire mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine all the ingredients—whole kernel corn, creamed corn, eggs, sour cream, melted butter, and the dry mix—as instructed, but instead of baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if it’s going in cold. This makes it just as delicious, while allowing you to enjoy family time or other tasks. It’s the perfect way to ensure you have a comforting side dish with minimal last-minute effort!

Corn Casserole (Corn Pudding) Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best corn for this corn casserole?
Go for fresh corn when you can—it offers the sweetest, crunchiest bite and the best flavor. If using canned, be sure to drain whole kernel corn well to avoid excess moisture that can make the casserole soggy. Creamed corn adds necessary creaminess, so don’t skip it!

How long can I store leftover corn casserole, and what’s the best method?
Once cooled, store your corn casserole tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. For best results, reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven to bring back that comforting creaminess.

Can I freeze corn casserole, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in an airtight container before freezing. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until hot throughout.

What if my corn casserole turns out watery or too dense?
Watery casserole usually means too much liquid or underbaked filling; be sure to drain canned corn well and bake fully until the edges brown and a toothpick shows moist crumbs, not wet batter. Dense texture can come from overmixing—fold ingredients gently to keep it light and creamy.

Is corn casserole safe for pets or people with allergies?
Corn casserole contains dairy, eggs, and corn—common allergens for some people and can be harmful to pets like dogs or cats due to rich ingredients and seasonings. Always keep this dish for your human guests and not for animal consumption. For allergy-friendly swaps, consider dairy-free sour cream and egg replacers, but note the texture will differ.