The Best Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole You’ll Love

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish that feels like a warm hug from the South, and Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole delivers just that. The creamy, slightly sweet corn melds perfectly with a golden crust, making it a standout side that’s both nostalgic and fresh. I first made this casserole on a quiet Sunday afternoon, craving something homey yet special—a dish that would steal the show at any family gathering or holiday feast. What I love most is how effortless it is to bring together pantry staples into this crowd-pleasing delight, with a texture that’s silky smooth but with just the right bit of bite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just someone who adores soulful homemade food, this recipe promises to elevate your comfort food game without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to make your table smell like Southern tradition? Let’s get started!

Why choose Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole?

Unmatched Comfort: This casserole wraps you in cozy Southern warmth with every bite. Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples, it’s easy and accessible for any home cook. Versatile Side: Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or casual meals. Perfect Texture: Silky smooth inside with a lightly crisp golden top. Crowd-Pleaser: Its subtly sweet and creamy flavor wins over even picky eaters. Time-Saving: Whip it up quickly without sacrificing homemade goodness.

Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

Whole kernel corn – Use canned or fresh for that classic sweet crunch.
Creamed corn – Adds creamy texture and enriches the flavor of Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole.
Eggs – Bind everything together, giving the casserole its silky smooth consistency.
Milk – Use whole or 2% for a rich, velvety pudding texture.
Butter – Melted and mixed in for buttery richness and golden topping.
Sugar – A touch to balance the natural sweetness of corn without overpowering it.
All-purpose flour – Helps thicken and stabilize the casserole for a perfect structure.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip!
Baking powder – Gives a subtle lift, making the pudding light and airy on the inside.

Optional Add-ins and Toppings

Grated cheddar cheese – Sprinkle on top or fold in for a savory twist.
Chopped jalapeños – Add a mild heat to contrast the sweet corn.
Crumbled bacon – For smoky, crispy bites that complement the creamy pudding.
Breadcrumbs – Dust the top before baking for extra golden crunch and texture.

How to Make Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure an even golden crust.
For the Casserole Base:
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and sugar until smooth and homogenous, creating a rich and creamy custard-like base for the casserole.
Add corn and dry ingredients: Fold in whole kernel corn, creamed corn, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined and the batter remains slightly lumpy for the perfect texture.
Pour mixture: Transfer the batter into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer for consistent baking.
Bake: Place the dish on the center oven rack and bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
Rest before serving: Let your casserole cool for 10 minutes to allow it to set, making it easier to slice and ensuring each portion holds its shape.

Optional: Sprinkle chopped chives or extra black pepper for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole is a fantastic candidate for meal prep, making those busy weeknights much more manageable! You can prepare the casserole base (mixing the canned and creamed corn with the wet ingredients, flour, and seasonings) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and bake it as directed—this will keep it from becoming too dense and ensure it’s just as delicious. If you find yourself with leftovers, this casserole keeps well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavor and texture beautifully.

Expert Tips for Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole

Use Fresh Corn When Possible: Fresh corn kernels add the best natural sweetness and texture; if using canned, drain well to avoid sogginess in your casserole.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Fold ingredients gently to keep some lumpiness; overmixing can lead to a tough, dense pudding instead of a light, creamy one.
Watch Your Baking Time: Bake until just set with a golden top; overbaking will dry out your Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole and lose that signature creaminess.
Butter Your Dish Generously: A well-buttered casserole dish encourages a crisp, flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes after baking to firm up and make slicing easier without falling apart.

Variations & Substitutions for Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole

Feel empowered to tweak this beloved recipe and make it your own with these fun and easy variations!

Dairy-Free: Substitute almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter for a creamy texture without the milk. You won’t compromise on taste!
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs while maintaining that perfect structure. Everyone can enjoy it!
Savory Cheddar Boost: Add in freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for a robust flavor twist that complements the sweetness of the corn. It’s a crowd favorite!
Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños into the mix for a delightful spicy contrast that elevates the taste and adds character. Spice lovers rejoice!
Bacon Lovers: Fold in crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, crispy treat that boosts flavor and adds texture. It’s a meaty delight in every bite!
Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the aroma and give a herbal depth that brightens every mouthful. It’s like a garden party!
Vegetable Medley: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or fresh spinach to sneak in a few extra veggies, making it both colorful and nutritious. A great way to sneak in some greens!
Sweet Potato Variation: Replace half of the whole kernel corn with mashed sweet potatoes for a heartier, sweet twist that’s perfect for autumn gatherings. Comfort and flavor combined!

How to Store and Freeze Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the creamy texture while keeping flavors fresh.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the casserole tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or place the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy the delightful comfort of your Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole again!

Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving the casserole out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent any food safety issues. Keep it chilled for optimal enjoyment!

What to Serve with Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole?

Enhance your meal with delightful pairings that elevate the creamy goodness of this Southern classic.

Fried Chicken: Juicy and crispy, the savory essence of fried chicken beautifully complements the sweetness of the casserole.
Collard Greens: Earthy and slightly bitter, collard greens add a lovely contrast, balancing the rich flavors of the pudding.
Grilled Shrimp: Lightly charred and seasoned, grilled shrimp bring a smoky note that pairs wonderfully with the dish’s creaminess.
Cornbread: For an extra dose of Southern charm, serve warm cornbread on the side for that perfect corn-themed duo.
Sweet Tea: A refreshing glass of sweet tea provides a sweet and tangy contrast that brightens the overall meal experience.
Peach Cobbler: Close out your meal with the warm, sweet goodness of peach cobbler; it’s a nostalgic pairing that perfectly complements your savory casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and caramelized, roasted vegetables add texture and earthy flavors that enhance the casserole’s sweetness.
Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine and a zesty dressing provide a fresh counterpoint to the casserole’s creamy richness.
Crisp White Wine: An unoaked Chardonnay is perfect for cutting through the richness while complementing the dish’s sweetness.
Chocolate Mousse: End the meal on a sweet note with decadent chocolate mousse—its richness is an elegant finish alongside Southern comfort food.

Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole Recipe FAQs

How do I know if the corn I’m using is fresh enough for Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole?
Look for bright, plump kernels that snap when bitten and have a sweet aroma. Avoid corn with dark spots all over or a dried-out appearance, as that can affect the casserole’s texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure the casserole has cooled to room temperature before sealing it, to maintain that signature creamy texture without becoming soggy.

Can I freeze Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.

What if my casserole turns out too runny or too dry—how can I fix that?
If it’s too runny, next time add a little more flour or bake for a few extra minutes until the filling sets firmly. For a dry casserole, make sure not to overbake and try increasing the milk or butter slightly to keep it moist and tender.

Is Southern-Style Corn Pudding Casserole safe for pets or those with allergies?
This dish contains dairy, eggs, and sometimes gluten, so it’s not suitable for pets or anyone with allergies to these ingredients. If cooking for sensitive eaters, you might consider gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk alternatives to meet their needs.