If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and utterly irresistible side dish to brighten up any meal, look no further than Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe. This Southern classic brings together the natural sweetness of corn with a creamy, cheesy texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and indulgence, making it a beloved staple at family gatherings and holiday tables alike. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted meats or just craving a taste of genuine Southern hospitality, this casserole delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting that perfect creamy, sweet, and slightly savory corn delight. From the tender kernels to the richness of sour cream and butter, every element blends beautifully to create the texture and flavor that make this dish unforgettable.
- Whole kernel corn (1 can, 15.25 oz): Adds texture and a burst of natural sweetness in every bite.
- Cream-style corn (1 can, 14.75 oz): Creates a luscious creamy base that binds the casserole together.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings a subtle tang and velvety richness to the mix.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick, melted): Adds moistness and depth of flavor.
- Corn muffin mix (1 box, 8.5 oz): Acts as the perfect binder with a slight crumbly texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): Introduces a savory, melty finish that’s pure comfort food.
How to Make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly golden and easy to serve.
Step 2: Mix the Corn Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, and melted butter. Each of these ingredients brings a layer of texture or flavor—corn kernels offer a juicy snap, cream-style corn adds smoothness, sour cream lends creaminess, and butter enriches the whole dish.
Step 3: Add the Corn Muffin Mix
Stir in the corn muffin mix until it’s fully incorporated. This is the magic ingredient that gives the casserole a loaf-like texture and helps all the flavors blend seamlessly into one harmonious dish.
Step 4: Fold in Cheese (Optional but Recommended!)
If you want to add an extra kick of cheesy goodness, gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese now. It melts beautifully during baking and creates pockets of savory delight throughout the casserole.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden color and the center is set. This slow bake melts all the flavors together and gives you that signature Southern corn casserole texture you’ll love.
Step 6: Let Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your casserole cool just a bit to help it set and make serving easier. This casserole tastes amazing warm, so don’t wait too long before digging in!
How to Serve Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While this dish shines all on its own, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives can bring a nice pop of color and a fresh bite. Some crispy bacon bits or a little drizzle of hot sauce also works wonders if you want to mix up the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with traditional Southern mains like fried chicken, glazed ham, or pulled pork. It’s also fantastic alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance out its creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. You can even scoop portions into hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun and colorful presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover corn casserole tastes just as wonderful the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days or gatherings.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. This keeps the texture intact and the flavors fresh. A microwave works too for a quick fix, but the oven is best if you want that nice baked finish.
FAQs
Can I make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt and use a plant-based butter alternative. Just keep in mind the cheese is optional, and for a fully dairy-free option, omit it or try a vegan cheese substitute.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses corn muffin mix, which generally contains wheat flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can seek out gluten-free corn muffin mixes or make your own blend to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I add other veggies or mix-ins?
Yes, the casserole is quite versatile! Feel free to add diced jalapeños for heat, chopped green chilies for smoky flavor, or even crumbled cooked bacon for added richness. Just fold them in with the other ingredients before baking.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or potluck gathering. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on the size of your crowd.
What’s the best way to reheat this casserole without drying it out?
To keep the casserole moist, reheat it covered with foil in the oven. This traps steam and prevents the dish from drying out. Adding a small pat of butter on top before reheating also helps maintain its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warm, homey flavor of Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, evokes fond memories, and comforts the soul. If you haven’t tried this Southern treasure yet, I highly encourage you to bake it up soon and share it with loved ones—you’ll quickly see why it’s such a cherished classic.
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Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is a classic Southern-style side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of sweet corn flavor. Combining whole kernel and cream-style corn with sour cream, butter, and corn muffin mix, this comforting casserole bakes to a golden perfection – perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you crave a hearty, cheesy corn pudding.
Ingredients
Corn Casserole Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (14.75 oz) can cream-style corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (8.5 oz) box corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, melted butter, and corn muffin mix. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated, forming a smooth, thick batter.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese gently if you are using it. This adds richness and a delicious cheesy flavor to the casserole.
- Pour and Spread Mixture: Pour the combined corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set, indicating it’s cooked through.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps to set the casserole and makes serving easier.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in chopped green chilies, diced jalapeños, or crumbled cooked bacon before baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, then reheated before serving.
- Use unsalted butter to control sodium levels and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Optional shredded cheddar cheese adds richness but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
