BEST CORN CHEDDAR CORN CASSEROLE

Imagine a dish where sweet corn meets sharp cheddar in a creamy, comforting embrace, all baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just any side dish; it’s *the* Corn Cheddar Corn Casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, guaranteed to be the star of your next potluck or family dinner. I promise, this recipe is so simple, even a beginner baker can nail it!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Corn & Cheese:

• 1 (15-ounce) can creamed corn
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Let’s Talk Corn and Cheddar: The Stars of the Show

Okay, before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s chat about what makes this Corn Cheddar Corn Casserole so darn good. It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures, and of course, the quality of your ingredients! The sweetness of the corn perfectly complements the sharpness of the cheddar. We’re using both creamed corn and whole kernel corn for a wonderful textural contrast. The creamed corn gives us that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth feel, while the whole kernel corn provides those delightful little bursts of sweetness. And the cheddar? Oh, the cheddar! It adds a salty, savory depth that ties everything together. Don’t skimp on the cheese – it’s what makes this casserole truly irresistible.

Thinking about other ways to enjoy corn? You could try a Mexican Street Corn Salad for a zesty, flavorful side or maybe a Creamy Mexican Street Corn Soup for a comforting and delicious meal.

Why This Recipe Works: My Secret Tips

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “It’s just a casserole, what’s so special about it?” Well, my friend, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to perfection, and I’m sharing all my secrets with you! First, make sure your butter is completely melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the wet ingredients. This prevents the eggs from cooking and scrambling (trust me, I’ve been there!). Second, don’t overmix the batter. Just stir until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in a tough casserole, and nobody wants that. Finally, and this is a big one, reserve some of the cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top before baking. This creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust that adds a wonderful textural element to the dish.

If you’re in the mood for more Southern comfort food, you might like Southern Chili With Cornbread. And speaking of cornbread, have you ever tried a Skillet Cornbread Recipe? Crispy, buttery, and perfect every time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Ready to Bake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use butter for extra flavor, but cooking spray works too.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps!

Combine the Wet Ingredients:

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs.

Bring it All Together:

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Add the Corn and Cheese:

5. Stir in the creamed corn, drained whole kernel corn, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for topping.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Cool and Serve:

7. Let the casserole cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit and makes it easier to slice.

Variations and Substitutions: Make it Your Own!

One of the things I love most about this Corn Cheddar Corn Casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a little heat. You could also add some chopped jalapeños for extra flavor and texture. Looking for more heat? Perhaps the Spicy Mexican Street Corn And Shrimp recipe will suit you.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of cheddar and Gruyere would be delicious.
• Add-Ins: Fold in some cooked bacon, ham, or sausage for a heartier casserole. You could also add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or celery.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free milk, butter, and cheese alternatives. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions: Perfect for Any Occasion

This Corn Cheddar Corn Casserole is the perfect side dish for just about any meal. It’s especially delicious with grilled chicken, pork chops, or roast beef. It’s also a great addition to holiday feasts, potlucks, and barbecues.

For a complete Southern-style meal, serve it alongside some Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe. You can even serve it as a vegetarian main course, paired with a salad and some crusty bread.

Storing and Reheating: Make Ahead Tips

Want to get ahead of the game? You can easily make this Corn Cheddar Corn Casserole ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!

And there you have it: the ultimate Corn Cheddar Corn Casserole recipe! I hope you enjoy making and eating this comforting and delicious dish as much as I do. Remember to have fun in the kitchen and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy baking!