Cornbread Casserole is a delicious, comforting side dish that combines the rich, sweet flavor of cornbread with a creamy, savory twist. The dish typically features a mix of cornbread mix, creamed corn, sour cream, butter, and eggs, resulting in a custard-like texture that is both moist and flavorful. It’s often baked to golden perfection, offering a slightly crispy top with a soft, tender interior. This casserole can be served alongside hearty dishes like chili, barbecue, or roasted meats.
I first made Cornbread Casserole when I was looking for an easy but indulgent side dish that would pair well with a winter dinner. The outcome was a perfectly balanced blend of sweetness and richness with the cornbread’s familiar flavor. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make yet so crowd-pleasing. You can even add extras like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or beef bacon for additional flavor! It’s a great go-to for potlucks, holiday meals, or a cozy family dinner.
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Holiday meals
- Barbecues
- Potlucks
- Comfort food lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Cornbread Casserole will become your go-to dish:
- Incredibly Moist: The combination of sour cream and butter keeps this cornbread casserole rich and moist.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: It’s a savory dish with just the right hint of sweetness from the cornbread mix.
- Golden Crust: The top forms a crispy, golden crust, while the inside remains soft and creamy.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and an easy prep process make this casserole a breeze to prepare.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake when you’re ready.
- Versatile: This dish pairs well with almost any main course, from fried chicken to roasted meats.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving a small family or a large group, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Leftovers can be reheated easily and still taste just as good the next day.
- Budget-Friendly: Inexpensive ingredients make this a cost-effective addition to any meal.
- Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy meals.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 16g
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Casserole:
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Cornbread Mix: Provides the base for a quick and easy casserole with just the right texture.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness of the cornbread.
- Creamed Corn: Gives the casserole an extra creamy, sweet flavor that enhances the cornbread mix.
- Cheddar Cheese: The melted cheese adds flavor and a deliciously gooey texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Casserole Base:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, creamed corn, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Add Cornbread Mix: Stir in the cornbread mix, ensuring the batter is smooth.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake the Casserole:
- Pour into Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or extra shredded cheese if desired. Serve warm.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cornbread Casserole:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside fried chicken, roasted meats, or BBQ for a hearty addition to your meal.
- With a Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal.
- For Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs and beef bacon for a comforting breakfast option.
- With Chili: The rich, creamy casserole is the perfect complement to a bowl of spicy chili.
- For Holiday Meals: Make this casserole a part of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner spread.
- With Gravy: Drizzle with turkey or sausage gravy for an extra layer of flavor.
- As a Potluck Dish: Bring this casserole to a potluck, and watch it disappear.
- For a Snack: Slice it into small squares for a quick and savory snack.
- With Beans: Pair it with baked beans for a classic comfort food meal.
- As Leftovers: Reheat for a delicious and easy lunch the next day.
Additional Tips
- Use Buttermilk for Richness – Swap regular milk for buttermilk for a tangy flavor and a tender texture.
- Add a Touch of Honey – For a slight sweetness, drizzle honey over the casserole before baking or mix it into the batter.
- Incorporate Cheddar Cheese – Mix in sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the flavor and add a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Spice it Up – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Use Corn Kernels – For added texture and a burst of sweetness, fold in frozen or fresh corn kernels.
- Top with Crispy Beef Bacon – Crumbled cooked beef bacon on top will add a savory, crispy finish.
- Make Ahead and Refrigerate – Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it to save time on the day of serving.
- Try Different Cornmeal – Experiment with stone-ground cornmeal for a coarser texture, or use finely ground cornmeal for a smoother casserole.
- Serve with Sour Cream – Add a dollop of sour cream on top for creaminess and extra flavor.
- Bake at a High Temperature – Bake at 375°F for a golden, crispy top and a soft, moist center.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread Casserole: Add diced jalapeños and extra cheese for a spicy, cheesy version.
- Sweet Corn Casserole: Add ¼ cup sugar to the mixture for a sweeter version of the dish.
- Beef Bacon Cornbread Casserole: Stir in cooked, crumbled beef bacon for added flavor.
- Mexican-Style Casserole: Add a layer of salsa, black beans, and taco seasoning for a southwest twist.
- Gluten-Free Cornbread Casserole: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Herbed Cornbread Casserole: Add a tablespoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the batter for a fragrant, herby flavor.
- Vegan Cornbread Casserole: Use flax eggs and non-dairy substitutes for a vegan-friendly option.
Special Equipment
- Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch dish works best for this casserole.
- Electric Mixer: Optional for mixing the ingredients quickly, but a whisk or spoon will work just fine.
- Grater: For shredding your own cheese if desired.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precise ingredient measurement.
FAQ Section
- Can I use regular corn instead of creamed corn?
Yes, but creamed corn adds extra moisture and richness to the casserole. If using regular corn, consider adding a little more sour cream or butter. - Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving. - How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving. - Can I make this casserole spicier?
Absolutely! Add more jalapeños or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for extra heat. - What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt or a non-dairy substitute for a similar texture and tang. - Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to serve more people. - How can I make this casserole less rich?
Reduce the amount of butter or sour cream, or try using a lower-fat sour cream alternative. - Can I add meat to the casserole?
Yes, you can add crumbled sausage or ground beef for a heartier dish. - Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, you can add sautéed onions, peppers, or even spinach for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Cornbread Casserole is a comforting, savory dish that combines the sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread with a rich, buttery base. This casserole is perfect as a side dish for holidays, barbecues, or any meal that needs a hearty, satisfying accompaniment. It’s often made by mixing cornbread mix with cream-style corn, sour cream, melted butter, and cheese, resulting in a moist, flavorful casserole with a slightly sweet and savory taste.
The beauty of this dish is its versatility—you can add extras like diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, crumbled bacon for extra flavor, or fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a fresh finish. It bakes up golden and bubbly, with a slightly crispy top and a soft, moist interior.
I can’t wait to see how your Cornbread Casserole turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your warm, comforting creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!