Sweet Creamed Corn Casserole

A rich and creamy sweet creamed corn casserole recipe has completely changed what I bring to family gatherings and potlucks because it’s irresistibly moist, tender, and buttery. It only takes about 25 minutes of quick prep and bakes up golden and bubbly in just 40 minutes, making it the ultimate easy corn casserole for busy holidays. If you want a crowd-pleasing, creamy casserole made from pantry staples and ready in under an hour, this is the comfort side dish everyone will ask for at your next party or special occasion.

The very first time I brought this sweet creamed corn casserole to Thanksgiving, every guest came back for seconds, including kids who usually resist vegetables. Since then, this casserole has become the essential centerpiece of my Christmas and Easter menus. Friends and family request the recipe every year, and each bite of the creamy, fluffy corn pudding reminds me why it’s become my signature dish for holidays and potlucks alike.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Butter (unsalted): Delivers rich, buttery flavor and forms the golden-brown crust on the edges. Use real unsalted butter for best results; for dairy free, substitute a plant based butter.
• Whole kernel corn: Provides juicy pops of sweet corn in every bite. Use well-drained canned corn or substitute thawed, drained frozen corn for a fresher texture.
• Creamed corn: Essential for natural sweetness and creamy texture, giving moisture and a signature custard-like center. Do not skip; no perfect substitute.
• Sour cream: Guarantees a tender, melt in your mouth crumb. Full fat works best, but plain Greek yogurt adds protein for a lighter option.
• Granulated sugar: Enhances flavors and brings out the corn’s natural sweetness. Can sub with honey for a subtle floral note, or reduce for less sweetness.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweet and savory notes. If you use table salt, slightly reduce the amount to avoid over salting.
• Corn muffin mix (like Jiffy): Makes it the easiest cornbread pudding with built-in leaveners for perfect rise. For gluten free diets, use a gluten free corn muffin mix.
• Optional add-ins: Diced jalapenos for heat, shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness, or a pinch of smoked paprika for depth and warmth.

How to Make Sweet Creamed Corn Casserole

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan:

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F for even baking, and choose an 8x8 or 9x9 inch glass baking dish for good heat distribution. Cut 1/2 cup of unsalted butter into pieces, melt in the microwave right in the dish, then swirl to coat the bottom and sides fully. This step prevents sticking and infuses buttery flavor along every edge.

Add and Evenly Distribute Whole Kernel Corn:

Open and thoroughly drain your canned whole kernel corn. Spread the kernels evenly in the buttered dish so excess liquid doesn’t dilute the batter and the dish bakes up creamy, not watery. Even distribution ensures every bite has juicy sweet corn pops.

Stir in Creamed Corn:

Empty the entire can of creamed corn over the whole kernel corn and gently mix to combine. Creamed corn is what gives the casserole its luxurious texture and signature sweetness, creating that custardy base.

Add Sour Cream, Sugar, Salt, and Corn Muffin Mix:

Spoon in one cup of full fat sour cream, three tablespoons sugar, and half teaspoon kosher salt. Add the full eight ounce box of classic Jiffy corn muffin mix. Sifting prevents lumps, but you can add straight from the box. These ingredients give structure, subtle sweetness, and the right creamy tang.

Gently Combine Ingredients:

Using a flexible spatula, gently fold the mixture together. Scrape the sides and bottom to incorporate any dry muffin mix and avoid pockets of flour. The batter should look pale yellow, thick, and speckled with corn kernels. Take care not to overmix so your casserole bakes fluffy, never dense.

Bake Until Golden and Set:

Transfer the pan to the center rack and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges start to pull away from the pan. The center should feel springy and just barely jiggle when gently shaken. For doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs. Add a few more minutes if still wet and watch closely.

Cool Slightly, Slice, and Serve:

Let the baked creamed corn casserole rest for five to ten minutes after removing from the oven, so it sets up and slices cleanly. The texture should be creamy and soft inside with a perfectly golden, tender crust all around.

After years of making variations for family events, I learned firsthand that the key to a moist corn casserole is never skipping the sour cream. One year I forgot it, resulting in a disappointingly dry center. Ever since, I always include full fat sour cream, and the aroma of the golden crust baking reminds me of holiday mornings spent with loved ones gathered around the table.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This creamy corn casserole recipe is incredibly flexible for dietary needs and flavor preferences. Swap in a gluten free corn muffin mix for gluten free guests or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a higher protein option. For extra flavor, add shredded cheddar or diced jalapeno, and for less sweetness, simply reduce the sugar or substitute honey. The optional additions like green chiles or smoked paprika can make each batch taste unique season to season.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Creamed Corn Casserole

Let your sweet creamed corn casserole cool completely to room temperature before storing. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer individual portions into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze in well-wrapped portions for up to three months. To reheat, warm the casserole covered in a 325 degree oven for about fifteen minutes or until piping hot, or microwave single portions until heated through. Keep covered so the creamy texture stays soft and moist.

What to Serve with Sweet Creamed Corn Casserole

This sweet creamed corn casserole pairs perfectly with comforting main dishes like roast turkey, glazed ham, barbecue pulled pork, or roasted chicken, making it a crowd pleasing staple at holiday dinners. For a complete meal, serve alongside green salads or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. To elevate your presentation, garnish with fresh herbs or serve in decorative ramekins for special occasions and elegant brunches.

Nutritional Benefits

Sweet creamed corn casserole delivers more nutrition than you might expect from a comfort side dish. Corn supplies plant based fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while sour cream and eggs add protein and calcium for balanced satiety. This recipe can be modified for gluten free or vegetarian needs and offers around 430 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 40 grams of carbohydrates per hearty serving.

Recipe Success Tips

If your creamed corn casserole turns out too soft or watery, double check that you drained the corn thoroughly and used the correct pan size for proper baking. To achieve a fluffy, creamy center, do not overmix your batter and test doneness with a toothpick in the center before pulling it from the oven. For crispier edges or better browning, allow the casserole to rest uncovered after baking and use glass bakeware if possible for the most even results.

This sweet creamed corn casserole recipe is now my secret weapon for stress free holiday meals and potluck success. Try it once and see why it’s always the first dish to disappear at every gathering on my table.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh or frozen corn for the canned whole kernel corn. Adjust moisture levels as needed to avoid a dry or runny texture.

→ How do I know when it's done baking?

The casserole is done when the edges are golden and pulling away from the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs, but no batter.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture, or reheat gently if already cooked.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative for sour cream?

Dairy-free sour cream or plain unsweetened yogurt alternatives can be used in place of regular sour cream with excellent results.

→ What main dishes pair well with this casserole?

This corn casserole complements roasted meats, barbecue, or any hearty dinner spread. It's especially popular for holiday meals and potlucks.