Welcome to the ultimate guide for a truly delightful and incredibly easy Creamed Corn Casserole recipe! This beloved side dish, often hailed as a holiday staple, brings together the comforting flavors of sweet corn and a custardy, rich texture that simply melts in your mouth. What makes this recipe particularly special and “stupid easy,” as some might say, is its secret ingredient: the humble, store-bought Jiffy cornbread mix. And trust us, that’s not a compromise; it’s a celebration of convenience meeting irresistible flavor. If you grew up enjoying this sweet and savory delight at Thanksgiving gatherings, you already know the magic we’re talking about.
This Jiffy corn casserole is a symphony of creamy, corny, custardy, and perfectly sweet notes, making it an ideal complement to any festive holiday meal. Beyond the holiday table, its versatility shines through. Imagine pairing a warm, savory scoop of this casserole with a hearty bowl of your favorite chili – a comfort food match made in heaven. Prepare to discover a new favorite that’s so simple to assemble, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life!
Table of Contents
- What is Jiffy Corn Casserole?
- Why Jiffy Mix? The Secret to Simplicity and Flavor
- Essential Ingredients for Your Cornbread Casserole
- Customizing Your Creamed Corn Casserole: Substitutions & Variations
- Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Easy Corn Casserole
- Make Ahead & Storage Tips for Busy Hosts
- Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Creamed Corn Casserole
- Creamed Corn Casserole Recipe FAQs
- More Side Dishes for Thanksgiving!
- Sweet Creamed Corn Casserole Recipe
- More Recipes You Will Love!
As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, thoughts often drift to the cozy warmth of the upcoming holiday season. Whether you’re already humming Christmas tunes (no judgment here, we all need a little comfort, especially in a year like 2020!) or eagerly anticipating the flavors of fall, holiday food prep is undoubtedly on the mind. And for good reason – the season of delicious food is upon us!
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about holiday cooking, isn’t there? It often brings back cherished memories of family, laughter, and, of course, incredible food. This Jiffy corn casserole is precisely that kind of dish – a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing side that many families consider a tradition. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly from the buffet line, leaving everyone satisfied and eager for more.
The anticipation of holiday meals, the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones – it’s a feeling we all look forward to. And while some might balk at the early appearance of holiday decorations or treats, we believe it’s never too soon to embrace the festive spirit, especially when it involves scrumptious food like this creamy corn casserole. So, let’s dive into what makes this dish so remarkably good.
What is Jiffy Corn Casserole?
For those unfamiliar, Jiffy Corn Casserole (also known as corn pudding or corn souffle in some regions) is a truly magical side dish that perfectly blends the best elements of cornbread and creamed corn. It’s not quite a bread, not quite a pudding, but rather a unique creation that stands on its own. Imagine a dish that is deeply custardy, wonderfully sweet, and decadently delicious, all with a rich corn flavor.
This easy corn casserole recipe earned its spot on holiday tables for its incredible flavor and, perhaps more importantly, its undeniable ease of preparation. It’s a dish that feels elaborate and indulgent but requires minimal effort, making it a dream for busy cooks during the holiday season. The texture is what truly sets it apart: incredibly moist, tender, and almost pudding-like, with little bursts of sweet corn kernels throughout. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that complements savory main courses like turkey, ham, or roast beef beautifully, making it an essential addition to any festive spread. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a new tradition.
Why Jiffy Mix? The Secret to Simplicity and Flavor
The use of Jiffy cornbread mix is absolutely central to the ease and authentic flavor of this creamed corn casserole. Jiffy has a distinctive, slightly sweet, and tender crumb that many associate with classic comfort food. It acts as a reliable base, ensuring a consistent texture and flavor every time, eliminating the need for separate flour, cornmeal, leavening agents, and sugar.
This pre-made mix isn’t just about cutting down on ingredients; it’s about saving precious time, especially during busy holiday preparations. With Jiffy, you get to bypass measuring multiple dry ingredients, guaranteeing a perfect blend that creates that iconic cornbread-like foundation for our casserole. It’s the ultimate shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice taste, delivering that nostalgic, homemade feel without all the fuss.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cornbread Casserole
The beauty of this traditional cornbread casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a truly memorable dish. The core recipe relies on these five power players, each contributing to its creamy, custardy perfection:
- Butter: Essential for richness and flavor, the butter not only lubricates the pan to prevent sticking but also infuses the casserole with a luscious, comforting taste.
- Creamed Corn: This is the star of the show, providing the signature creamy texture and a deeper, sweeter corn flavor that makes the casserole so moist and decadent.
- Whole Canned Corn: Drained whole kernel corn adds textural contrast, giving you delightful bursts of sweet, fresh-tasting corn kernels in every bite.
- Sour Cream: A crucial ingredient for moisture and tang, sour cream contributes to the casserole’s custardy consistency and helps balance the sweetness with a subtle, zesty note.
- Jiffy Cornbread Mix: The ultimate convenience ingredient, Jiffy mix provides the perfect base, ensuring a tender, slightly sweet, and consistent cornbread texture without the need for multiple dry ingredients.
Customizing Your Creamed Corn Casserole: Substitutions & Variations
While the basic creamed corn casserole recipe is a winner on its own, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. You can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences or to add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Here are some popular substitutions and variations to consider:
- Eggs for Texture: Many recipes include one or two eggs. Adding eggs will result in a fluffier, more cake-like casserole that rises taller during baking, similar to a souffle. If you prefer a denser, richer, and more custard-like texture, omit the eggs, which is our personal favorite method. Both versions are delicious, it just depends on your preferred consistency.
- Adjusting Sweetness: The amount of sugar can be customized. While our recipe suggests 3 tablespoons for a balanced sweet and savory profile, you can increase it to ½ cup or even ¾ cup for a sweeter, more dessert-like sweet corn casserole. Don’t forget a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors!
- Savory Additions with Cheese: Transform your sweet casserole into a savory sensation by stirring in 1 to 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. You can even sprinkle an additional ½ cup on top during the last few minutes of baking for a golden, bubbly crust. For an adventurous twist, consider adding diced jalapeños for a little heat, or crumbled, cooked bacon for smoky richness.
- Sour Cream Swirl: Some recipes suggest reserving half the sour cream and swirling it on top before baking for an extra creamy finish. While a nice idea, we’ve found it doesn’t significantly impact the overall creaminess for this particular recipe.
Can Another Cornbread Mix Be Substituted for Jiffy Mix?
Jiffy cornbread mix is widely available, but if you can’t find it or prefer another brand, you can certainly experiment. The key is to ensure the substitute cornbread mix has a similar weight, ideally around 8 ounces, to maintain the proper ingredient ratios and consistency of your cornbread casserole. Most standard cornbread mixes should work fine, though the flavor profile might vary slightly.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling ambitious or simply don’t have a mix on hand, you can create a homemade Jiffy mix substitute. To do this, combine ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup yellow cornmeal, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ½ tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, then use this mixture in place of the boxed Jiffy mix in the recipe. This homemade alternative ensures you can still enjoy this delightful casserole, even without the convenience of the pre-packaged mix.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Easy Corn Casserole
Making this Jiffy corn casserole is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal fuss and just one pan for mixing and baking. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome:
- **Prepare Your Pan with Butter:** Begin by melting half a cup (one stick) of butter directly in your 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan. If using a glass pan, you can simply microwave the butter in the pan until melted. For metal pans, melt the butter in a separate bowl and then pour it into the pan. This initial step creates a rich, buttery base and ensures the casserole won’t stick.
- **Coat the Pan:** Once the butter is melted, use a spatula or a pastry brush to carefully spread the butter up the sides of the pan. This thorough coating prevents the cornbread mixture from sticking and ensures those coveted crispy edges.
- **Add Corn and Sour Cream:** Drain the can of whole kernel corn thoroughly, pressing the lid down to remove excess liquid, then add it to the butter in the pan. Next, add the entire can of creamed corn (do not drain this one). Stir in one cup of sour cream. At this stage, you can also add 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, which we recommend for enhanced flavor, though they are optional depending on your desired sweetness and savory balance.
- **Incorporate the Jiffy Mix:** Finally, add the 8-ounce box of Jiffy cornbread mix directly into the pan with the other ingredients. Using a spatula, stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and there are no dry pockets of mix. Scrape down the sides of the pan to ensure an even mixture. This one-pan method truly highlights the “easy” in this easy corn casserole recipe!
- **Bake to Perfection:** Bake your corn casserole in a preheated oven until the edges are golden brown and slightly pulled away from the sides. The center should be set, with minimal jiggling when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating it’s perfectly baked.
We conducted a little experiment to determine the best texture:
- No Eggs (Our Favorite!): This version yields a richer, denser, and incredibly custard-like corn casserole. It’s supremely creamy and intensely corny, providing a satisfyingly moist bite. All the final photographs in this post (excluding the how-to shots) feature this delightful, no-egg version, which is reflected in the official recipe below.
- With 2 Eggs: Adding two eggs results in a fluffier, more cornbread-like texture. The casserole will rise taller and have a lighter, almost souffle-like consistency, especially if you increase the sugar content. While still tasty, it offers a different experience than the dense, custardy version.
Both versions are undoubtedly delicious, and even our taste testers were split on their preference! However, we lean towards the no-egg version for its unparalleled creaminess and rich, custardy appeal. This creamed corn casserole is an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday, but it’s also perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Our kids absolutely adore it – it’s sweet, savory, corny, and bread-like; what’s not to love?
Make Ahead & Storage Tips for Busy Hosts
One of the many advantages of this cornbread casserole recipe is its make-ahead potential, making it a dream come true for holiday meal planning or busy weeknights. You can prepare the entire casserole up to two days in advance, allowing you to focus on other dishes or enjoy more time with guests. Simply bake it as directed, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 300-350°F (150-175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. To prevent it from drying out, it’s best to cover it loosely with foil during reheating. For smaller portions, you can also microwave individual servings for 45-90 seconds. While convenient for special occasions, this casserole comes together so quickly that making it ahead isn’t always necessary for a regular weekday meal, but it’s certainly a helpful option!
How to Store Jiffy Corn Casserole
Proper storage is essential to keep your Jiffy Corn Casserole fresh and delicious. Since it contains dairy (sour cream and butter), it’s not a dish that should be left at room temperature for extended periods. Once cooled, it’s crucial to refrigerate any leftovers promptly.
To store, transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, you have a couple of options: gently warm it in the oven at 300-350°F (150-175°C), covered with foil to retain moisture, until heated through. Alternatively, for quick individual servings, microwave small portions for 45-90 seconds. Enjoying this comforting dish days later is just as delightful as the first fresh bite!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Creamed Corn Casserole
The versatility of this creamed corn casserole recipe makes it an exceptional partner to a wide variety of main courses, from casual weeknight dinners to elaborate holiday feasts. Its creamy, sweet, and savory profile complements rich meats and hearty stews beautifully. Here are some of our favorite pairings:
- Chili: You simply cannot go wrong serving this casserole with chili! The sweet, creamy notes of the corn casserole cut through the spice and richness of chili perfectly. Try it with The Best Chili I’ve Ever Made for an unforgettable meal, or opt for our 45 Minute Quick and Easy Chili on busy nights. For a delightful change, pair it with a comforting bowl of White Chicken Chili.
- Thanksgiving Turkey: As a classic Thanksgiving side dish, this casserole is a must-have alongside your holiday bird. It pairs wonderfully with a succulent Sage Butter Roasted Turkey.
- Roasts and Holiday Meats: For Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion, serve it with an impressive Prime Rib Recipe or a glistening Honey Baked Ham. The rich flavors of the meat are beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the corn.
- Pork Dishes: This casserole is incredibly delicious with Pan Seared Pork Chops or slow-roasted pork. For a hearty barbecue meal, consider serving it with Nana’s Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs or BBQ Smoked Pulled Pork.
- Weeknight Favorites: Don’t reserve this dish just for holidays! It’s a fantastic side for roasted chicken, meatloaf, or even simple grilled sausages, adding a comforting and satisfying element to any meal.
Creamed Corn Casserole Recipe FAQs
Yes, there can be a distinction! While often used interchangeably, traditional corn pudding typically contains a much higher proportion of eggs, giving it a lighter, very fluffy, and profoundly custardy, almost cake-like texture. Think of it as a savory-sweet custard or a savory soufflé. Corn casserole, especially this Jiffy corn casserole, tends to be denser and richer, with a slightly more substantial texture that’s a perfect blend of cornbread and creamed corn, making it a hearty side dish.
These two corn varieties, though both from the same vegetable, are prepared differently and serve distinct purposes in a recipe. Whole kernel corn, often found canned or frozen, consists of individual corn kernels cut directly from the cob. Canned whole kernel corn typically contains just corn, water, and a touch of salt. For this recipe, we use it drained to add a firm, textural bite and fresh corn flavor.
Creamed corn, on the other hand, is a more processed product. It’s made by combining corn kernels with a thick, creamy, often sweetened sauce. This sauce is usually created from corn pulp, milk or cream, sugar, corn starch, and salt, giving it a velvety texture and a richer, sweeter taste. It’s delicious on its own but is absolutely crucial for achieving the signature creamy, moist consistency of creamed corn casserole.
Absolutely! This cornbread casserole is an excellent make-ahead option, particularly beneficial during the busy holiday season. You can fully prepare and bake the casserole up to two days in advance. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Before serving, simply warm it in a preheated oven at 300-350°F (150-175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, covered loosely with foil to maintain moisture. For regular weekday meals, it comes together so quickly that making it ahead isn’t always necessary, but it’s a convenient option to have!
If your corn casserole turns out runny, it most likely needs more time in the oven. Baking times can vary based on several factors, including your oven’s calibration, the type of baking dish you’re using (glass often takes a few minutes longer than metal), and even the initial temperature of your ingredients. Continue baking until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean with no wet batter. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can tent the casserole loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning while the interior finishes cooking.
Honestly, it’s hard to find a meat that *doesn’t* pair well with corn casserole! Its sweet and savory profile makes it incredibly versatile. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Nana’s Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs and “Barb”-ecue Sauce: These slow-roasted, then grilled ribs with a homemade, decades-old family barbecue sauce are a match made in heaven for the sweet casserole.
- Honey Balsamic Pork Ribs in Crock Pot: Tender, moist ribs with a deeply flavorful sauce that needs no introduction, perfectly complemented by the creamy corn.
- BBQ Smoked Pulled Pork (on a Gas Grill): Achieve mouthwatering smoked pork without a dedicated smoker! The rich, smoky flavor is beautifully offset by the casserole’s sweetness.
- Honey Baked Ham Recipe (Copycat): Prepare for the crispiest, sweetest, most addictive ham of your life, made even better with a side of creamy corn casserole.
- The Best Chili Recipe Ever (Slow Cooker): If you thought cornbread was good with chili, wait until you try this corn casserole alongside it – your mind will be blown!
More Side Dishes for Thanksgiving!
Creamed Corn Casserole is a definite Thanksgiving favorite! But if you’re planning a full holiday feast, you’ll need an array of delicious sides. Here are some other fantastic recipes to complete your Thanksgiving table:
- Sweet and Moist Honey Cornbread
- Cornbread Stuffing with Bacon and Sage
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Cranberry Brie Mini Tarts from Salt & Wind
- Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Aunt Shirley’s Famous Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Homemade Green Bean Casserole
- Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad
- Miso Glazed Honeynut Squash from Veggiekins
And for all the cornbread enthusiasts out there, don’t miss our Sweet and Moist Cornbread Recipe for a classic treat, or try something truly unique with our Layered Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter Frosting! Happy cooking!
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Sweet Creamed Corn Casserole Recipe
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Equipment
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Glass 9×9 baking pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, (1 stick)
- 1 (15-oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15-oz) can creamed corn, not drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (8-oz) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
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In an 8×8 or 9×9 inch glass pan, add 1/2 cup butter. Melt the butter directly in the pan by microwaving it. If using a metal pan, melt the butter in a separate bowl and then pour it into the pan. Use a spatula or pastry brush to spread the melted butter up the sides of the pan, ensuring it is thoroughly coated to prevent sticking while baking.
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Open the can of whole corn kernels and drain completely. To do this efficiently, usually just press the lid down on the corn, holding it upside down over the sink. Add the drained corn to the butter in the pan.
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Open the can of creamed corn and dump the entire contents, undrained, into the pan.
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Add 1 cup of sour cream to the pan.
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Add 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt (if using table salt, use 1/4 teaspoon). These additions are optional but highly recommended for a balanced flavor.
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Add the 8-ounce box of Jiffy corn muffin mix to the pan.
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Use a spatula to stir all the ingredients together right in the pan until they are well combined and uniform. Make sure to scrape down the edges to incorporate any dry mix.
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Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes. The edges should be golden brown and begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. The center should be set, with minimal jiggling when gently shaken. For a conclusive test, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean with no wet batter.
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Allow the casserole to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving warm. This brief resting period helps the casserole set and makes for easier serving.
Variations
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Sweet Corn Casserole: For a significantly sweeter dish, increase the granulated sugar to 1/2 cup or even 3/4 cup instead of the recommended 3 tablespoons.
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For a Cake-Like Texture: If you prefer a fluffier, more cornbread-like texture over a dense custard, add 2 eggs to the mixture. This will make the casserole taller and lighter. While a common addition, we personally prefer the no-egg, custard version, but both are delightful!
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Add Cheese for a Savory Twist: For a savory version, omit the 3 tablespoons of sugar and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese directly into the mixture. Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Feeling adventurous? Incorporate some finely chopped jalapeños for a kick, or cooked and crumbled bacon for added smoky flavor.
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Slow Cooker Method: This corn casserole can easily be made in a slow cooker, which is incredibly convenient, especially when your oven is occupied with a Thanksgiving turkey! Use a 4-quart slow cooker for a single recipe, or double it for a 6-quart slow cooker. Be sure to generously spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick spray. Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours, until the edges are set and the center is firm.
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Sour Cream Swirl Version: If you wish to replicate the two-egg version with the sour cream swirl shown in some photos, follow the main recipe but make these changes: Add 2 eggs to the mixture. Reserve half of the sour cream (1/2 cup). Mix all other ingredients, then dollop the reserved 1/2 cup sour cream on top of the casserole and swirl it gently with a knife before baking. Note that this version may take a couple of minutes longer to bake.
Notes
You can easily double this recipe! If doubling, bake in a 9×13 inch pan. The baking time will likely be closer to 45 minutes. A 9×13 inch pan will generously serve 16-20 people, perfect for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
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