Southern-Style Cheddar Corn Casserole Recipe

Paula Deen’s Creamy Corn Casserole Recipe For Family Gatherings

Southern comfort reaches new heights with paula deens corn casserole, a beloved side dish that promises pure Southern charm.

Hearty and satisfying, this classic recipe captures the essence of down-home cooking with its rich, creamy texture.

Generations have celebrated the simple magic of this crowd-pleasing casserole at family gatherings and potluck dinners.

Warm memories of grandma's kitchen come flooding back with every delightful spoonful of this soul-warming dish.

Creamy, golden, and utterly irresistible, the casserole speaks to the heart of Southern hospitality and comfort food traditions.

Home cooks adore its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature, making it a guaranteed hit for any meal.

Crowd-Pleasant Qualities Of Paula Deens Corn Casserole

  • Simple Comfort: This corn casserole feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen, perfect for when your family craves something hearty and satisfying.
  • Super Easy Prep: Dump all ingredients in one bowl, mix, and bake – even kitchen newbies can nail this recipe without stress or complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Side: Everyone from kids to grandparents will devour this cheesy, creamy corn dish at potlucks, holiday dinners, or Sunday family meals.
  • Pantry-Friendly Recipe: Chances are high you already have most ingredients in your kitchen, making this a total win for last-minute dinner planning.

Essential Ingredients For Corn Casserole Paula Deen Style

Main Corn Ingredients:
  • Creamed Corn (14.75 oz can): Provides a rich, smooth corn base that helps bind the entire casserole together and adds incredible moisture.
  • Whole Kernel Sweet Corn (15.25 oz can): Brings delightful corn texture and pops of sweet corn flavor throughout your dish.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (8.5 oz box): Adds perfect cornbread-like structure and classic corn flavor to your casserole.
  • Sour Cream (1 cup): Creates a tangy, creamy consistency that makes the casserole extra rich and tender.
  • Butter (1 stick/½ cup, melted): Ensures your casserole stays moist and develops a golden, delicious exterior.
Topping Ingredient:
  • Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Delivers a sharp, melty cheese layer that gives your casserole a beautiful golden finish and extra savory flavor.

Kitchen Tools Needed for Paula Deens Corn Casserole

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious ceramic or stainless steel bowl perfect for combining all your corn casserole ingredients smoothly and easily.
  • 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Rectangular baking dish that gives your casserole plenty of room to spread out and cook evenly.
  • Cast Iron Skillet (10-inch): Sturdy alternative to the casserole dish that helps create a crispy bottom and even heating.
  • Measuring Cups: Accurate cups to ensure your ingredients are perfectly proportioned for delicious results.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients without scratching your mixing bowl.
  • Can Opener: Necessary for opening your corn and other canned ingredients cleanly.
  • Cheese Grater: Optional tool if you prefer freshly grated cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded.
  • Oven Mitts: Protective gloves to safely handle hot dishes and prevent kitchen burns.

Steps for Making Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

Steps for Making Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
1

Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to exactly 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish to get ready for some serious corn magic.

2

Mix the Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and prepare to combine your corn components. You’ll want to drain that whole kernel corn first!

  • 1 (14.75 oz) can creamed corn
  • 1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
  • 1 (8.5 oz) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

3

Ready the Dish

Pour the corn mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

4

First Bake Session

Slide the dish into the 350°F oven and bake uncovered for exactly 45 minutes. Your casserole will start to set and develop a beautiful golden color.

5

Cheese Topping

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the partially baked casserole.

6

Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and turn golden with some bubbly edges.

7

Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before scooping out delicious servings. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.

Helpful Cooking Notes For Corn Casserole

  • Drain corn completely to prevent watery casserole and ensure a perfect, creamy texture in your dish.
  • Add cheddar cheese during the last 10-15 minutes to get that perfect golden, melty top without burning.
  • Check your casserole at 45 minutes – the center should look set and slightly firm, not liquid-like.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking, which helps it firm up and makes cutting easier.
  • A cast iron skillet works wonderfully, giving your corn casserole a rustic look and even heat distribution.

Which Creative Spins Elevate Corn Casserole

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular cornbread mix with a gluten-free cornbread mix, keeping all other ingredients the same for a celiac-friendly side dish.
  • Mexican Spice Blend: Add diced jalapeños, a tablespoon of chili powder, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to give your casserole a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Vegetable Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers, corn kernels, and chopped green onions to make the casserole more nutritious and colorful right before baking.
  • Vegan Alternative: Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese to create a completely dairy-free corn casserole that everyone can enjoy.

How To Spoon Paula Deen Style Corn Casserole

  • Perfect Side Dish Pairings: Serve this creamy corn casserole alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or a hearty beef roast for a complete Southern-style meal that’ll make your family smile.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Portion Size: This recipe easily feeds 8-10 people, so it’s fantastic for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday dinners where everyone wants seconds.
  • Temperature Tip: Keep the casserole warm in a low oven (around 200°F) for up to an hour if you’re waiting to serve, which helps maintain its delicious texture and heat.
  • Leftover Magic: Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep well for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Proper Storage For Corn Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making sure your corn casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for quick future meals – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep the texture from getting soggy.
  • When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from burning and help maintain that delicious moisture your family loves.
  • If bringing this to a potluck, transport in the same dish you baked it in, wrapped securely with aluminum foil to keep warm and prevent spills during travel.

Paula Deen Corn Casserole FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?

Fresh or frozen corn works perfectly. Just make sure to drain excess liquid completely so your casserole sets correctly.

FAQ

What if I don’t have sour cream?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute and provides similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dish.

FAQ

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The center should look set and slightly firm, with golden edges. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

FAQ

Can this corn casserole be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. Add cheese just before baking when ready to serve.

FAQ

Does this recipe work for large gatherings?

This casserole serves about 8-10 people and travels well to potlucks or family gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser at holiday meals.

FAQ

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Replace sour cream with low-fat versions and use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.

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Southern-Style Cheddar Corn Casserole Recipe

Southern-Style Cheddar Corn Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes – 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Paula Deen’s corn casserole delivers pure Southern comfort straight from your kitchen to the dinner table. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with sweet corn goodness, this side dish becomes the star of any meal your family gathers around.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (14.75 oz) creamed corn
  • 1 (15.25 oz) whole kernel sweet corn
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 (8.5 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix
  • 1 cup sour cream

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 stick (½ cup) butter
  • 1 stick (½ cup) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare your oven by heating it precisely to 350°F for this comforting corn dish.
  2. Drain the whole kernel corn completely to prevent extra liquid in your casserole.
  3. Combine the entire 14.75 oz can of creamed corn, drained 15.25 oz whole kernel corn, full 8.5 oz box of Jiffy corn muffin mix, 1 cup sour cream, and melted ½ cup butter in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
  4. Transfer your corn mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
  5. Slide the casserole into the preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for exactly 45 minutes until the center feels firm when touched.
  6. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
  7. Return the dish to the 350°F oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, slightly crispy top.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps it set and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Drain corn kernels thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy and runny.
  • Swap out regular milk for buttermilk to add extra tanginess and create a richer, more complex flavor profile.
  • For a gluten-free version, use cornmeal and gluten-free flour instead of traditional wheat-based ingredients.
  • Enhance the dish by adding crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños for extra texture and a spicy kick.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes – 1 hour
  • Category: Casseroles
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 325 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Isabella Romero

Isabella Romero

Hospitality & Beverage Editor

Expertise

Cocktail Culture, Tequila and Mezcal Knowledge, Guest Experience Writing, Restaurant Trends, Event Dining Guides

Education

National Louis University, Kendall College
  • Program: B.A. in Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Studied hospitality through a program built around theory and application, with practical preparation for restaurant and guest-experience careers in Chicago’s hospitality industry.
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
  • Program: Level 2 Award in Spirits
  • Focus: Studied core spirits categories, tasting methodology, service principles, and the use of spirits in cocktails, making it a strong fit for beverage content tied to tequila, mezcal, and cocktail culture.

Isabella brings together cocktails, food culture, social dining, and the thoughtful details that make a meal feel memorable. Her content blends atmosphere, flavor, and hospitality in a warm, polished style that helps readers connect with the full dining experience, from the first sip to the last bite.

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