Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish

Sharing is caring!

If you’re looking for a delicious, creamy, and easy-to-make side dish, then look no further than Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole. This classic recipe is a staple for holiday dinners, potlucks, and weeknight meals. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole recipe comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

✅ Easy to Make – Just mix, bake, and enjoy! ✅ Minimal Ingredients – Only 6 simple ingredients needed. ✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, BBQs, and potlucks. ✅ Rich & Creamy Texture – A soft, moist center with a slightly crispy golden crust. ✅ Customizable – Add cheese, jalapeños, or crispy toppings to switch things up.

Now, let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering corn casserole at home!

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

To make this classic dish, you’ll need just six main ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn
• 1 (8-ounce) package Jiffy corn muffin mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

📌 Pro Tip: If you want to elevate this dish, try adding ingredients like diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, or green onions for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter.
• Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

• Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping (Optional)

• If you love a cheesy finish, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
• For a more intense cheese flavor, try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes.
• The casserole is ready when the top turns golden brown and the center is set.
• If using cheese, bake it for the full time, or add it in the last 10–15 minutes of baking for a gooier texture.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

• Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
• Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, buttery, and cheesy side dish!

Tips for the Best Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

✔ Use Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – This adds the perfect sweetness and structure. ✔ Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined for the best texture. ✔ Add a Crunchy Topping – Crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or breadcrumbs add extra texture. ✔ Make it Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. ✔ Bake Until Golden Brown – The edges should be slightly crispy while the center remains moist.

Variations & Additions

This classic Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is delicious as-is, but here are some ways to switch it up:

1. Spicy Corn Casserole 🌶️

• Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some heat.

2. Cheesy Corn Casserole 🧀

• Use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack cheese.

3. Meaty Corn Casserole 🥓

• Mix in crumbled bacon or diced ham for extra heartiness.

4. Tex-Mex Corn Casserole 🌮

• Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, and diced green chilies.

5. Herb & Garlic Corn Casserole 🧄🌿

• Add minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary for a savory twist.

How to Store & Reheat

🍽 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 🍽 Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap & foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. 🍽 Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

What to Serve with Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

This rich and creamy side pairs perfectly with:

🥩 Grilled Steak or BBQ Ribs – A hearty complement. 🍗 Roast Chicken or Turkey – Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. 🍖 Pulled Pork or Smoked Brisket – A match made in BBQ heaven. 🥗 Fresh Garden Salad – A light and refreshing balance.

Why Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is a Must-Try

This corn casserole recipe is one of Paula Deen’s most popular side dishes for a reason! It’s an easy, classic comfort food that never fails to impress. With its rich, buttery texture and sweet corn flavor, it’s the ultimate addition to any meal.

So next time you need a foolproof, crowd-pleasing side dish, make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole. You’ll love how simple it is—and how delicious it turns out every time! 🌽🧈

Nutritional Benefits of Corn Casserole

While Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is a rich and indulgent comfort food, it also offers several nutritional benefits. Corn is naturally high in fiber, which promotes good digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. Additionally, corn contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B, Vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to overall well-being.

The sour cream and butter in the casserole provide healthy fats that support brain function and energy levels. Cheese, if added, introduces calcium and protein, both of which are vital for strong bones and muscle growth. If you’re looking to make this dish a bit healthier, consider using light sour cream, reducing the butter slightly, or incorporating Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.

For those watching their sugar intake, opt for a low-sugar version of the Jiffy mix or make a homemade corn muffin mix with less sugar. Making these small changes allows you to enjoy this classic comfort dish while still being mindful of your health.

---

How to Make This Dish Ahead of Time

One of the best features of Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is that it can be prepared in advance, making meal planning much easier, especially for busy weeknights or holiday meals.

To prepare ahead of time:

1. Follow the recipe instructions up to the baking step but do not bake.
2. Cover the unbaked casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
3. When ready to bake, preheat the oven as directed and place the casserole in immediately. If baking straight from the fridge, add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure even baking.

You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just wrap it well and thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. This is an excellent option for holiday meal prep or making side dishes in bulk.

---

How to Make This Casserole Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free alternative, it’s easy to modify Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole while maintaining its rich and creamy texture.

Instead of using Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, which contains gluten, you can substitute it with a homemade gluten-free corn muffin mix. Here’s how:

Homemade Gluten-Free Corn Muffin Mix

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/3 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix these ingredients together and use them in place of Jiffy mix in the recipe.

Additionally, be sure to check that your canned corn, sour cream, and cheese are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain trace amounts of gluten due to cross-contamination.

With this simple substitution, you can enjoy Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole without worrying about dietary restrictions!

---

What to Serve with Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

This rich, creamy, and slightly sweet corn casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes, making it a versatile side dish for different occasions. Here are some delicious meal pairings:

🍗 BBQ Chicken or Pulled Pork – The sweetness of the casserole balances smoky, tangy barbecue flavors beautifully.
🥩 Grilled Steak or Roasted Prime Rib – A hearty main dish that contrasts well with the creamy, cheesy texture.
🍖 Fried Chicken or Smothered Pork Chops – Classic Southern-style dishes that enhance the comfort food appeal.
🥗 Fresh Green Salad with a Citrus Vinaigrette – A light, refreshing side to balance the richness.
🍞 Homemade Biscuits or Cornbread – For an extra indulgent Southern feast.

No matter what you pair it with, Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is sure to be a star on the table!

---

These additional sections provide extra value by making the recipe healthier, easier to prepare ahead of time, and accessible for gluten-free diets, while also suggesting great pairings for a complete meal. Let me know if you’d like more tips!

Print