Simple Cornbread Casserole Recipe for Family Gatherings

Are you tired of serving the same old side dishes at family gatherings? I’m about to share a game-changer that has become a staple at our family events – a deliciously simple cornbread-inspired dish that’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory!

This comforting dish combines the homey warmth of traditional cornbread with the creamy richness of a casserole, creating a culinary experience that’s more than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to elevate your weeknight meals, this dish strikes the perfect balance between impressive and effortless.

Cornbread Casserole Recipe

This cornbread casserole is creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s the perfect comfort food side dish for holidays or weeknight dinners.

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Cuisine: Southern

Temps de préparation: 10 minutes minutes

Temps de cuisson: 45 minutes minutes

Temps total: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 Servings

Calories: 310kcal

Author: Hervé

Cost: $5-$7

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Baking dish (9×13)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Ingrédients

• 1 box cornbread mix (8.5 oz)
• 1 can whole kernel corn (15 oz) drained
• 1 can creamed corn (15 oz)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Mix Ingredients:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, mix together the cornbread mix, drained corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, and cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Bake:

• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Cool and Serve:

• Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protéines: 6g | Fat: 20g | Lipides saturés: 10g | Choléstérol: 50mg | Sodium: 480mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fibre: 2g | Sucre: 5g | Vitamine A: 10IU | Vitamine C: 4mg | Calcium: 120mg | Fer: 1.2mg

Apports nutritionnels

Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Quantité par portion

Calories 310 Calories des lipides 180

% des apports journaliers*

Fat 20g31%

Lipides saturés 10g63%

Choléstérol 50mg17%

Sodium 480mg21%

Potassium 220mg6%

Carbohydrates 28g9%

Fibre 2g8%

Sucre 5g6%

Protéines 6g12%

Vitamine A 10IU0%

Vitamine C 4mg5%

Calcium 120mg12%

Fer 1.2mg7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Key Takeaways

• Easy-to-make cornbread casserole recipe perfect for family gatherings
• Combines the warmth of cornbread with the richness of a casserole
• Versatile dish that pairs well with various main courses
• Customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences
• Perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals

The Perfect Southern Comfort Food for Any Occasion

There’s something special about a warm, golden-browncornbread casserolethat makes it perfect for any occasion. It’s a dish that embodies the essence of Southern comfort food, bringing together the warmth of cornbread and the ease of a casserole.

Cornbread casserole is a true family favorite, and for good reason. It’s creamy, corny, custardy, and sweet – the perfect complement to a holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner with a bowl of chili!

Why Cornbread Casserole Is a Family Favorite

• Cornbread casserole combines the best of bread and side dish, offering a golden crust on top and a moist, tender interior.
• Unlike traditional cornbread, this casserole version is creamy and almost pudding-like, making it irresistible.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This corn casserole recipe stands out because it brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare, all in just a few minutes. The sweet-savory balance makes it versatile enough for both holiday meals and everyday dinners.

Essential Ingredients for Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Let’s start with the essentials: the ingredients that make this cornbread casserole recipe shine. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just a few key ingredients that you likely have on hand.

Base Ingredients You’ll Need

For your base, you’ll need a box of cornbread muffin mix, such as Martha White Honey Cornbread Muffin Mix. You’ll also need a can each of whole kernel corn and creamed corn, with the whole kernel corn drained. Add to that sour cream for richness, melted butter for flavor, and eggs to bind everything together.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

To give your cornbread casserole an extra boost, consider adding shredded cheddar cheese. You can also experiment with other mix-ins like diced jalapeños for spice or crumbled bacon for smokiness. The combination of both creamed corn and whole kernel corn creates a perfect texture contrast, making this recipe a standout.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation process! Making this cornbread casserole is a simple and enjoyable process that requires some basic prep work and baking.

Preparing Your Baking Dish

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, prepare your baking dish by spraying a 7×11 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray or melting butter in it. This step is crucial as it prevents the casserole from sticking and adds flavor to the edges.

Mixing the Cornbread Batter

In a large bowl, combine the cornbread mix, drained corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, whisked eggs, and shredded cheese. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the casserole tough.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at the 35-minute mark to avoid overcooking. The casserole is done when the edges are slightly pulled away from the sides and the top is a beautiful golden brown.

Recipe Variations to Try

I love experimenting with different variations of cornbread casserole to keep things interesting! This versatile dish can be transformed to suit any meal or preference, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Sweet vs. Savory Options

For a sweeter version that’s almost dessert-like, you can increase the sugar to 1/2 cup or even 3/4 cup and consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This makes a delightful breakfast option or dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. On the other hand, if you prefer a more savory direction, reduce or omit the sugar entirely and lean into herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.

Adding Cheese and Other Mix-ins

Cheese lovers can transform this dish by folding in 1-1/2 cups of shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend into the batter, then sprinkling another 1/2 cup on top for that irresistible cheesy pull when serving. You can also add a Southwestern kick by including diced green chiles or finely chopped jalapeños along with some cumin and chili powder.

Tips for the Best Cornbread Casserole

After countless attempts at making cornbread casserole, I’ve distilled the process down to some crucial tips for success. To achieve a truly outstanding casserole, it’s not just about following the recipe, but also about understanding the nuances that can make or break the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is opening the oven door too frequently during baking. This can cause temperature fluctuations, leading to uneven rising and baking. I recommend resisting the urge to peek until at least 35 minutes have passed. Another critical error is overmixing the batter; stir just until the ingredients are combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make your casserole tough.

• Don’t overmix the batter – this develops gluten, making the casserole tough.
• Avoid frequent oven door opening to prevent temperature fluctuations.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

For the creamiest texture, bring refrigerated ingredients like eggs and sour cream to room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother batter that bakes more evenly. If you’re using cheese, consider shredding it yourself from a block for a creamier consistency. The toothpick test is also crucial – insert it in the center, and it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

• Bring refrigerated ingredients to room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Shred cheese from blocks for better melting quality and texture.
• Use the toothpick test to check for doneness.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

This cornbread casserole is perfect for busy gatherings because it can be prepared completely up to two days in advance. You can refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake, making it an ideal dish for the holiday season when time is of the essence.

Preparing in Advance for Gatherings

One of the things I love most about this corn casserole is its flexibility. You can prep it entirely ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until baking. For holiday meals when oven space is limited, you can bake it earlier and reheat it covered with foil at 300°F for about 20 minutes before serving.

• Prepare the casserole up to two days in advance and refrigerate until baking.
• For added convenience, mix the wet ingredients ahead of prep time and store them separately in the refrigerator.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover corn casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven method at 300-350°F covered with foil to retain moisture, or microwave small portions for 45-90 seconds.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in the oven at 300-350°F for the best results.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The beauty of cornbread casserole lies in its ability to complement various main courses, making it a versatile side dish for any occasion.

Holiday Meal Pairings

For holiday meals, cornbread casserole is a standout alongside traditional favorites like roast turkey, honey-baked ham, or prime rib. The slight sweetness of the cornbread provides a perfect contrast to savory meats. At Thanksgiving, I place it between the turkey and cranberry sauce on the table – its creamy texture makes it an excellent vehicle for soaking up gravy without getting soggy.

Everyday Dinner Companions

For everyday dinner, nothing beats serving cornbread casserole with a hearty bowl of chili – a classic combination that’s hard to resist. It also pairs beautifully with BBQ dishes like pulled pork or ribs.

Conclusion: A Timeless Dish for Creating Family Memories

With this simple yet delicious cornbread casserole recipe, you’re not just making a meal, you’re crafting moments that will be cherished for years to come. This cornbread casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a way to bring people together, creating a sense of warmth and comfort around the table.

I’ve seen this humble corn dish become a requested favorite at family gatherings, with loved ones asking for it by name. The beauty of passing down recipes like this one is that they become part of your family’s story and tradition.

Whether you follow this cornbread casserole recipe exactly or add your own twist, I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. I’d love to hear how this recipe works for you and what special occasions you serve it at!