As the comforting aroma of a homemade meal fills the air, memories often resurface – a bustling family kitchen, laughter echoing, and the warmth of Southern hospitality permeating everything. Southern cooking isn’t just about food; it’s about tradition, love, and stories shared around a table. Among these cherished dishes, Southern Creamed Corn Casserole stands out as a true embodiment of these feelings. It’s a dish that speaks of comfort and brings smiles to faces. This recipe will guide you in bringing this delicious tradition right into your own home.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Southern Creamed Corn Casserole
Unbeatable Flavor Profile
This casserole is a symphony of tastes. It is creamy, sweet, savory, and bakes to a perfectly golden-brown finish. It uses simple ingredients that blend together to create a truly comforting dish.
Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity
You don’t need to be an expert cook to make this. It is easy to prepare, making it a guaranteed hit. Serve it at potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday meals. Everyone will love it.
Versatile & Hearty
This dish works well as a side. You can also have it as a light vegetarian main course. It is satisfying and leaves everyone feeling full and happy.
How to make Southern Creamed Corn Casserole
Ingredients of Southern Creamed Corn Casserole
Pantry Staples
* One (1) can whole kernel corn, drained
* One (1) can cream-style corn
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy & Flavor Boosters
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1/4 cup whole milk
* Optional: 1-2 tablespoons diced jalapeños for a touch of heat
Topping (for that golden crust)
* 1 cup cracker crumbs (Ritz crackers work best)
* 1/4 cup melted butter
Directions of Southern Creamed Corn Casserole
Preparation is Key
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
The Creamy Base
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well with a whisk or electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and without lumps.
3. If you are using diced jalapeños, stir them into the creamy base now.
Incorporating the Corn
1. Gently fold in the drained whole kernel corn.
2. Add the cream-style corn to the mixture.
3. Stir carefully until all the corn is evenly coated in the creamy base.
Assembling the Casserole
1. Pour the entire corn mixture into your prepared baking dish.
2. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
The Golden Topping
1. In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs and the 1/4 cup melted butter.
2. Mix them together until the crumbs are moistened.
3. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the corn mixture in the baking dish.
Baking to Perfection
1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown.
3. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven.
4. Allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
How to serve Southern Creamed Corn Casserole
Classic Pairings
This casserole goes well with many main dishes. Serve it with roasted chicken or turkey. It also pairs wonderfully with smoked ham or pot roast. For a BBQ, serve it alongside tender ribs.
Holiday Feasts
It is a perfect addition to your holiday table. Make it a part of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Complementary Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve it with other Southern favorites. Green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, and warm cornbread all go great with this casserole.
How to store Southern Creamed Corn Casserole
Make-Ahead Magic
You can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the topping. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Freezing & Storage
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked casserole. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to make Southern Creamed Corn Casserole
Reheating Leftovers
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) until warm through. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.
Delicious Variations & Tips for Southern Creamed Corn Casserole Success
Cheesy Indulgence
For a richer flavor, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. You can also use a blend of cheeses. Stir it into the corn mixture before baking.
Spicy Kick
If you like more heat, increase the amount of diced jalapeños. You can also add a small pinch of cayenne pepper to the corn mixture.
Herbaceous Twist
Add fresh herbs for extra flavor. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped chives, parsley, or thyme. These herbs give a bright, fresh taste.
Conclusion: Savor the Southern Charm
This Southern Creamed Corn Casserole is truly delicious. It provides a warm, comforting experience. It brings a taste of Southern hospitality to your home. Make this recipe and feel the warmth it brings. Share your creations and memories with us below. We also invite you to explore more Southern-inspired recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Creamed Corn Casserole
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned for Southern Creamed Corn Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water before adding it to the recipe.
How can I make my Southern Creamed Corn Casserole less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of white granulated sugar by half, or even omit it entirely. The cream-style corn already adds some sweetness.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Southern Creamed Corn Casserole?
The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake at 300°F (150°C) until it is heated through. For individual portions, you can also use a microwave.
Creamy Southern Corn Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping
This comforting Creamy Southern Corn Casserole features a rich blend of whole kernel and cream-style corn in a cheesy, savory-sweet base, all crowned with a buttery Ritz cracker topping. It's a perfect side dish for any gathering, offering a delightful contrast of creamy texture and crispy crunch.
Equipment
- Oven
- 2-quart baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Small bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can whole kernel corn drained
- 1 can cream-style corn
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1-2 tablespoons diced jalapeños Optional
- 1 cup cracker crumbs Ritz crackers work best
- 1/4 cup melted butter for topping
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- If desired, stir in diced jalapeños.
- Gently fold in the drained whole kernel corn.
- Add the cream-style corn.
- Stir carefully until all corn is evenly coated.
- Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread evenly with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup melted butter.
- Mix until crumbs are moistened.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the corn mixture.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra kick, increase the amount of diced jalapeños. Ensure cream cheese is thoroughly softened for a lump-free mixture. The casserole is best served warm, allowing the flavors to meld and the topping to remain crisp.