There’s a cozy kind of magic in a Paula Deen Corn Casserole the sweet corn, the creamy tang, and that buttery golden top that disappears faster than you can set it down. I once brought this to a church potluck after slightly overbaking the edges (oops!), and somehow it made folks love the crispy bits even more. That’s the charm: simple ingredients, pure comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Corn Casserole
- Creamy, fluffy, and buttery with sweet corn in every bite.
- 6 pantry-friendly ingredients and just minutes of prep.
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and weeknight dinners.
What Is It?
This classic Southern side blends creamed corn, whole kernel corn, sour cream, melted butter, and Jiffy corn muffin mix into a tender, spoon-bread-style bake. You can keep it simple or finish with melted cheddar for an ultra-comforting, crowd-pleasing touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Basic Ingredients (Original Version)
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a cheesy corn casserole)
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños or green chiles
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
- Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Timing & Servings
- Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 55–60 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 as a side dish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Paula Deen Corn Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, and the dry corn muffin mix. Stir until well combined and no dry patches remain.
Step 3: Optional Additions
If you’re adding cheese, jalapeños, herbs, or spices, gently fold them in at this stage.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. It will firm up as it cools, making it easier to slice and serve.
Cheesy Topping Options
- Classic finish: Bake until set, then add shredded cheddar on top and return to the oven for 5–10 minutes until melted.
- Extra-melty route: Mix half the cheese into the batter, then sprinkle the rest on top for the last few minutes of baking.
Pan Choices & Texture Tips
- A 9×9 dish yields a thicker, custardy center; a 9×13 bakes thinner and slightly faster with more golden edges.
- Cast-iron gives beautifully caramelized edges and a rustic look.
- Drain the whole kernel corn well to avoid excess moisture and ensure a clean set.
Make-Ahead, Freezer & Reheating
- Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 1–2 days ahead, cover, and refrigerate; bake cold and add a few minutes if needed.
- Reheating: Warm covered at 300–325°F until heated through; add a fresh sprinkle of cheddar to revive the top.
- Freezer: Bake first, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 325°F until hot.
Variations
- Spicy Cheddar-Jalapeño: Fold in cheddar and jalapeños with a pinch of cayenne.
- Herb & Pepper: Add chives or parsley plus black pepper and onion powder for savory lift.
- Slow Cooker Option: Mix as directed, spray a slow cooker, and cook on high 2–3 hours or low 4–5 hours. Add cheese near the end.
Serving Ideas
- Holiday spreads with roast turkey or baked ham.
- Sunday supper with skillet chicken, green beans, or a crisp salad.
- Potluck favorite alongside BBQ pulled pork or ribs.
Troubleshooting
- Still jiggly after 50 minutes? Bake 5–10 minutes more until the center sets and edges are golden.
- Soggy texture? Drain the corn thoroughly and go easy on high-moisture add-ins.
- Too sweet? Add a pinch of salt and black pepper, and finish with sharp cheddar for balance.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes—Greek yogurt keeps it creamy with a little extra tang. Bake until the center is set.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a 9×13 or deep dish and extend bake time as needed until fully set.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free corn muffin mix in place of Jiffy; bake until the center is set and the edges are golden.
Conclusion
This Paula Deen Corn Casserole is everything cozy and comforting—foolproof steps, simple ingredients, and flexible add-ins that make it your own. It’s the side dish that brings everyone back for seconds, every single time.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out our Pinterest page — where comfort meets creativity in every dish!