This Sweet Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole Recipe bakes up tender, golden, and just-sweet-enough, with a quick honey finish that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler for a holiday-ready side in under an hour. Growing up, this kind of corn casserole meant friendly chatter in the kitchen and a warm dish passed around the table, and today it’s still the one I reach for when I want comfort without the fuss.
Why you’ll love it
- Simple pantry ingredients and a one-bowl mix make this an easy weeknight or holiday side with minimal cleanup.
- The honey glaze adds a subtle, glossy sweetness that pairs well with savory mains and classic holiday spreads.
- Reliable bake at 350°F with a golden top and set center, plus a short rest for perfect slices.
Ingredients notes
- Corn: A combo of whole kernel corn (drained) and creamed corn gives sweet pops and a creamy base.
- Cornmeal: Keeps the crumb tender and pleasantly rustic for a from-scratch feel.
- Dairy: Sour cream adds moisture and tang; melted butter brings richness and helps with browning.
- Honey: Goes in the batter for balance and on top for a quick, glossy glaze.
- Leavening and seasoning: Baking powder lightens the texture; a pinch of salt rounds out flavor.
Exact amounts
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can creamed corn
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup honey (plus 2 tablespoons for glaze)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Step-by-step instructions
1) Preheat
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
2) Mix the base
In a large bowl, combine drained whole corn, creamed corn, cornmeal, sour cream, melted butter, honey, milk, and eggs; stir until smooth.
3) Add dry ingredients
Sprinkle in baking powder and salt, then stir again so the leavening is evenly dispersed.
4) Bake
Pour into the prepared dish and bake 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set; a toothpick should come out mostly clean.
5) Glaze and broil
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons honey over the top and broil 1–2 minutes to lightly caramelize, watching closely to prevent scorching.
6) Rest and serve
Let it rest 10 minutes to finish setting, then slice and serve warm.
Honey glaze tips
- Warm the honey briefly so it flows evenly and caramelizes uniformly under the broiler.
- Keep the pan mid-oven while broiling to prevent burnt edges, and watch constantly.
- A pinch of flaky salt on top balances sweetness and makes the corn flavor pop.
Variations and add-ins
- Cheesy: Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan for richness and extra browning.
- Heat lovers: Add minced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne to create a sweet-heat profile.
- Herb lift: Stir in chopped scallions or thyme for a fresh, savory finish.
Make-ahead and storage
- Make ahead: Mix the batter up to 12 hours in advance; refrigerate covered and bake from cold, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers airtight up to 3 days; reheat covered at 300°F until warmed through.
- Freeze: Freezing is possible but can slightly change the custardy texture; reheat gently to preserve the crumb.
Serving suggestions
- Pair with roast chicken, ham, or turkey, or serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables.
- Top with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey, or a spoonful of sour cream and chives.
- Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners when you want low-effort comfort.
Troubleshooting
- Center too jiggly: Bake a few minutes longer until edges are golden and the center barely jiggles; rest before slicing.
- Pale top: Broil briefly after baking to deepen color; monitor closely.
- Too dense: Use fresh baking powder and avoid overmixing after adding leavening.
Comparison: Cornmeal vs Mix
| Option | Texture | Sweetness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornmeal | Tender, slightly rustic | Balanced by added honey | From-scratch control with classic corn flavor |
| Mix | Softer, cake-like | Typically sweeter | Convenience-forward and dessert-adjacent profile |
FAQs
Can I add cheese?
Yes fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan for extra creaminess and a beautifully bronzed top.
Can I replace sour cream?
Use Greek yogurt for similar moisture and tang, or slightly increase butter for a richer finish.
How do I know it’s done?
The top is golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean; after a 10-minute rest, slices hold together.
Conclusion
This Sweet Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole Recipe is cozy, crowd-pleasing, and weeknight-easy, with honey’s gentle sweetness balancing creamy corn and a tender crumb. For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out our Pinterest page where comfort meets creativity in every dish!