Cream Corn Casserole: Grandma’s Effortless Family Favorite

Growing up, Cream Corn Casserole was always a staple dish at our family gatherings. I can still remember the aroma filling the kitchen as my grandma would pull the bubbling, golden-topped casserole out of the oven. It was a comfort food classic that never failed to bring everyone to the table with eager anticipation. The combination of sweet corn, velvety cream, and a crispy topping was simply irresistible. Whenever Cream Corn Casserole was on the menu, I knew it was going to be a memorable meal.

Why This Cream Corn Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Cream Corn Casserole

This Cream Corn Casserole recipe is truly special because it strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy indulgence and fresh, sweet corn flavor. The secret lies in the use of both canned and frozen corn, which gives you the best of both worlds. The canned corn provides a wonderfully smooth and creamy base, while the frozen kernels add a lovely pop of texture and sweetness. And the topping? It’s a heavenly blend of buttery breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese that gets golden and crispy in the oven. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why this Cream Corn Casserole recipe is going to become a new family favorite.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

• Canned cream-style corn: This forms the luscious, velvety foundation of the casserole.
• Frozen corn kernels: For that fresh, sweet corn flavor and satisfying texture.
• Sour cream: Adds a tangy richness to balance out the sweetness.
• Eggs: Help bind the casserole and give it a lovely, custard-like consistency.
• Butter: Used both in the casserole and the topping for maximum flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide a delightful crunch on top.
• Parmesan cheese: Elevates the topping with its savory, nutty notes.
• Salt and pepper: To season the casserole perfectly.

Step-by-Step Cream Corn Casserole Instructions

Preparing Your Cream Corn Casserole

Cream Corn Casserole is a simple, straightforward dish to prepare, but the end result is so much more than the sum of its parts. With just a few basic steps, you can have this comforting casserole ready for the oven in no time. The total prep and cook time comes in at around an hour, and all you’ll need are a mixing bowl, a casserole dish, and your trusty oven.

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2- In a large bowl, combine the canned cream-style corn, frozen corn kernels, sour cream, eggs, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well-incorporated.
3- Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
4- In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a bit of melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
5- Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb topping over the corn casserole, covering it completely.
6- Bake the Cream Corn Casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

The key to perfect Cream Corn Casserole is all in the details. Here are a few pro tips to ensure your casserole turns out absolutely delicious:

• For the creamiest texture, be sure to use cream-style canned corn, not regular whole kernel corn.
• Don’t skimp on the sour cream – it adds a lovely tang that balances the sweetness.
• Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh for the topping for maximum flavor.
• If the top starts to brown too quickly, simply cover the dish with foil for the remaining baking time.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving – this allows it to set up nicely.

Serving and Storing Your Cream Corn Casserole

Perfect Pairings for Cream Corn Casserole

Cream Corn Casserole is a wonderfully versatile dish that pairs beautifully with all sorts of main courses. It’s the perfect side for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham. And don’t forget the holiday meals – this casserole is a must-have for Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. To round out the meal, I love serving it with a fresh green salad and some warm, crusty bread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftover Cream Corn Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

You can also make this casserole in advance. Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. On the day you want to serve it, just remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and bake as directed. Easy peasy!

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cream Corn Casserole

Creative Cream Corn Casserole Variations

While the classic Cream Corn Casserole is pretty hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding diced ham or crumbled bacon for a heartier main dish. You could also stir in some chopped jalapeños or green chiles for a bit of kick. And for a festive touch, fold in some shredded cheddar cheese or sautéed mushrooms.

Making Cream Corn Casserole Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to lighten up this Cream Corn Casserole, there are a few easy swaps you can make. Use low-fat or nonfat sour cream instead of the full-fat version. You can also replace the breadcrumb topping with a mixture of crushed whole-grain crackers and a drizzle of olive oil. For a gluten-free option, simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. And for a dairy-free Cream Corn Casserole, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned whole kernel corn instead of frozen?
A: While you can certainly use canned whole kernel corn, I’d recommend sticking with frozen corn kernels if possible. The frozen corn has a fresher, sweeter flavor that really makes this casserole shine.

Q: How long does Cream Corn Casserole take to bake?
A: This Cream Corn Casserole bakes for 45-50 minutes at 350°F. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Q: Can I make Cream Corn Casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire thing up to 2 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.

Q: How many people does this Cream Corn Casserole recipe serve?
A: This Cream Corn Casserole recipe is designed to serve 8-10 people as a side dish. If you’re serving it as a main course, it will likely feed 6-8 hungry guests.

Q: What should I do if the top of the casserole is browning too quickly?
A: If the breadcrumb topping is getting too dark before the center is fully set, simply cover the dish loosely with foil for the remaining baking time. This will prevent the top from over-browning.

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Conclusion

Cream Corn Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its perfect balance of sweet corn, creamy richness, and crispy topping, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – I know you and your loved ones are going to absolutely love it. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!