Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole has been a family favorite in my household for as long as I can remember. Growing up, the aroma of this comforting dish would fill the air, instantly transporting me back to those cozy Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house. There was just something about the way the sweet corn melted into the creamy, cheesy sauce that made it an absolute standout.
I’ll never forget the first time I tried Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole. I must have been about 10 years old, and my grandma had invited the whole family over for her famous Sunday supper. As soon as I walked through the door, that familiar scent hit me, and I just knew it was going to be a good night. When Grandma scooped a generous portion onto my plate, I couldn’t wait to dig in. The first bite was pure bliss – the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a delightfully creamy texture that practically melted in my mouth. From that moment on, I was hooked, and Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole became a staple in our family’s recipe rotation.
Why This Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
What makes Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole so special is the unique blend of ingredients and techniques that create an unforgettable flavor profile. The secret lies in the combination of sweet corn, creamy condensed soup, and a touch of savory spices, all baked to golden-brown perfection. This recipe isn’t just delicious – it’s an absolute showstopper that will have your family and friends raving.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Corn: The star of the show, you’ll want to use a combination of canned corn and creamed corn to achieve the perfect texture.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This provides the creamy, comforting base for the casserole.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness that complements the sweetness of the corn.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melted throughout the casserole, this gives it an irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Butter: For sautéing the onions and adding a touch of richness.
- Onion: Diced onion provides a savory background flavor.
- Garlic Powder: A simple seasoning that enhances the overall taste.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the casserole to perfection.
Step-by-Step Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Instructions
Preparing Your Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
This Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole recipe is incredibly easy to put together, with a total prep and cooking time of just under an hour. You’ll need a 9×13 baking dish, a large mixing bowl, and a few basic kitchen tools to get started.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease the baking dish.
2- In a large bowl, combine the canned corn, creamed corn, condensed soup, sour cream, half the cheddar cheese, melted butter, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3- Transfer the corn mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
4- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
5- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown.
6- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Don’t skip the creamed corn – it’s what gives the casserole its signature creamy texture.
- Be sure to use full-fat sour cream for the richest flavor.
- For extra cheesy goodness, feel free to add an extra half-cup of cheddar cheese.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
Serving and Storing Your Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
Perfect Pairings for Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
This Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole pairs beautifully with all sorts of main dishes, from roasted chicken to grilled steak. It’s also a fantastic side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad and some warm, crusty bread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
Creative Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Variations
While the classic Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this beloved dish. Try swapping out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a little extra kick, or add in some diced jalapeños or green chiles for a Tex-Mex twist. You could also experiment with different types of canned corn, like southwest-style or Mexican-style, to change up the flavor profile.
Making Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Diet-Friendly
For a lighter, healthier version of Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole, you can make a few simple substitutions. Use low-fat or reduced-fat versions of the condensed soup and sour cream, and opt for a lower-fat shredded cheese. You can also cut down on the butter by sautéing the onions in a bit of olive oil instead. These small changes will slash the calories and fat without compromising the delicious flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Frozen corn works great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely before mixing it into the casserole.
Q: How can I make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole ahead of time?
A: This casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole?
A: Yes, you can easily freeze any leftovers. Just let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe baking dish. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake at 350°F until heated through.
Q: How many people does this Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes a 9×13 casserole, which typically serves 8-10 people as a side dish, or 6-8 as a main course.
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Paula Deen’s famous Corn Casserole. This comforting side dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite, featuring sweet corn, melted cheese, and a buttery cracker topping that creates a heavenly texture in every bite.
Ingredients
– 1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
– 1 (14.75 oz) can creamed corn
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, softened cream cheese, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
3. – Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. – Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5. – Crush the butter crackers and sprinkle them over the cheese.
6. – Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking. You can also add diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor. This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is a true classic that deserves a spot in everyone’s recipe repertoire. With its irresistible creamy texture, sweet corn flavor, and cheesy goodness, it’s no wonder this dish has become a family favorite for generations. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting side or the star of the meal, I guarantee your loved ones will be coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So what are you waiting for? Give this incredible Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole recipe a try today, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality in every bite.
