If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly combines rich flavors and comforting textures, Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is the ultimate recipe to try. This Southern favorite is a go-to side dish for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners, and it’s known for its ease of preparation and mouthwatering taste. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Paula Deen’s famous Corn Casserole recipe.
What is Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole?
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is a deliciously creamy and savory side dish made with a blend of sweet corn, cornbread mix, sour cream, and melted butter. The casserole bakes to a golden brown and has a rich, custard-like texture that’s both satisfying and indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed for Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole:
To make this simple yet flavorful casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 can of whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 can of cream-style corn
- 8 oz. sour cream
- 1 box of Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1/2 cup of butter (melted)
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup of milk (optional, for creaminess)
These ingredients come together effortlessly to create the perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors, with a rich and moist texture.
How to Make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, melted butter, and cornbread mix. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re a fan of cheesy casseroles, add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pour the Mixture into the Baking Dish: Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is fully baked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm as a side dish to complement your main course.
Tips for Perfect Corn Casserole:
- Make It Ahead: Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
- Add Spice: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the mixture.
- Sweet Corn Variation: For extra sweetness, consider using fresh or frozen sweet corn instead of canned corn for a more natural flavor.
Why You’ll Love Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole:
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole comes together quickly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or a casual family meal, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Versatile: While it’s a great side for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it also pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a classic Southern meal.
Conclusion:
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Its rich flavor, creamy texture, and easy preparation make it a staple for any Southern-inspired meal. With this recipe, you’re sure to impress your guests and create a dish that will become a beloved favorite in your household.
Serving and Storage Tips for Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
Serving Tips:
- Perfect Pairings:
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many main dishes. It’s a fantastic side for roasted meats, such as turkey, chicken, or pork. It also complements grilled steaks, barbecued ribs, and even seafood like shrimp or fish. For a classic Southern spread, serve it alongside collard greens, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken. - Garnish:
To add a little extra flavor and color, garnish your corn casserole with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top right before serving for an extra cheesy touch. - Serving Size:
This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size. For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe and using two baking dishes.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration:
After the casserole has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 to 4 days. - Freezing:
If you’d like to make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole ahead of time or have leftovers to store for later, it freezes very well. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. - Reheating:
- From the Refrigerator: To reheat refrigerated casserole, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can cover it with foil to prevent the top from browning too much.
- From the Freezer: If reheating from frozen, it’s best to let the casserole thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly. If reheating from frozen without thawing, expect it to take an additional 15-20 minutes of baking time.
- Individual Portions:
If you’ve frozen the casserole, consider cutting it into individual portions before freezing. This makes reheating smaller amounts easier and faster.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole on multiple occasions without sacrificing its delicious flavor or texture. It’s perfect for meal prepping, storing leftovers, or enjoying this delightful dish at your next family dinner!
1. Can I make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, bake it in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
2. Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh or frozen corn for the canned corn in Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole. If using fresh corn, you’ll need about 2 cups of kernels (about 3 ears of corn). Just make sure to cook and drain it before adding it to the casserole mix.
3. Is it possible to make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole without sour cream?
Yes, you can make the casserole without sour cream. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Alternatively, you could use cream cheese for extra richness.
4. Can I freeze Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole?
Yes, Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole freezes very well. After it has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual, or reheat from frozen if necessary.
paula deens corn casserole recipe
This Corn Casserole is a classic comfort dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with corn flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or potlucks, Paula Deen’s recipe is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can creamed corn
- 1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (8.5 oz) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish.
2. Mix the ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, and Jiffy corn muffin mix. Stir until well blended.
3. Assemble the casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- (Optional) Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
5. Serve
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm as a side dish to complement meats, poultry, or other main courses.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the mixture and refrigerate it (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
- Variations: Add cooked bacon, green chilies, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.