As the vibrant flavors of summer reach their peak, there’s no better way to celebrate the season’s bounty than with a delightful Fresh Corn Casserole. This recipe, adapted from a cherished Junior League cookbook, transforms simple, sweet, and tender corn into an unforgettable side dish that truly shines. It’s a testament to how local, peak-season ingredients can elevate an everyday meal to something extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a festive holiday gathering, or simply craving a comforting home-cooked meal, this creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy corn casserole is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
The journey to creating this delectable Creamed Corn Casserole begins with fresh corn, which, while requiring a bit of effort to shuck and remove from the cob, promises unparalleled flavor. The slight sweetness of the corn perfectly balances the richness of sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese, while a hint of diced green chiles introduces a subtle, zesty kick. This thoughtful combination of ingredients creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting, making it far more than just a simple side dish – it’s a culinary experience waiting to be savored.
Why This Fresh Corn Casserole is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another corn dish; it’s a celebration of flavor, convenience, and versatility. Here’s why this Homemade Corn Casserole deserves a prime spot in your recipe collection:
- Seasonal Delight: If you are fortunate enough to have access to local, farm-fresh corn, this casserole offers an exceptional way to highlight its natural sweetness and tender texture. It captures the essence of summer on a plate.
- Year-Round Enjoyment: Don’t let the off-season deter you! This recipe seamlessly adapts to using frozen corn. Simply defrost it thoroughly before beginning the preparation, and you’ll still achieve a wonderfully creamy and flavorful result, allowing you to enjoy this comfort food any time of year.
- A Hint of Southwest Spice: The addition of diced green chiles introduces a mild, yet impactful, layer of flavor and a gentle kick of heat. It elevates the casserole beyond traditional sweet corn dishes, giving it a delightful Southwestern flair without being overly spicy.
- Irresistible Richness: Full-fat sour cream and generous amounts of grated Monterey Jack cheese contribute an unparalleled creaminess and richness. These dairy elements not only enhance the texture but also infuse the dish with a comforting, savory depth that perfectly complements the corn and chiles, truly embodying a Cheesy Corn Casserole.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a grand holiday feast, this casserole fits right in. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to scale and prepare in advance.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Corn Casserole
Crafting the best Creamed Corn Casserole starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Kitchen Staples – You’ll need everyday pantry essentials like high-quality Butter for richness, fresh Eggs to bind the casserole and give it a custard-like texture, and fine Salt to enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh Corn – This is the star of the show! For the best results, use 9 ears of fresh, sweet corn. After steaming and cooling, the kernels are carefully removed from the cob. The sweetness of fresh corn is irreplaceable and truly makes this casserole sing. If fresh corn isn’t available, two 10-ounce bags of defrosted frozen corn work as a fantastic substitute.
- Sour Cream – Opt for full-fat sour cream. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor are crucial for adding a luxurious richness and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the corn and the warmth of the chiles. Low-fat alternatives may result in a less decadent casserole.
- Monterey Jack Cheese – Grated Monterey Jack melts beautifully, offering a mild, buttery, and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Its excellent meltability ensures a gooey, cheesy texture throughout the casserole. Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like mild cheddar or a Colby Jack blend if you prefer.
- Yellow Corn Meal – A small amount of yellow corn meal helps to thicken the casserole and provides a hint of rustic corn flavor, contributing to its comforting, pudding-like consistency. It’s key to achieving that perfect balance between creamy and firm.
- Diced Green Chiles – A small 4-ounce can of drained diced green chiles adds a subtle, earthy heat and a distinct Southwestern flavor. These chiles are generally mild, offering flavor rather than overwhelming spice. However, if you’re sensitive to any heat, they can be omitted entirely without sacrificing the casserole’s overall deliciousness. For those who enjoy a bit more warmth, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Corn Casserole
Creating this delicious Fresh Corn Casserole is surprisingly simple, especially with a food processor to help with the pureeing. Follow these easy steps for a perfect result every time:
Pro Tips for Your Best Corn Casserole Ever
Achieving the perfect Sweet Corn Casserole is simple with a few insider tips. These suggestions will help you adapt the recipe, enhance flavors, and ensure a flawless result every time:
- Corn Options: While fresh corn offers the best flavor, don’t hesitate to use frozen corn during the off-season. Just remember to use two 10-ounce bags, defrosted, and ensure any excess water is drained to prevent a watery casserole.
- Temperature Matters for Eggs: When incorporating the melted butter, always allow it to cool slightly before mixing it with the eggs. Adding hot butter to eggs can cause them to scramble, leading to an undesirable texture in your casserole. Lukewarm is ideal.
- Cheese Alternatives: Monterey Jack cheese offers a wonderfully mild and melty quality, but feel free to customize the cheese to your preference. A sharp or mild cheddar cheese would also be incredibly delicious, adding a more pronounced savory note. For a spicier kick, consider a pepper jack cheese!
- Customizing the Heat: The diced green chiles in this recipe are generally quite mild, offering more flavor than intense heat. If you prefer a completely non-spicy dish, you can easily omit them. However, if you crave more warmth, a pinch or two of cayenne pepper added along with the green chiles will significantly boost the spice level.
- Creamier Texture: For an even richer, more decadent casserole, you can substitute a portion of the sour cream with heavy cream, or add a splash of milk. This will create a slightly looser, more custard-like consistency.
- Topping Ideas: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider adding a crunchy topping. Before baking, sprinkle the top with a mixture of crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed Ritz crackers mixed with a little melted butter. This creates a beautiful golden crust.
- Make-Ahead & Storage: This casserole is excellent for make-ahead convenience. You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Before baking, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fresh Corn Casserole
Curious about this delightful corn casserole? Here are some common questions and answers to help you perfect your dish:
Indeed, it shares many characteristics with a traditional corn pudding! Corn pudding typically contains cream and eggs for its rich, custard-like consistency. Our Fresh Corn Casserole is made with both sour cream and eggs, giving it a wonderfully creamy and tender texture that certainly falls into the corn pudding category. The addition of cheese and chiles simply elevates it with more savory and spicy notes.
Absolutely! While a food processor makes the task effortless, you have several alternatives. You can try pulsing small batches of corn with the butter and eggs in a blender until you achieve a smooth consistency. Another method is to use a mortar and pestle for a more rustic texture. Alternatively, you can finely chop the corn kernels with a sharp knife until they are very small and blended, though this will require more effort.
This recipe is designed for a 7×11-inch baking pan. However, a standard 9×13-inch baking dish can also be used, though the casserole will be slightly thinner and may bake a little faster. Keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes of baking if you use a larger dish.
Yes, this casserole freezes quite well! To freeze, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, typically 20-30 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It’s fantastic alongside grilled chicken, roasted turkey, baked ham, or juicy pork chops. For a casual meal, serve it with BBQ ribs or pulled pork. It also makes an excellent addition to any holiday spread, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
Explore More Delicious Side Dishes & Corn Recipes
If you loved this Easy Corn Casserole Recipe, you’ll surely enjoy these other fantastic corn-centric dishes and vegetable sides that are perfect for any meal:
- Corn Salsa from The Girl Who Ate Everything: A vibrant and fresh salsa bursting with sweet corn, perfect as a dip or topping.
- Elote Salad: Experience the delicious flavors of Mexican street corn in a convenient salad format, combining grilled corn with creamy, zesty dressing.
- Jiffy Corn Casserole: A classic, incredibly easy corn casserole made with Jiffy mix, known for its sweet and comforting appeal.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Simple yet incredibly flavorful, this recipe features smoky grilled corn slathered with aromatic basil butter.
- Black Bean, Avocado and Corn Salsa: A colorful and healthy salsa packed with black beans, creamy avocado, and sweet corn, ideal as a side or appetizer.
- More of my Vegetable Side Dishes: Discover a wide array of delicious and easy-to-make vegetable sides perfect for complementing any meal.
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Fresh Corn Casserole Recipe
10 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 10 minutes
8
A delicious summer side dish made with fresh corn.
Ingredients
- 9 ears of fresh corn, cooked and cut off the cob*
- ½ cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup yellow corn meal
- 4-ounce can of green chiles, drained
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Grease a 7 x 11-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Cut corn from cobs, remove any bits of silk, and place in a large bowl.
- Puree half the corn, butter, and eggs in a food processor.
- Add the sour cream, cheese, corn meal, green chiles, and salt to the bowl with the remaining corn.
- Mix well, then add the pureed corn and stir until combined.
- Scrape into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes.
Notes
*May use 20 ounces of frozen and defrosted corn if corn on the cob is not available.
Adapted from Winners, Indianapolis Junior League Cookbook.
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- OXO Cutting Board
- Silicone Spatula
- Food Processor
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 428Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 126mgSodium: 732mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 15g
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