Crack Corn Casserole is seriously my party trick. Right when you think nobody could possibly want another scoop of anything, someone says, “Is there any of that creamy corn stuff left?” It works magic at every potluck, family dinner, and even game nights (I mean, it’s right up there with this Best Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers or a spicy Alabama Firecracker Dip). Ever have one of those last-minute days when you promised to “bring something” but—you know—completely forgot till now? This is your new secret weapon. Ready for creamy, rich, and totally addictive? Let’s do this.
Can I Make Crack Corn Casserole Ahead of Time?
This casserole is the dream when you’re short on time. Yes, heck yes, you can make it ahead. I prepped mine the night before Thanksgiving last year and it saved my nerves before the big dinner rush. Mix it all together, pour into your baking dish, cover with foil, then stash it in the fridge. The next day, just pop it in the oven.
Now, if you’re expecting big crowds (hello, graduation party?) you can even bake it in advance and gently reheat. Add a sprinkle of cheese before reheating for a molten top. It lasts fine in the fridge up to three days. One tip from me—don’t freeze it though. I tried once, and it got a little weird (otherwise I’d totally recommend it).
“So easy to prep the night before! My family was obsessed and it let me actually relax in the morning for once.”
What Should I Serve with Corn Casserole?
This is where the fun comes in. Corn casserole plays nice with, well, almost everything. Trust me, I’ve paired it with BBQ at backyard parties, holiday turkey, you name it. Here are a few ideas:
- Pile it next to southern baked chicken or glazed ham.
- Ladle it alongside chili (try this Cheesy Ground Beef Stroganoff Pasta Casserole if you want something extra cozy).
- Go with a bright, tangy salad. My favorite? This Avocado Corn Summer Salad with Cilantro. Big flavor, and balances all the richness!
- Pro tip: scoop some on top of leftover pulled pork and you’ll never look back.
Whats in Crack Corn Casserole?
Let’s keep it real. The beauty of crack corn casserole is it isn’t fancy. You’re building comfort here, not running a five-star restaurant (unless you count your kitchen). The main players are:
- Whole kernel corn (canned or frozen)
- Sweet creamed corn (also canned)
- Sour cream. Don’t skimp, use full-fat if you can
- Shredded cheese. Cheddar is classic. Pepper Jack if you’re feeling wild.
- Butter (is there ever too much?)
- Eggs for structure
- Add-ins: red pepper, jalapeño, crumbled bacon if you’re feeling feisty, or a handful of green onions.
No mystery stuff. Just creamy, cheesy goodness that almost melts on your plate. Sometimes I throw in a little diced poblano—no one’s complained yet.
How to Make Crack Corn Casserole
Okay, straight to the point. You won’t need a culinary degree for this. Here’s how I do it on autopilot:
- Dump your whole kernel corn and creamed corn into a big bowl.
- Stir in the sour cream and beaten eggs. Get it nice and blended.
- Add the melted butter, cheese, and whatever jazzy bits you want—bacon, peppers, it’s all fair game.
- Pour into a greased casserole dish. I use a 9×13 for big gatherings.
- Bake at 350°F. Around 40-45 minutes, till the top is golden and the middle is set but soft.
- Let it cool for a few before diving in—if anyone can actually wait, that is.
If you’re a multitasker, mix it while chatting or wrangling kids. Easy is the name of the game here.
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Whole Kernel Corn | 1 can (15 oz) or 2 cups frozen | Use canned for convenience; frozen gives a fresher taste. |
Creamed Corn | 1 can (15 oz) | Adds creaminess and sweetness. |
Sour Cream | 1 cup | Full-fat recommended for best flavor. |
Shredded Cheese | 2 cups | Cheddar is classic; mix with Pepper Jack for a kick. |
Butter | 1/2 cup, melted | Enhances richness; don’t hold back! |
Eggs | 2 large | For binding and texture. |
Optional Add-ins | To taste | Consider jalapeños, crumbled bacon, or green onions. |
Corn Casserole without Jiffy Mix
Okay, real talk. Some folks don’t want Jiffy mix in their casserole—maybe gluten free, or just can’t find it (it happens). Guess what? You won’t even miss it. Here’s the workaround I swear by.
Swapping out the boxed cornbread means a few small tweaks. Grab a cup of yellow cornmeal plus a teaspoon or so of baking powder (which basically gives you that fluff). Add a pinch of salt and a little sugar for sweetness. I usually toss in an extra spoon of flour to help bind. That’s it. Just mix it right in with the rest. Sometimes I find it even tastes “corn-ier”, if that makes sense. Seriously, bake this once and you might never look back to the box. Promise.
Common Questions
Q: Can I double the recipe for a party?
A: Yep, and I beg you to. Just use a bigger dish or make two pans and watch them disappear.
Q: Is it good cold or just hot?
A: Hot is the move, but honestly, I’ve eaten leftovers straight from the fridge. Not proud but definitely satisfied.
Q: How do you reheat without drying it out?
A: Toss a little more cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake till bubbly. Works like a charm.
Q: Can kids help make it?
A: KIDS LOVE HELPING! This recipe is just mixing stuff in a bowl. Even my toddler’s “assistance” actually adds charm.
Q: Does it have to be cheddar cheese?
A: Nah. Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or go wild. Cheese is cheese, right?
Let’s Get That Casserole on Your Table!
Honestly, you don’t need to stress next time someone asks for “a dish to share.” Crack corn casserole is rich, luscious, and gets rave reviews every single time. If you’re hunting more cozy crowd-pleasers, check out this Cozy Butternut Squash Casserole or maybe this Delicious Sweet Potato Casserole if you can’t get enough creamy comfort. Go ahead—give this one a try and see how quickly it vanishes. You’ve got this!
Crack Corn Casserole
A rich and creamy corn casserole that’s perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, or 2 cups frozen
- 1 can (15 oz) sweet creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or Pepper Jack)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- Optional add-ins to taste (jalapeños, crumbled bacon, green onions)
Instructions
- Dump the whole kernel corn and creamed corn into a big bowl.
- Stir in the sour cream and beaten eggs until well blended.
- Add the melted butter, cheese, and any optional add-ins you desire.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make it ahead of time by prepping the night before and refrigerating. It can be baked in advance and gently reheated; do not freeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 100mg