One winter evening when comfort food was exactly what my family needed, I pulled out a beloved southern classic: Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole. Warm, buttery, and lightly sweet, this creamy side dish was a crowd‑pleaser the moment it came out of the oven. With pantry staples like canned corn and Jiffy corn muffin mix, it’s become a holiday favorite and regular at Sunday dinners. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or craving a cozy side for weeknight supper, this corn casserole hits all the right notes rich, comforting, and simple enough to prepare ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Southern comfort: A cozy classic that feels like home in every bite.
- Simple ingredients: Uses easy pantry staples like canned corn and Jiffy mix.
- Kid‑friendly crowd pleaser: Loved by adults and kids at holidays and weeknights alike.
- Prep ahead friendly: Mix in advance to save time before gatherings.
- Versatile side dish: Pairs beautifully with mains like turkey or glazed ham.
- Golden, creamy texture: Crisp edges with a moist, tender center every time.
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45–55 minutes |
| Total Time | 55–65 minutes |
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (14.75 oz) can cream‑style corn
- 1 (8.5 oz) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1–1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine drained corn, cream‑style corn, sour cream, and melted butter.
- Add dry mix: Stir in the Jiffy corn muffin mix until combined.
- Transfer to dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and center is set.
- Add cheese (optional): Sprinkle cheddar on top in the last 5–10 minutes.
- Cool slightly: Let rest 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
How to Serve
Serve warm as a cozy southern side with Thanksgiving turkey, glazed ham, or keto‑friendly mains like cauliflower mash. Pair with crisp green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for color and texture. For casual dinners, scoop into bowls beside slow‑cooked pulled pork or roasted chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color before serving.
Additional Tips
- Drain corn well : excess liquid can make the casserole mushy.
- Don’t overmix : preserves a tender, fluffy texture.
- Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lower fat.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños or diced green chilies for a warm kick.
- For low‑carb swaps: Use almond flour and crushed chicken rinds instead of Jiffy mix to make it more keto‑friendly.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Southern Style: Add extra cheddar and Monterey jack for melty goodness.
- Southwest Kick: Fold in jalapeños, bell peppers, and cumin.
- Bacon & Onion: Stir in crispy bacon and sautéed onions.
- Keto Jiffy-Free Casserole: Replace corn muffin mix with almond flour and parmesan crumbs, keeping creamy corn base.
Freezing & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For freezer storage, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Special Equipment
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Baking Dish | Holds corn casserole for baking |
| Mixing Bowl | Combine ingredients easily |
| Spatula | Evenly spread the mixture |
| Oven | For baking |
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Mix ingredients and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
Q2: Is this keto friendly?
Not traditionally, the Jiffy corn casserole uses corn and muffin mix. Use low‑carb substitutes like almond flour for a keto variant.
Q3: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
While classic Paula Deen recipes bake in the oven, slow cooker corn casseroles exist adjust time to 2–3 hours on high.
Q4: What can I serve instead of turkey?
This pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted pork loin, or vegetarian mains.
Q5: Can I use fresh corn?
Yes, substitute fresh kernels for canned for added texture.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole brings timeless Southern comfort to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for the holidays or a cozy weeknight dinner, this creamy, golden‑baked classic delivers rich flavor, simple ingredients, and endless versatility. Try it with your favorite mains, tweak it to your taste, or make it keto‑friendly without losing that soulful sweetness.