Cornbread Casserole Recipe – A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Dish

Looking for a side dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing? This Cornbread Casserole is exactly what you need! 🍽️ Perfectly sweet, savory, and hearty, this dish is the ultimate companion for any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and will definitely become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it alongside a juicy roast or as a side to your favorite chili, this Cornbread Casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds! 😋🔥

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Why You’ll Love This Cornbread Casserole 💛

• Perfectly Moist and Fluffy: A balance between traditional cornbread and a creamy casserole texture.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together quickly.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, BBQ, or holiday feast, this casserole is the perfect side dish!
• Easily Customizable: Add jalapenos for some spice, or cheese for extra flavor!

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Key Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Cornbread Casserole:

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 (15 oz) can of whole kernel corn 🌽
• 1 (15 oz) can of creamed corn 🌽
• 1 box of cornbread mix (like Jiffy) 🧑‍🍳
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for creaminess) 🍦
• 1/2 cup melted butter 🧈
• 2 eggs 🥚
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀 (you can also use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist)

For Extra Flavor:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, if you like a little extra sweetness) 🍬
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

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How to Make Cornbread Casserole 🍳

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Dish 🔥

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden crust!

2️⃣ Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a light layer of butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

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Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients 🥄

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, and eggs.

2️⃣ Stir everything together until fully combined and smooth. The sour cream adds a rich creaminess that will make your casserole extra luscious.

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Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients & Cheese 🧀

1️⃣ Now, add the cornbread mix, garlic powder, paprika, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture.

2️⃣ Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – you want a soft batter for that perfect fluffy texture.

3️⃣ Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. This will melt into the casserole, giving it a cheesy, gooey goodness in every bite!

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Step 4: Bake the Casserole 🔥

1️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

2️⃣ Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3️⃣ For an extra crispy top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

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Step 5: Let It Rest & Serve 🍴

1️⃣ Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier.

2️⃣ Cut into squares and serve! Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, sweet cornbread goodness. 😍

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Tips for the Perfect Cornbread Casserole 💡

• Use Real Butter: For the best flavor and texture, make sure to use real butter instead of margarine.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Add Some Heat: If you love spice, add chopped jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. It’ll add a nice kick!
• Make It Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time! Simply prepare everything, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and bake as usual.
• For a Crunchy Top: Sprinkle some extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top before baking to create a crispy, golden topping!

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How to Serve Cornbread Casserole 🍽️

This Cornbread Casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many different dishes. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• As a Side to BBQ: Serve it alongside ribs, grilled chicken, or pulled pork for a delicious BBQ feast! 🍖🔥
• With Chili: The sweetness of the cornbread balances perfectly with the heat of a spicy chili. 🍲🌶️
• At Holiday Meals: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, cornbread casserole is a perfect addition to your festive spread. 🎄🍽️
• As a Comfort Food: Pair it with a warm, hearty soup or stew for a cozy, satisfying meal. 🍲🥄

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Storage & Reheating 🍴

Storing Leftovers 📦

1️⃣ Store leftover cornbread casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

2️⃣ You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing!

Reheating Instructions 🔥

1️⃣ Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

2️⃣ Microwave Method: Place a portion of casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts (about 30 seconds) until hot.

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Variations to Try 🍴

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some fun ways to customize your cornbread casserole:

1. Mexican-Style Cornbread Casserole 🌮

• Add a cup of diced green chilies or salsa to the mixture.
• Top with a sprinkle of cilantro and a dollop of sour cream when serving.

2. BBQ Cornbread Casserole 🍗

• Mix in shredded BBQ chicken or pulled pork for a heartier version of this casserole.
• Top with BBQ sauce and more cheese before baking.

3. Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread Casserole 🌶️

• Add chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicy kick.
• For an extra cheesy flavor, mix in cream cheese alongside the cheddar.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

1. Can I use homemade cornbread mix?

Absolutely! If you have a homemade cornbread recipe you love, feel free to use that in place of a boxed mix. Just make sure to adjust the wet ingredients accordingly!

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cornbread mix and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I add meat to this casserole?

Definitely! Shredded chicken, ground beef, or even crumbled bacon would all make great additions to this casserole.

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Conclusion – A Must-Try Comfort Food! 🍽️

This Cornbread Casserole is a must-try dish that’s guaranteed to please any crowd. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, a holiday feast, or a BBQ party, it’s sure to be a hit! With its creamy, cheesy texture and the perfect amount of sweetness, it’s the kind of comfort food that everyone will crave.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out