Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, golden pan of corn casserole coming out of the oven. This version of Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is rich, creamy, slightly sweet, and finished with a bubbling layer of cheddar cheese that makes it completely irresistible. It’s the kind of Southern side dish that shows up at Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, and Sunday family dinners—and disappears fast every single time.

With just a handful of pantry staples and 10 minutes of prep, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a dependable, crowd-pleasing side dish, this one checks every box.

---

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a big believer that side dishes can steal the show—and this corn casserole absolutely does. It has that perfect balance of sweetness from the corn, richness from the sour cream and butter, and a soft, spoonable texture that sits somewhere between cornbread and soufflé.

What I especially love is how adaptable it is. You can keep it classic for holiday dinners or dress it up with extras for a casual gathering. It pairs beautifully with hearty mains like These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays or Southern favorites like This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.

And the best part? It’s nearly impossible to mess up.

Ingredients

• 1 (14.75-ounce) can creamed corn
• 1 (15.25-ounce) can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
• 1 (8.5-ounce) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
• 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

---

Ingredient Swaps and Notes

• Sour Cream Substitute: Plain Greek yogurt works beautifully if you want a slightly lighter version.
• Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but Colby Jack or pepper jack can add a fun twist.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
• Extra Corn Flavor: Stir in a handful of frozen corn for more texture.

This recipe is forgiving, so feel free to customize it to your family’s taste.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
2. Mix the base. In a large bowl, combine the creamed corn, drained whole kernel corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until fully incorporated.
3. Transfer to baking dish. Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and spread evenly.
4. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. The center should be mostly set.
5. Add the cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
6. Bake again for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
7. Rest before serving. Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly before scooping.

---

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix. Stir just until combined to keep the texture tender.
• Use room temperature sour cream. It blends more smoothly.
• Check doneness properly. The center should jiggle slightly but not look wet.
• Let it rest. Those 5 minutes help the casserole set and make serving easier.

---

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This corn casserole shines at holiday meals but is versatile enough for weeknight dinners.

Pair it with:

• This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort for a full Southern spread.
• Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner with a sweet Southern side.
• This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests if you’re building out a holiday entertaining menu.

And for dessert? You can’t go wrong with This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd to keep that comforting Southern theme going strong.

---

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 388
• Fat: 23 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Protein: 7 g

(Approximate values based on 8 servings.)

---

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Leftovers also make a surprisingly delicious base for a breakfast bowl topped with a fried egg.

---

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this cozy casserole, here are a few more comforting favorites to try next:

• These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
• This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
• Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
• This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd

These recipes pair beautifully with the comforting, crowd-friendly vibe of this corn casserole.

---

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is one of those timeless recipes that earns a permanent spot in your rotation. It’s simple, rich, and consistently delivers that warm, nostalgic flavor we all crave at family gatherings.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add jalapeños? Swap the cheese? Make it for a holiday feast? Leave a comment and share your twist—and don’t forget to follow along for more comforting, crowd-pleasing recipes from my kitchen to yours.