If you’re craving a comfort dish that truly warms the soul, this Ultimate Corn Casserole Recipe delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you could wish for. Combining tender white shoepeg corn with a luscious blend of milk, cream, and melted butter, then topped with oozing mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this casserole bakes to a golden bubbly perfection that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for family dinners or holiday tables, this dish elevates simple ingredients into an irresistible, crowd-pleasing side that’s as delightful in flavor as it is in texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, and each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture in the casserole. From the sweetness of fresh corn to the melt-in-your-mouth cheeses, these ingredients come together to create a comforting dish everyone will love.
- 1 ½ cup milk: Adds creamy richness and serves as the base of the casserole’s sauce.
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream: Amplifies the creaminess for that indulgent texture.
- 6 cups white shoepeg corn: The star ingredient, lending sweet bursts of freshness throughout.
- 1½ Tbsp sugar: Enhances the corn’s natural sweetness, balancing savory flavors.
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter: Provides depth and a silky mouthfeel when browned with flour.
- 1 ½ Tbsp self-rising flour: Thickens the sauce perfectly without weighing it down.
- Salt (to taste): Brings all the flavors together and heightens the savoriness.
- White pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese: For gooey, stretchy melted cheese on top.
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty finish to the casserole.
How to Make Ultimate Corn Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the casserole to a bubbly golden brown. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking while creating a nice crust on the casserole’s edges.
Step 2: Cook the Corn Mixture
In a saucepan, bring together the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until boiling. Once hot, stir in the white shoepeg corn along with sugar, salt, and white pepper. Allow the mixture to briefly return to a boil, ensuring the corn is heated through and the flavors start to meld. This step infuses the sauce with the sweet corn essence.
Step 3: Brown the Butter and Flour
In a separate small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the self-rising flour, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to turn a lovely golden brown. This step is crucial—it not only thickens the casserole sauce but also adds a subtle nutty undertone that elevates the whole dish.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Pour the browned butter and flour mixture into the warm corn sauce. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce becomes uniform and thickened to the perfect creamy consistency. Taste and adjust salt and white pepper to enhance the flavors tailored just for you.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the luscious corn mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Generously sprinkle the mozzarella and shredded parmesan cheese on top. These cheeses melt and create that signature golden bubbly crust so many of us adore.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 45 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling. This baking time allows the flavors to marry while giving the cheese the time it needs to melt and brown perfectly. Serve immediately for the best experience or cover to keep warm until ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Ultimate Corn Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, garnish your casserole with freshly chopped chives or parsley just before serving. Crispy fried shallots or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add delightful texture and a subtle smoky twist that complements the creamy corn base.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside robust main dishes like roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or grilled chicken. It also pairs beautifully with vibrant green salads or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal that offers both comfort and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Ultimate Corn Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for charming personal portions. Another fun idea is to scoop a hearty helping onto plates and drizzle it with a little maple syrup or hot sauce for a sweet and spicy contrast that elevates your presentation and flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover corn casserole keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture and cheesy topping.
Freezing
This dish freezes well and makes for a fantastic make-ahead meal. After cooling completely, wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350ºF oven for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. To revive the cheese topping’s golden crust, broil for a couple of minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh shoepeg corn?
Absolutely! Frozen corn works well when fresh is unavailable. Just thaw and drain it before adding to avoid excess moisture in the casserole, which helps maintain that perfect creamy consistency.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut milk blend, and use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor but still yield a tasty dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the casserole gluten-free, replace the self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. This swap will still provide the necessary thickening without compromising the smooth texture.
How spicy is the casserole with white pepper?
White pepper adds a very mild warmth and subtle peppery flavor. If you prefer no spice, you can reduce or omit it entirely—just make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or sautéed onions can be mixed in for more texture and flavor. Just be mindful to keep the balance so the creamy corn remains the star.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Ultimate Corn Casserole Recipe with you feels like handing over a little piece of comfort food heaven. It’s simple to make yet so delightful that it becomes an instant favorite at any table. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’re going to fall in love with every creamy, cheesy bite!
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Ultimate Corn Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Corn Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Combining tender white shoepeg corn with a luscious milk and cream base, then topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, it bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups white shoepeg corn
- 1½ Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 ½ Tbsp self-rising flour
- salt (to taste)
- white pepper (to taste)
Cheeses
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Cook Corn Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream and bring to a boil. Add the white shoepeg corn, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Cook just until the mixture comes back to a boil, ensuring the corn is heated through and flavors meld.
- Make the Butter-Flour Roux: In a separate small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the self-rising flour, stirring constantly until the flour starts to turn golden brown, developing a nutty aroma.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the butter-flour roux to the corn mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is uniform and thickened. Taste and adjust salt and white pepper as needed for seasoning.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the thickened corn mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and shredded parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Alternatively, cover and keep warm until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use self-rising flour for a bit of leavening and thickness; all-purpose flour can be substituted but may slightly alter the texture.
- White pepper provides a gentle heat without black specks; black pepper can be used if unavailable.
- Shoepeg corn has a sweet, mild flavor and firm texture perfect for this dish; frozen or fresh corn can also work.
- For a richer taste, use whole milk instead of reduced-fat, and fresh-shredded cheeses rather than pre-shredded.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a comforting vegetarian side.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
