How To Make Corn Pudding Casserole

There are certain side dishes that just scream comfort, and for me, nothing tops a warm, bubbling Corn Pudding Casserole straight from the oven. Whether it’s served beside roasted turkey at Thanksgiving or paired with barbecue ribs on a Sunday, this dish brings everyone back for seconds.

With every bite, you get a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The golden top gives way to a soft, custard-like center, with bits of corn adding a tender bite. It’s creamy, rich, and slightly sweet, almost like a savory souffle, but easier to pull off.

This from-scratch Corn Pudding Casserole is far better than anything from a box mix. Yet, it’s just as easy to prepare. Made with everyday ingredients like creamed corn, sour cream, and cornmeal, it comes together quickly and bakes into a comforting, crave-worthy side dish that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family meals.

If you enjoy comforting Southern-inspired dishes, you might also love this savory and sweet twist: Pineapple Casserole, another unique crowd-pleaser.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Corn Pudding Casserole

This Corn Pudding Casserole is a standout side that checks every box. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table:

• Incredibly Moist & Creamy
  The mix of sour cream and creamed corn creates a rich, soft, and custard-like texture. It’s tender and moist all the way through, never dry or crumbly.
• Perfect Sweet & Savory Balance
  A little sugar brings out the natural sweetness of the corn, while garlic powder and a dash of cayenne pepper (optional) add warmth and flavor. It’s balanced and satisfying.
• Unbelievably Easy to Make
  This is a classic “dump and bake” casserole. No special equipment, no fancy techniques, just stir everything together in a bowl, pour into a dish, and bake until golden.
• The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish
  Whether you’re cooking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or a Sunday dinner, this sweet corn casserole is always a hit. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a simple salad.
• Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing
  The mild flavors and soft texture make it a great option for all ages. Plus, it reheats well, so leftovers won’t go to waste.

If you’re looking for a baked corn pudding that’s easy, flavorful, and sure to impress, this is the one to try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a few simple pantry staples can come together to create something so rich, creamy, and unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need for this Corn Pudding Casserole:

• Unsalted Butter
  Melted for easy mixing, butter adds richness and depth. Using unsalted lets you control the overall salt level.
• Frozen Corn Kernels
  These add texture and sweet bursts of flavor throughout the casserole. You can use them straight from the freezer, no thawing needed!
• Yellow Cornmeal
  This is the heart of the dish, giving it that traditional corn flavor and structure.
• All-Purpose Flour
  A little bit of flour helps hold everything together and keeps the casserole tender.
• Granulated Sugar
  Just enough sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn without making it overly sweet.
• Baking Powder
  Gives the casserole a light lift, so the texture stays fluffy and soft, like a savory soufflé.
• Kosher Salt
  Balances the sweet elements and enhances every bite.
• Garlic Powder
  Adds a gentle savory edge that complements the corn and sweetness.
• Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
  A small pinch gives a warm, flavorful kick without making it spicy.
• Large Eggs
  Eggs bind the ingredients and create that rich, custard-like center.
• Sour Cream
  Adds moisture, richness, and a creamy tang that balances everything beautifully.
• Canned Creamed Corn
  The secret to a luscious, pudding-like texture. Don’t skip it!
• Honey (Optional)
  A drizzle before serving gives a glossy finish and extra hint of sweetness.

Looking for more hearty, family-style casseroles with a nostalgic twist? Try the ultra-satisfying Poor Man Husband Casserole, another comforting dish made from pantry staples.

Corn Pudding Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

This Corn Pudding Casserole is as easy as mix, pour, and bake. Follow these simple steps for the perfect result every time:

1. Prep the Oven and Dish
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 3-quart casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This creates a well-balanced dry base.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. Stir in the sour cream, melted butter, creamed corn, and frozen corn kernels. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Together
   Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, it’s fine if there are a few small lumps. This keeps the casserole light and tender.
5. Bake the Casserole
   Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden, the edges are set, and the center is firm with a slight jiggle.
6. Let It Rest and Serve
   Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the custard texture finish setting. Drizzle with honey just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.

Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor!

Want another easy-to-make, crave-worthy bake? You’ll love this Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, which blends two comfort food classics in one dish.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Baked Corn Pudding Casserole

Getting the texture just right in your Corn Pudding Casserole is easier than you think. These expert tips will help you bake a creamy, tender casserole every time:

• Don’t Overmix
  When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense or rubbery texture instead of the soft, custard-like center you want.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients
  Let the eggs and sour cream sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This small step helps the batter come together more smoothly and evenly, which improves the final texture.
• Follow the Jiggle Test
  A perfect baked corn pudding will look set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken. Think of it like a cheesecake, it will firm up as it cools. Avoid overbaking, or the pudding may dry out.
• Let It Rest After Baking
  Don’t skip the resting time. Letting the casserole sit for 10 to 15 minutes allows the center to finish setting and makes it easier to slice and serve. It also enhances the flavor and keeps the texture light and creamy.

With these simple tips, your from-scratch corn casserole will come out perfect every time, tender, rich, and full of comforting flavor.

For a weeknight dish with savory flair, check out our reader-favorite Swiss Chicken Casserole, known for its creamy texture and crunchy topping.

Corn Pudding Casserole Variations & Add-ins

One of the best things about this Corn Pudding Casserole is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re craving something cheesy, spicy, or extra savory, here are some tasty ways to switch it up:

• Cheesy Corn Casserole
  Mix in 1 to 1½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese with the wet ingredients. The cheese melts into the casserole, adding richness and a gooey texture.
• Spicy Corn Casserole
  For a kick of heat, stir in a 4-ounce can of diced green chiles (drained) or 1–2 finely chopped jalapeños. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor, or leave them in for more spice.
• Make It Savory
  Add ½ cup of crumbled cooked bacon and ¼ cup of chopped fresh chives to the batter. This version is perfect for brunch or as a side for grilled meats.
• Gluten-Free Option
  Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. It keeps the same great texture and flavor without the gluten.

These variations let you turn your easy corn pudding into something uniquely yours every time.

If you’re in the mood for something with bold Tex-Mex flavor, the Walking Taco Casserole is an easy, fun twist perfect for family dinners or game day.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

This Corn Pudding Casserole is not only easy to make, but it’s also perfect for prepping ahead and enjoying later. Here’s how to plan, store, and reheat with success:

• Make-Ahead
  You can prepare the full casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just mix the batter and pour it into your greased baking dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. You may need to add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the bake time if it’s still cold when it goes into the oven.
• Storage
  Leftovers keep well! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture stays soft and creamy, making it great for next-day meals.
• Reheating
  For single servings, microwave on high for 60 to 90 seconds. To reheat the whole casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed through.

This makes it an ideal holiday side dish or weeknight favorite you can enjoy again and again.

FAQs About Corn Pudding Casserole

Corn Pudding Casserole Time To Try!

I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this cozy, creamy Corn Pudding Casserole as much as we do, it’s a true family favorite that never fails to comfort and satisfy.

If you try this Corn Pudding Casserole recipe, please leave a comment and a rating below! I love hearing from you. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with a photo of your creation!

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