Experience the epitome of Southern comfort with this irresistible Corn Pudding Casserole. Revered for its sumptuously creamy texture and vibrant sweet corn flavor, this dish has a legendary ability to entice everyone back for seconds, and often thirds! Crafted with a classic custard-style base, our recipe remains authentically true to its cherished Southern heritage. Whether gracing your family dinner table, adding a touch of warmth to an Easter brunch, or serving as a beloved staple in your Thanksgiving spread, this casserole is universally anticipated. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary hug that consistently brings smiles and satisfaction to any gathering.
What truly elevates this corn pudding casserole is the clever interplay of flavors. The inclusion of melty cheese infuses an extra layer of savory depth, enriching the dish’s creamy foundation. Meanwhile, fresh chives and aromatic dried thyme are carefully incorporated to provide a subtle, herbaceous lift, preventing the richness from becoming overwhelming and adding a refreshing brightness. This harmonious blend makes the casserole surprisingly versatile; it’s effortlessly simple enough to whip up for a casual weeknight meal, yet it possesses a sophisticated charm that makes it feel exceptionally special for any festive celebration. This recipe masterfully strikes a perfect balance, delivering both comforting familiarity and a touch of elevated culinary flair.
One of the many joys of cooking this Corn Pudding Casserole is its incredible adaptability. Looking to dial up the flavor? A handful of sharp cheddar cheese can be folded in for a more pronounced, piquant taste. For those who crave a bit of heat, finely diced jalapeños offer a spicy kick that perfectly complements the corn’s sweetness. This casserole isn’t just for side dishes, either! Transform it into a hearty main course by stirring in savory additions like diced ham, crispy crumbled bacon, or even shredded cooked chicken. No matter how you choose to personalize it, this recipe guarantees a consistently creamy, cheesy, and utterly reliable dish that will delight every palate.
Why This Corn Pudding Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite
There’s a reason why Corn Pudding Casserole has remained a beloved classic across generations, especially in the South. This particular recipe captures all the essential elements that make it so irresistible, and then some. First, the texture is simply divine: a luscious, creamy custard base that melts in your mouth, studded with tender bits of corn. It’s comforting, satisfying, and reminiscent of homemade goodness. The balance of sweet corn and savory cheese, brightened by fresh herbs, creates a flavor profile that is both complex and universally appealing. It’s the perfect foil to rich meats and complements lighter dishes beautifully. Beyond its incredible taste, this casserole shines for its ease of preparation. With minimal hands-on time, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours of effort. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for simple customizations to suit any preference or dietary need. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, you’ll find joy in preparing and sharing this delightful, crowd-pleasing dish.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Corn Pudding Casserole
Crafting the perfect Corn Pudding Casserole begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature creamy texture and rich, balanced flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:
- Eggs: These are the backbone of our custard base, providing structure and richness. Large eggs are ideal for consistent results, binding the ingredients together to create that wonderfully tender, pudding-like consistency.
- Half-and-Half Cream: For unparalleled richness and a truly decadent mouthfeel, half-and-half is the star. While milk can be substituted for a lighter version, we highly recommend embracing the extra creaminess that half-and-half provides. It makes all the difference!
- Corn: The heart of the dish! You’ll need about 30 ounces of corn, thawed and thoroughly drained if using frozen. While fresh corn is fantastic when in season, high-quality frozen corn works beautifully and is readily available year-round. Ensure it’s well-drained to prevent a watery casserole.
- Fontina or Swiss Cheese: These cheeses are chosen for their superior melting properties and mild, nutty flavors that blend seamlessly without overpowering the corn. Fontina offers a particularly smooth and buttery texture, while Swiss adds a gentle tang. Any easy-melting, good quality cheese will work, such as Gruyere or even a mild white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Onion: Grated yellow onion provides a foundational aromatic sweetness and depth. Sweet onions like Vidalia would also be an excellent choice if you prefer a milder onion flavor. Grating the onion ensures it integrates smoothly into the custard without noticeable chunks.
- Red Bell Pepper: Finely diced red bell pepper adds a touch of vibrant color and a subtle sweet-peppery note. You could opt for green bell pepper for a more traditional savory note, but red bell pepper offers a lovely visual contrast that makes the dish pop. Avoid orange or yellow bell peppers if you want the color to stand out against the corn.
- All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour helps to thicken the custard base, ensuring the casserole sets beautifully and maintains its creamy, cohesive structure.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable! It provides a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates the savory notes of the dish. Avoid garlic powder here; fresh garlic truly makes a difference in flavor depth.
- Chives: Freshly chopped chives are essential for their delicate oniony flavor and bright green color, used both in the mixture and as a garnish. They add a fresh, herbaceous counterpoint to the richness.
- Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, dried thyme complements the corn and cheese beautifully. A small amount goes a long way in adding a warm, rustic flavor dimension.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning, kosher salt enhances all the flavors in the casserole without making it taste overly salty.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of subtle spice and rounds out the overall seasoning.
How to Prepare Your Delicious Corn Pudding Casserole: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a rich and flavorful Corn Pudding Casserole that will impress everyone:
- Prepare the Custard Base: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the eggs and half-and-half cream. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended. This forms the essential creamy foundation of your casserole.
- Process the Corn: For the best texture, use a food processor to pulse the thawed and drained corn. Divide the corn into two separate batches and pulse each batch approximately 5 times. The goal is to roughly chop the corn, creating a mix of whole and slightly broken kernels, which adds wonderful textural interest without turning it into a paste.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the pulsed corn directly to your whisked egg and half-and-half mixture. Next, incorporate the shredded cheese, grated onion, all-purpose flour, minced garlic, fresh chives, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until they are uniformly combined, ensuring the cheese and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Prepare for Baking (or Make Ahead): Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared corn mixture evenly into the greased dish. At this point, you have the option to cover the dish and refrigerate it for up to one day. This is a fantastic make-ahead option that allows flavors to meld and saves time on a busy day.
- Preheat Oven and Bring to Room Temperature: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, remove the casserole dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps ensure even baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the uncovered casserole dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown and gently bubbling, and the center appears set (a slight jiggle is okay, but it shouldn’t be liquid).
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This crucial resting period allows the custard to firm up, resulting in cleaner, more defined slices.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, enhance the fresh flavors and visual appeal by sprinkling additional fresh chives and a pinch of dried thyme over the top. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Visual Guide: Step-By-Step Process
Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for the Best Corn Pudding Casserole
- Mind the Corn Texture: When processing the corn, remember that a few quick pulses are all you need. The goal is to break up some of the kernels for a more cohesive mixture, but not to create a smooth paste. Over-processing will result in a less pleasant, mushy texture. You want a delightful mix of creamy and slightly textured corn in every bite.
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: Fontina and Swiss are excellent choices for their smooth melting properties and delicate flavor. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! If you prefer a bolder flavor, sharp cheddar will add a tangy kick, while pepper jack can introduce a nice, mild heat. Gruyère is another fantastic option for its rich, nutty profile that elevates the dish.
- The Importance of Resting: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking is a critical step. During this time, the custard continues to set and firm up, making it much easier to slice into neat, presentable squares without crumbling. Patience here pays off for perfect servings.
- Amp Up the Heat: For those who love a spicy kick, this casserole is an ideal canvas for heat. Finely diced fresh jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat, keep for more) can be added with the other vegetables. A dash of cayenne pepper, stirred into the mixture, also provides a subtle warmth that enhances the savory notes without overwhelming the dish.
- Embrace the Make-Ahead Advantage: This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option! You can assemble it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. In fact, many find that the flavors deepen and meld overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Simply bring it to room temperature while your oven preheats before baking.
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Make it a Meal: Serving Suggestions
This versatile Corn Pudding Casserole is a fantastic addition to almost any meal, effortlessly transitioning from a casual weeknight side to a star player on your holiday table. Its creamy texture and sweet-savory profile make it an ideal accompaniment for a wide range of main dishes. Pair it with succulent roasted ham for a classic holiday feast, tender grilled chicken breasts for a lighter touch, or juicy pork chops for a comforting family dinner. For a complete and balanced plate, round out your meal with fresh steamed green beans, a vibrant crisp garden salad, or a side of fluffy mashed potatoes. During festive seasons, this cheesy, warm casserole fits right in with turkey, prime rib, or whatever delicious spread you’ve planned, adding a touch of Southern charm and ensuring everyone leaves the table feeling perfectly satisfied.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the many benefits of this Corn Pudding Casserole is how well it stores and reheats, making it excellent for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. To store, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat individual portions, simply place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat until warmed through. For larger quantities, or to restore some of that fresh-baked texture, bake the refrigerated casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it is heated through and bubbling around the edges. This casserole also freezes exceptionally well. For long-term storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed above until bubbly and warmed through. This casserole truly handles reheating like a champ, maintaining its delicious flavor and creamy consistency, making it ideal for planning ahead for holidays or busy weeknights.
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Corn Pudding Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups half-and-half cream
- 30 oz corn thawed and drained
- 8 oz cheese fontina or swiss, shredded
- ½ cup yellow onion grated
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half.
- Using a food processor, pulse the corn in two separate batches until roughly chopped (about 5 pulses each time).
- Add the chopped corn to the egg mixture. Stir in the cheese, grated onion, flour, garlic, chives, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake — you can prep this up to one day in advance.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Let the dish sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
- Bake uncovered for around 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden and bubbling and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Sprinkle with more fresh chives and thyme right before serving.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Don’t over-process the corn — a few pulses will give it the best texture.
- Fontina creates a smooth, creamy texture, but you can use cheddar or pepper jack if you prefer something with more bite.
- Letting it sit after baking helps the casserole firm up for cleaner slices.
- Want more heat? Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
- Make it ahead of time — it actually tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.