Discover the ultimate **Cornbread Casserole** experience with this incredibly soft, tender, and intensely flavorful dish, generously studded with juicy corn kernels. Forget dry, crumbly cornbread; this casserole offers a wonderfully moist and rich texture that will revolutionize your side dish game. Crafted entirely from scratch, this easy-to-follow, failproof recipe promises a culinary delight you’ll absolutely LOVE, perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or a comforting weeknight meal.
What Exactly Is Cornbread Casserole?
Cornbread Casserole is a beloved Southern-inspired dish that masterfully blends the best elements of traditional cornbread with the creamy, satisfying characteristics of a savory corn pudding. It’s not just a side; it’s a comforting culinary experience that delivers warmth and flavor with every bite. Unlike conventional cornbread, which can sometimes be dry and crumbly, this casserole boasts an exceptionally moist, rich, and often fluffy texture, making it a standout addition to any meal.
At its heart, cornbread casserole typically involves a harmonious mixture of cornmeal, often combined with various forms of corn – be it fresh, canned whole kernels, or creamed corn – all baked together with additional decadent ingredients. These can include cheese for a savory depth, sour cream for added moisture and tang, and a selection of spices to elevate the overall flavor profile. The result is a dish that’s incredibly tender and bursting with sweet corn goodness, making it far superior in texture to many standard cornbread loaves.
This versatile casserole shines as a perfect companion to a wide array of main courses. It’s a staple at holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas, providing a comforting counterbalance to rich roasts and gravies. Beyond the festive season, you’ll frequently find it gracing tables at casual barbecues, lively potlucks, and relaxed picnics, especially throughout the Southern United States, where its culinary roots run deep. Its adaptability also means it’s incredibly customizable, allowing you to tailor it with optional ingredients such as cheddar cheese, jalapeños, or green chiles to match your preferred taste or meal theme.
Essentially, cornbread casserole takes the familiar, rustic charm of cornbread and elevates it into a more luxurious, spoonable, and deeply satisfying form, making it a truly indispensable dish for those who appreciate hearty, flavorful comfort food.
Why This Homemade Cornbread Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another cornbread casserole; it’s an elevated, from-scratch version that promises unparalleled flavor and texture. Here’s why this recipe will become your new go-to side dish:
- **Achieve the Perfect Texture:** Our carefully balanced blend of cornmeal and all-purpose flour is the secret to a texture that’s neither too dense nor too crumbly. It strikes the ideal balance, delivering a casserole that is exquisitely soft, moist, and delightfully fluffy, capturing the best attributes of both classic cornbread and a rich, creamy pudding. This ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience that crumbly cornbread often misses.
- **Endless Customization Options:** This recipe provides a fantastic base for your culinary creativity. Whether you love the added pop of juicy corn kernels, the savory tang of shredded cheddar cheese, or a subtle kick from diced green chiles, you can easily adapt this dish to suit your personal preferences. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, or even a dash of hot sauce to make it uniquely yours.
- **Effortless One-Pan Preparation:** Say goodbye to multiple dirty dishes! This recipe is designed as a convenient one-pan wonder, simplifying the cooking process from start to finish. All ingredients come together in a few bowls before being poured into a single baking dish, making cleanup incredibly quick and straightforward. This efficiency means more time enjoying your delicious meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
- **Superior From-Scratch Flavor & Quality:** While many popular recipes rely on shortcuts like boxed Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix and canned creamed corn, our recipe takes a different approach. By utilizing whole, fresh ingredients, we unlock a depth of flavor and a superior texture that simply can’t be achieved with pre-packaged mixes. You’ll be surprised at how little extra effort is required to create a truly gourmet-tasting casserole that boasts authentic, wholesome goodness. The rich dairy, fresh eggs, and high-quality cornmeal contribute to a robust, homemade taste that will impress everyone at your table.
This Cornbread Casserole is designed to be wonderfully moist and incredibly flavorful. It’s made entirely from scratch, bypassing any box mixes, with an incredibly easy, failproof recipe that guarantees a perfect outcome every time. You’re going to absolutely LOVE it!
Essential Ingredients and Tools for This Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Ready to create this mouthwatering cornbread casserole? Gathering your ingredients and tools beforehand will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you’ll need to prepare this delightful dish, without relying on pre-made mixes.
Cornbread Casserole Ingredients (No Jiffy Mix Needed!)
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Understanding their function will help you appreciate the magic of this from-scratch recipe:
Dry Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor and Structure
- All-purpose flour: This forms the foundational structure of your casserole, providing a tender crumb and preventing it from becoming too dense or crumbly. It works in tandem with the cornmeal to create a balanced, moist texture.
- Baking powder: A key leavening agent, baking powder is responsible for the delightful lift and airy fluffiness of the casserole. It reacts with the wet ingredients to create bubbles, resulting in a lighter, more tender final product.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch of granulated sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and balances the savory elements. It doesn’t make the casserole overly sweet but rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Essential for amplifying all the other flavors in the dish. Kosher salt has a coarser grain and pure taste, making it ideal for baking as it dissolves evenly and seasons effectively without imparting a metallic taste.
Wet Ingredients: For Unbeatable Moisture and Richness
- Yellow cornmeal: The star of the show, yellow cornmeal imparts that signature cornbread flavor and a slightly coarse, yet tender, texture. Soaking it in boiling water (as per our instructions) helps to soften it, preventing a gritty texture and ensuring a truly moist casserole.
- Boiling water: This step is critical for softening the cornmeal. It allows the cornmeal to hydrate properly, which is key to achieving that incredibly moist and smooth casserole texture, rather than a dry, crumbly one.
- Large eggs: Eggs act as a vital binder, holding all the ingredients together and contributing to the casserole’s rich structure and golden-brown crust. They also add a subtle richness and help with leavening.
- Whole milk or buttermilk: Both options provide essential moisture and richness. Whole milk results in a creamy, classic flavor, while buttermilk adds a delightful tang and helps create an even more tender texture due to its acidity reacting with the baking powder. Choose based on your preference for tanginess.
- Unsalted butter: Melted unsalted butter is crucial for both flavor and moisture. It infuses the casserole with a rich, buttery taste and ensures a tender, luxurious crumb. Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt content of your dish.
- Sour cream: This ingredient is a game-changer for moisture and tang. Sour cream contributes to an unbelievably creamy, moist texture and adds a pleasant, subtle tartness that beautifully complements the sweetness of the corn, making the casserole truly irresistible.
Optional Add-ins: Elevate Your Cornbread Casserole
- Corn kernels: For an extra burst of fresh corn flavor and a delightful juicy texture, fold in additional corn kernels. You can use fresh corn cut from the cob, frozen (thawed first!), or well-drained canned whole kernel corn.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: If you crave a savory, cheesy dimension, shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the casserole, adding richness and a wonderful gooey texture. Colby Jack or Monterey Jack also work wonderfully.
- Diced green chilies: For those who appreciate a hint of warmth and a mild peppery note, diced green chilies (canned and drained) are an excellent addition, especially popular in Southwestern-style cornbread casseroles.
Important Tip: If you choose to use frozen corn, remember to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the batter. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery and ensures even cooking.
Variations and Clever Substitutions
One of the joys of this cornbread casserole recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to customize it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences with these easy swaps and additions:
- Dairy-Free Options: For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk or buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative, and use a dairy-free sour cream substitute. You can also opt for nutritional yeast if you want a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Sweet or Spicy Profile: Adjust the sweetness by adding an extra tablespoon or two of granulated sugar, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the wet ingredients. For a spicier kick, incorporate finely diced jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat), a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Enhanced Vegetable Mix: Beyond corn kernels and green chilies, consider tossing in other finely diced vegetables for added flavor and nutrition. Sautéed bell peppers, sweet onions, or even roasted red peppers can add wonderful layers of flavor and color. Just ensure they are chopped small enough to integrate well into the batter.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: While not explicitly tested, many readers have success substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure your cornmeal is also certified gluten-free.
Essential Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
No need for specialized equipment here – this recipe is designed for simplicity. Just ensure you have these basic kitchen tools ready:
- 8×8-inch baking dish: This standard size is perfect for achieving the ideal thickness and golden-brown crust. A 9×9-inch dish can also work, but baking time might be slightly reduced.
- Medium mixing bowls (2-3): You’ll need separate bowls for your dry ingredients, the soaked cornmeal mixture, and the wet ingredients to ensure everything is properly combined without overmixing.
- Whisk: An essential tool for thoroughly combining both the dry and wet ingredients, ensuring a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of your bowls, folding in optional ingredients, and smoothly transferring the batter into the baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
With these simple tools and fresh ingredients, you’re perfectly equipped to create a truly irresistible homemade cornbread casserole!
How to Make Cornbread Casserole From Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious, moist, and flavorful cornbread casserole is surprisingly simple, even for those new to baking from scratch. Follow these easy steps to prepare a side dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Pan
- First and foremost, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when the casserole goes in, promoting even baking and a beautiful golden crust.
- While the oven is warming up, take your 8×8-inch baking dish and generously grease it with either butter or cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the casserole from sticking and makes for easy serving and cleanup.
Step 2: Soften the Cornmeal for Ultimate Moisture
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal with the boiling water. Whisk them together until well combined.
- Allow this mixture to sit and cool to room temperature, which typically takes about 20 minutes. This essential “soaking” step allows the cornmeal to hydrate and soften, preventing a grainy texture and ensuring your casserole is incredibly moist and tender. Don’t skip this!
Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
- In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together all of your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Ensure they are thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening agent and seasoning evenly throughout the batter. This dry mixture is now ready to receive the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Prepare the Rich Wet Ingredients (Corn Custard Base)
- Once your soaked cornmeal mixture has cooled, add the large eggs, whole milk (or buttermilk if using), sour cream, and melted unsalted butter to it.
- Whisk all these wet ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates a rich, creamy “corn custard” base that is central to the casserole’s moist and flavorful character.
Step 5: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl containing your dry ingredients.
- Using a whisk or spatula, stir them together just until they are combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, dense casserole rather than a tender one. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Fold in Your Optional Extra Ingredients
- If you’re incorporating extra corn kernels, gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed.
- If using, now is the time to add shredded cheddar cheese and diced green chiles. Fold them in carefully to ensure they are well dispersed throughout the batter. These additions will add wonderful texture and flavor dimensions to your casserole.
Step 7: Transfer Batter to the Prepared Pan
- Carefully pour the finished cornbread casserole batter into your previously greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Use a spatula to gently smooth out the top of the batter, ensuring an even layer. This promotes uniform baking and a beautiful, consistent golden-brown surface.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place the baking dish into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is beautifully golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll also notice the edges starting to pull away from the sides of the pan. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Step 9: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
- Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool in the dish for a few minutes (about 5-10 minutes) before slicing. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to cut and ensuring a more stable slice.
- Serve your homemade cornbread casserole warm. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chives, or a bit more shredded cheddar cheese right before serving.
And there you have it – a perfectly moist, flavorful, and utterly comforting cornbread casserole ready to impress! Enjoy this delightful from-scratch creation.
How to Serve Your Delicious Cornbread Casserole
This savory cornbread casserole, with its delightful blend of moist texture and rich corn flavor, is best enjoyed warm. The heat truly brings out its comforting essence and enhances its creamy consistency. If you’ve prepared it in advance, a gentle reheat in the oven (covered with foil at a low temperature around 300°F/150°C) is recommended to prevent it from drying out, ensuring it returns to its original tender state.
Cornbread casserole is celebrated for its incredible versatility, making it a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Here are some popular and creative ways to serve and enjoy this comforting dish:
- As the Ultimate Side Dish: This is its most traditional and beloved role. Cornbread casserole is an ideal accompaniment to hearty main courses such as rich chili, robust stews, comforting soups, smoky barbecued meats like pulled pork or brisket, and classic fried chicken. Its slightly sweet and savory profile perfectly balances and complements these richer dishes.
- Enhanced with Delicious Toppings: Elevate each serving with a variety of toppings. A pat of butter melting into the warm casserole is always a classic. For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup can be delightful. A sprinkle of fresh shredded cheese (like extra cheddar or Monterey Jack) or a dollop of sour cream adds an extra layer of creaminess and tang. For those who enjoy a bit of zest, consider finely chopped jalapeños, sautéed onions, or fresh herbs like chives or cilantro.
- Paired with Gravy or Savory Sauces: Much like biscuits or traditional cornbread, this casserole absorbs gravies beautifully. Spoon a generous amount of savory brown gravy, country gravy, or even a spicy queso over your serving for an extra indulgent experience that ties the meal together.
- A Wholesome Breakfast Treat: Don’t relegate leftovers to just dinner! Warm up slices of cornbread casserole for a unique and satisfying breakfast. It pairs wonderfully with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or breakfast sausage. Some adventurous eaters even enjoy crumbling it into a bowl and pouring milk over it, akin to a comforting hot cereal.
- The Base for Flavorful Stuffing: During holiday feasts, transform your cornbread casserole into a spectacular stuffing. Simply crumble the cooled casserole, mix it with sautéed aromatics (celery, onions), herbs (sage, thyme), and chicken or vegetable broth, then bake until golden and fragrant inside your turkey or as a stand-alone dressing.
- A Hearty Main Dish Base: Get creative by using the cornbread casserole as a base for other hearty meals. Top a generous slice with a scoop of homemade chili, a pile of slow-cooked pulled pork, or a medley of roasted vegetables to turn it into a substantial and satisfying main course.
The adaptability of cornbread casserole truly makes it a culinary gem, allowing it to be savored in countless ways, each reflecting individual tastes and regional traditions.
Perfect Toppings to Enhance Your Cornbread Casserole
- Cool Sour Cream: A dollop of cool, tangy sour cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, rich casserole, adding a refreshing creamy element.
- Melted Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese over the hot casserole will melt into gooey perfection, intensifying the savory, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Sliced Green Onions: For a vibrant burst of color and a mild, fresh onion flavor, finely sliced green onions are an excellent choice.
- Zesty Salsa: A spoonful of your favorite salsa can give the casserole a wonderful Southwestern flair, adding freshness and a hint of spice.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: For a smoky, salty crunch, sprinkle some crispy cooked bacon bits over the top.
- Drizzled Honey: If you prefer a sweeter profile, a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can beautifully enhance the corn’s natural sweetness.
Ideal Dishes to Serve with Cornbread Casserole
The beauty of this cornbread casserole lies in its versatility, making it a stellar pairing for a wide range of main courses. Its moist, slightly creamy texture and balanced flavor profile complement both hearty and lighter fare. Consider serving it with:
- Baked BBQ Chicken: The sweet and savory notes of the casserole wonderfully complement the smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue chicken, creating a harmonious and comforting meal.
- Chili Con Carne: This is arguably the quintessential pairing. The casserole’s rich, moist texture is perfect for soaking up a hearty, thick chili con carne, which is often made with a robust ground beef mixture, kidney beans, chili powder, and tomatoes. It’s a classic comfort food combination.
- Sticky Spicy Ribs: The tender, buttery casserole provides a fantastic counterpoint to the bold, savory, and often spicy flavors of slow-cooked ribs. It helps to mellow the heat and adds a comforting, satisfying element to the plate.
- Classic Meatloaf: Both dishes share a comforting, homemade appeal. The moist, slightly sweet nature of the cornbread casserole beautifully complements the savory, meaty flavors of a well-seasoned meatloaf. It also serves as an excellent palate cleanser if your meatloaf features a tangy or spicy glaze.
- Roasted Turkey or Chicken: For holiday meals or a comforting Sunday dinner, the casserole adds a delightful, moist element that pairs perfectly with roasted poultry.
- Hearty Beef Stew: The tender casserole is ideal for soaking up the rich, savory broth of a beef stew, making for a truly satisfying and warming meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: For a lighter meal, serve alongside a medley of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. The casserole adds substance and flavor without being overly heavy.
With these pairing ideas, your cornbread casserole is guaranteed to be a hit at any meal!
Cornbread Casserole: Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Solutions
Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight meal, hosting a large gathering, or simply want to enjoy delicious leftovers, knowing how to properly prepare, store, and reheat your cornbread casserole is incredibly useful. This section covers everything you need to know to maximize convenience and minimize food waste.
- Making Ahead: This casserole is fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately up to a day in advance. Store the dry mix in an airtight container at room temperature, and the wet mixture (excluding the cornmeal soak, which should be done just before mixing) in a sealed container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine them as per the recipe instructions. For ultimate make-ahead ease, you can even assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking) in your greased baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover cornbread casserole should be cooled completely to room temperature before storing. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will maintain its quality and delicious flavor for up to 3-4 days. Always ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: Cornbread casserole freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for future meals. After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely. For individual portions, slice it and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. For the entire casserole, wrap the baking dish tightly with several layers of aluminum foil and then place it in a large freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to keep track.
- Reheating Instructions:
- **Oven Method (Recommended for Best Texture):** For reheating a whole or large portion of casserole from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning and drying out. Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through to the center. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge first, then reheat as above. If reheating directly from frozen, it will take longer (around 45-60 minutes).
- **Microwave Method (for Quick Single Servings):** For smaller portions or a quick reheat, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking at 30-second intervals, until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the casserole dry.
- Garnish Considerations: If you’ve garnished your casserole with fresh ingredients like sour cream, sliced green onions, or extra shredded cheese, it’s best to add these *after* reheating. This preserves their fresh texture and flavor, ensuring the best possible eating experience.
Common Questions About Cornbread Casserole
Here are quick answers to some frequently asked questions about making, storing, and enjoying this delicious cornbread casserole.
- Can I make Cornbread Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If baking from cold, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and combine them just before baking. - How long does Cornbread Casserole last in the fridge?
Leftover Cornbread Casserole will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. - Can I freeze Cornbread Casserole?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap the casserole tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. - What can I do with leftover Cornbread Casserole?
Leftovers are wonderful on their own or as a side with different meals. You can also get creative: crumble it into soups, use it as a base for a breakfast casserole with eggs and sausage, or even top it with chili for a quick and hearty meal. - Can I use different types of cornmeal?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cornmeal, such as white cornmeal or medium-grind cornmeal. However, be aware that this might slightly alter the texture and potentially the cooking time. Fine-ground cornmeal will yield a smoother texture, while coarse-ground will be more rustic. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Certainly! Substitute whole milk or buttermilk with unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy), use a plant-based butter alternative, and opt for a dairy-free sour cream substitute. - Can I use regular salt instead of kosher salt?
Yes, you can. However, regular table salt is finer and denser than kosher salt, so you should use slightly less. As a general rule, use about half the amount of table salt compared to kosher salt for the same level of salinity, then adjust to taste. - Do I have to use buttermilk?
No, you don’t have to use buttermilk. Whole milk works perfectly well and will give you a creamy, rich casserole. However, buttermilk adds a lovely subtle tang and can contribute to an even more tender crumb due to its acidity reacting with the baking powder. - Why is my cornbread casserole dry?
A dry casserole is often a result of overbaking or not soaking the cornmeal. Ensure you follow the soaking step, and keep a close eye on your oven to avoid baking longer than necessary. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, but not overly dry or crumbly.
Print Recipe
Cornbread Casserole
Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD
10 minutes
40 minutes
9
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
Wet ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup sour cream
Optional add-ins:
- 2 cups corn kernels (thawed if frozen, or about 2 ears of fresh corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small can (4 oz) diced green chiles, drained
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Soak Cornmeal:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal and the boiling water. Let it stand until it cools to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- Once the cornmeal mixture is cool, whisk in the eggs, milk (or buttermilk), sour cream, and melted butter and mix well.
Combine Wet and Dry:
- Add this wet mixture to your dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add Extra Ingredients:
- Fold in the corn kernels.
- If using, add the shredded cheddar cheese and diced green chiles, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
Transfer to Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be evenly browned, and the casserole should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can use either whole milk or buttermilk for this recipe. Buttermilk will give it a tangier flavor and a slightly more tender texture.
- Feel free to add in other finely chopped vegetables or spices to customize the flavor. Ensure they are chopped small so they mix well and cook evenly.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with a little extra sour cream, fresh herbs, or shredded cheddar cheese for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 37g |
Protein: 10g |
Fat: 22g |
Saturated Fat: 12g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g |
Trans Fat: 0.4g |
Cholesterol: 90mg |
Sodium: 769mg |
Potassium: 196mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 10g |
Vitamin A: 669IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 267mg |
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.