Easy Baked Corn Casserole Recipe: A Creamy Thanksgiving Side Dish!

If you're looking for the perfect side dish to elevate your Thanksgiving feast, look no further than this Easy Baked Corn Casserole! Creamy, flavorful, and with just the right balance of sweetness and savory richness, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Corn is one of those versatile ingredients that pairs well with just about everything, from savory dishes to sweet treats. So in this recipe, we bring together whole-kernel corn, creamed corn, and a creamy, buttery sauce to create a casserole that’s comforting, hearty, and undeniably delicious. It’s simple to prepare, requires only a handful of ingredients, and bakes up beautifully every time.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe and explore why this easy-baked corn casserole will soon become your go-to side dish!

Why You’ll Love This Easy-Baked Corn Casserole

Creamy & Comforting: The combination of butter, milk, and eggs creates a creamy texture that will make your taste buds sing. This dish is the epitome of comfort food.
Naturally Sweet: The sweetness of the whole-kernel corn and creamed corn creates a delicate balance that pairs wonderfully with savory flavors like butter and salt.
Quick & Easy: You don’t have to be a professional chef to prepare this casserole. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make.
Perfect for Holidays: Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, baked corn casserole is an ideal dish to bring to the table. It pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, roasted vegetables, and more.
Customizable: Want to add a cheesy twist or a bit of spice? This recipe is flexible, and I’ll show you how to make it your own!

Ingredients

5 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons flour
1 Cup milk
1/4 Cup creamed corn (canned)
2 Cups whole-kernel corn
2 Teaspoons sugar
1 Teaspoon salt
1/8 Teaspoon pepper
2 Eggs

How to Make Easy Baked Corn Casserole?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and turns out perfectly golden and crispy on top.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. The butter will not only add flavor but will also help create a rich and smooth base for your casserole.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Once the butter has melted, add the flour to the skillet and stir it to combine. This forms a roux, which helps thicken the casserole and gives it that creamy texture we love. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Making roux to be used for Baked Corn Casserole

Step 4: Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes smooth.

Step 5: Add the Corn and Seasonings

Now it’s time to add the star ingredients – the whole-kernel corn and the creamed corn! Stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add the Eggs

Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the beaten eggs. The eggs will help bind the mixture together and create that firm, custard-like texture once the casserole is baked. Be sure to mix well so the eggs are fully incorporated into the corn mixture.

Step 7: Pour Into a Baking Dish

Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or oil, then pour the corn mixture into the dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and make sure it’s well-distributed.

Step 8: Bake

Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the center is firm and the edges are golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the top is slightly crispy, and the casserole holds its shape when you cut into it.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it up and enjoy the creamy, sweet, and savory goodness of your homemade baked corn casserole.

Zulay's Expert Tips for Making the Best Baked Corn Casserole

If you’re a fan of cheesy casseroles, consider adding shredded cheese to the mix. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese can be stirred in for an extra layer of richness.
A handful of fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top before serving adds a pop of color and flavor.
Want to add a little heat to your casserole? Try mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Baked corn casserole can be made ahead of time! Prepare the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
If you have access to fresh corn, feel free to cut the kernels off the cob and use them in this recipe. Alternatively, frozen corn works just as well!

What to Serve with Baked Corn Casserole

Roast Turkey: Corn casserole is the perfect complement to a juicy roast turkey. The savory, creamy flavors balance the rich taste of the turkey.
Ham: If you’re serving ham, the sweetness of the corn casserole pairs wonderfully with the salty, savory flavor of the ham.
Mashed Potatoes: What’s Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes? The creamy texture of both dishes makes them a perfect duo.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes provide a colorful and nutritious addition to your plate.
Gravy: A rich, flavorful gravy can be poured over both the corn casserole and the turkey for an extra touch ofcomfort.

A pan of Baked Corn Casserole for Thanksgiving.

How to Make This Recipe Your Own?

Cheesy Corn Casserole: Add 1-2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack) to the mixture for an extra creamy and cheesy casserole.
Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for vegan butter, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg or other egg replacer.
Add Bacon: For a savory twist, crumble some crispy bacon into the casserole before baking.

Zulay's Final Thought

Easy Baked Corn Casserole is an ideal side dish for any occasion. With its creamy texture, sweet corn taste, and adaptability, this is a recipe you'll want to make again and again. Also, it is simple to prepare and may be tailored to your preferences.

We hope you'll like this dish as much as we do! Please let us know in the comments if you tried it and what adjustments you made. Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family on social media, and tag us @ZulayKitchen to spread the love!

Other Delicious Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this baked corn casserole recipe, be sure to check out our other amazing Thanksgiving and holiday side dishes, desserts, and more! We have a whole collection of recipes that are sure to make your holiday meals even more memorable.