The Best Easy Corn Pudding Casserole Recipe for Your Holiday Table
Discover the ultimate Corn Pudding Casserole that consistently delivers a perfect balance: wonderfully crispy on the outside, and incredibly moist and creamy on the inside! This comforting side dish is sure to become a cherished favorite at your family’s gatherings.
As the holiday season approaches, every table needs a show-stopping side dish. This easy corn pudding casserole is not just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Its delightful texture and irresistible sweet-savory flavor profile make it a standout addition to any meal, especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a casual Sunday dinner. Perfectly complementing classic holiday mains, this homemade corn pudding is designed for both ease and exceptional taste. Imagine it alongside Candied Yams, a majestic Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze, or a rich Creamed Spinach – the combinations are endless and truly delicious.
Why This Easy Corn Pudding Casserole Is a Must-Make
This corn pudding casserole recipe is incredibly simple to master, making it ideal for busy holidays or any time you crave a comforting side. The beauty of this dish lies in its minimal effort: just place all the ingredients in a large bowl, mix them together, transfer to a baking dish, and let the oven work its magic. It’s a truly wonderful side dish that elevates any meal. While often associated with Thanksgiving, don’t limit this gem to holidays alone! It pairs beautifully with everyday meals too, such as a Juicy Roasted Chicken.
It’s important to remember that authentic corn pudding isn’t meant to have a dense, bready texture like cornbread. Instead, it should be delightfully jiggly, moist, and lusciously creamy. This recipe delivers exactly that—a comforting, custard-like consistency that melts in your mouth, offering a burst of sweet corn flavor with every spoonful. Its unique texture is what sets it apart and makes it so incredibly satisfying.
Understanding the Delicious Difference: Corn Pudding vs. Cornbread
Many wonder about the distinction between corn pudding and cornbread, and it’s a crucial one for this recipe. While both celebrate the humble corn, their textures and preparations are quite different. Cornbread, as its name suggests, is a quick bread, typically made with cornmeal, flour, and a leavening agent like baking powder. It aims for a crumbly, often dense, and bread-like consistency. Corn pudding, on the other hand, is closer to a savory-sweet custard or soufflé. It contains more liquid (milk, eggs, sour cream) and often includes whole corn kernels and creamed corn, which contribute to its characteristic moist, tender, and jiggly texture. This recipe leans into the pudding side, ensuring a silky, rich interior that is utterly irresistible, contrasting beautifully with its golden, slightly crisp edges. It’s a delightful comfort food that truly embodies the essence of a creamy, dreamy corn dish.
How to Make This Easy Corn Pudding Casserole Step-by-Step
Preparing this incredibly flavorful corn pudding is straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delightful side dish ready to impress. Here’s exactly what you need to do:
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar, and sour cream. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform texture in your pudding.
- Incorporate Corn and Thickeners: Next, stir in the creamed corn (which adds incredible creaminess and sweetness), the whole corn kernels (for a pleasant texture contrast), cornstarch (to help thicken and set the pudding), salt (to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors), and the melted butter (for richness and a lovely golden crust). Mix everything until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the entire mixture into a buttered oven-safe 9×13 inch baking dish. Ensure the dish is generously buttered to prevent sticking and aid in creating those desirable crispy edges.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. The corn pudding should be set in the middle and golden brown on top. A slight jiggle in the center is perfectly normal and indicates its creamy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. Prepare for rave reviews!
Why This Corn Pudding Casserole is a Must-Try for Every Occasion
- The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish: This corn pudding transcends typical side dishes, becoming a centerpiece of flavor and comfort. It’s the perfect companion for grand holiday feasts, from Thanksgiving turkey to Christmas roasts, adding a touch of rustic elegance to your table. Its rich, creamy texture and comforting taste make it an indispensable part of celebratory meals, truly embodying the spirit of the holidays.
- Exquisite Sweet and Salty Harmony: What sets this dish apart is its masterfully balanced flavor profile. The natural sweetness of the corn is beautifully enhanced by a touch of added sugar, while the salt and the subtle tang of sour cream cut through the richness, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying taste. This delightful interplay of sweet and savory notes ensures every bite is an experience to savor.
- Effortlessly Easy to Prepare: Despite its impressive taste, this corn pudding recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal hands-on time. Its “mix and bake” nature means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests and the festive atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a stress-free yet delicious addition to their menu.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: From children to adults, the creamy texture and sweet corn flavor of this pudding appeal to almost everyone. It’s a comforting dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia, making it a reliable hit at potlucks, family dinners, and special gatherings. You can be confident that this corn pudding will disappear quickly!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with This Delicious Corn Pudding
This versatile corn pudding casserole makes an excellent accompaniment to a wide variety of main courses, enhancing any meal with its rich flavor and creamy texture. Here are some of our favorite pairings that will truly elevate your dining experience:
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Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken
– The bright and savory notes of roast chicken perfectly complement the sweet and creamy corn pudding.
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Thanksgiving Roast Turkey
– An absolute classic! Corn pudding is a staple on many holiday tables, and it shines alongside a perfectly roasted turkey.
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Honey Baked Turkey Wings
– The sticky sweetness of honey-baked wings finds a delightful partner in the subtle sweetness of the corn pudding.
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Honey Lime Chicken Thighs
– The zesty, sweet, and savory chicken offers a fantastic contrast to the rich and comforting corn pudding.
- Grilled Pork Chops: The smoky flavor of grilled pork is wonderfully balanced by the sweet creaminess of the pudding.
- Pot Roast: A hearty pot roast and gravy benefit from the light, yet substantial, texture of this corn casserole.
- BBQ Ribs: For a Southern-inspired feast, serve this corn pudding alongside tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs.
Tips for Making the Best Corn Pudding Casserole
To ensure your corn pudding turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the quickest way to dry out your pudding and lose that desirable jiggly, moist texture. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time. It should be golden brown on top and set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the most consistent and evenly mixed batter, try to use eggs and milk that are at room temperature. This helps them combine more smoothly and prevents lumps, resulting in a silkier pudding.
- Grease Your Dish Well: A generously buttered baking dish not only prevents sticking but also contributes to the lovely crispy edges that make this corn pudding so irresistible.
- Customize Your Sweetness: While the recipe provides a great balance, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference. If your corn is naturally very sweet, you might use a little less sugar, or add a touch more if you prefer a sweeter side.
- Add a Savory Twist: For those who love a bit of savory kick, consider stirring in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a quarter cup of finely diced jalapeños (or both!) to the mixture before baking. This adds a delicious layer of flavor.
- Fresh or Frozen Corn: While canned corn is convenient, you can certainly use fresh or frozen corn kernels. If using fresh, blanch them first. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Storing and Reheating Your Corn Pudding
This corn pudding casserole is fantastic fresh out of the oven, but it also stores well, making it a great make-ahead option or for enjoying leftovers. Here’s how to best store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftover corn pudding to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pudding to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, corn pudding freezes surprisingly well. Once cooled, divide the pudding into individual portions or leave it whole in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating (Oven): To regain some of that delightful crispy exterior, reheat the corn pudding in an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pudding (covered with foil if reheating a large portion to prevent drying) in the oven for 15-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Reheating (Microwave): For a quicker option, individual servings can be reheated in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warm. Be aware that the microwave won’t restore the crispy edges, but it will still be moist and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Corn Pudding
- Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
- Absolutely! If using frozen corn, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent the pudding from becoming watery. You’ll still need the creamed corn for texture and flavor.
- Can I make corn pudding ahead of time?
- Yes, this corn pudding casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish! You can prepare the mixture the day before, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, and you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- What’s the difference between corn pudding and corn casserole?
- The terms are often used interchangeably, but generally, corn pudding refers to a moister, softer, more custard-like dish. Corn casserole, especially those made with cornbread mix, can sometimes be denser and more bread-like. This recipe definitely falls into the creamy ‘pudding’ category.
- Can I add cheese to this corn pudding?
- Yes, for a savory twist, many enjoy adding cheese. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of your favorite cheeses (like Monterey Jack or Colby) with the other ingredients before baking. It creates a wonderfully gooey and flavorful addition!
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, this specific recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses cornstarch for thickening and contains no wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check ingredient labels (especially for canned goods) if you have severe gluten sensitivities.
- Why is my corn pudding runny?
- A runny corn pudding can be due to underbaking or too much liquid. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and bake until the center is set (with a slight jiggle). Also, make sure your corn kernels are well-drained if using canned or frozen.
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Corn Pudding
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Ingredients
- two 17 ounce cans cream style corn
- one 14 ounce can whole kernel corn drained
- 5 eggs
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup unsalted melted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, and sour cream until well combined.
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Stir in the creamed corn, corn kernels, cornstarch, salt, and melted butter.
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Place the mixture in a buttered oven safe 9×13 dish.
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Bake for 1 hour and 5 minutes.
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Enjoy!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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