Can I make this without Jiffy mix?

If you don’t have Jiffy corn muffin mix on hand, you can substitute with another brand of corn muffin mix, or make a homemade blend using cornmeal, a little flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. It may change the texture slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply use a larger baking dish or two casserole pans. This recipe scales up beautifully for feeds-a-crowd occasions like family reunions or holiday dinners.Absolutely! Simply use a larger baking dish or two casserole pans. This recipe scales up beautifully for feeds-a-crowd occasions like family reunions or holiday dinners.

Is this corn casserole gluten-free?

The traditional recipe with Jiffy mix is not gluten-free. However, you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cornbread mix and verifying other ingredients as well.

Can I prepare this in advance for a party?

Yes! You can either assemble the casserole (without cheese) and refrigerate until ready to bake, or fully bake it, refrigerate, and reheat with cheese right before serving. Both methods keep the casserole creamy and fresh.

Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole Recipe

There are few dishes that say “comfort” quite like Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole. This buttery, cheesy side is the ultimate in effortless, cozy home cooking—truly a hero for busy weeknights, big family gatherings, potlucks, and everything in between! With just one bowl and a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a dish that’s wonderfully moist, rich, and loaded with those sweet corn kernels everyone loves. The golden, cheese-topped crust gives way to a creamy, slightly custardy inside that manages to taste like the best parts of cornbread and creamed corn mixed together. If you want a reliable recipe that delivers maximum flavor and minimal stress, this is it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: All the ingredients get mixed in one bowl—no need for complicated steps or equipment—and the prep takes just a few minutes.
Ultra-Comforting: Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with sweet corn flavor. This casserole hits all the right notes for a satisfying side.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick weeknight side dish or an impressive potluck offering, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
Foolproof: With only a handful of basic ingredients and clear instructions, this is a recipe practically anyone can master.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these easy-to-find, family-friendly ingredients, and let’s turn them into something magical:

Creamed Corn: Adds richness and a perfect base of sweet, creamy texture.
Whole Kernel Sweet Corn (drained): Brings juicy bites and pops of flavor throughout the casserole.
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: The secret shortcut for that irresistible cornbread flavor. Do not prepare it first, just dump the dry mix in!
Sour Cream: For extra creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Butter (melted): Delivers deep flavor and keeps every bite moist and tender.
Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Melts into a golden, savory topping, giving this casserole its cheesy comfort. Add more cheese if you love an extra gooey top!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to switch things up to suit your mood or whatever you have on hand:

Add Some Heat: Stir in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Go Extra Cheesy: Mix a little pepper jack or Monterey Jack in with the cheddar for more flavor variety.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in some diced red bell pepper, green onions, or sautéed onions for extra color and depth.
Meaty Additions: Diced ham, crumbled bacon, or even shredded rotisserie chicken make it a more hearty main dish.
Herby Freshness: Sprinkle chopped chives, fresh parsley, or cilantro over the top before serving.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

There are two foolproof ways to enjoy this casserole: oven-baked or Crock Pot. Both methods keep things easy and delicious.

Oven-Baked Method

Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or a 10-inch cast iron skillet—a cast iron skillet will give you even more crispy edges!
Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine creamed corn, drained whole kernel corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir everything together until it’s combined—no need to overmix.
Bake First Round
Scoop the batter into your greased dish and smooth it out. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes.
Add Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is golden and slightly crisp.
Rest & Serve
Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes (it will firm up a little), then serve up big, creamy scoops!

Crock Pot Method

Prepare the Mixture
Mix the same ingredients (except cheese) in a large bowl. Grease your slow cooker insert and add the mixture.
Cook Low and Slow
Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for about 4 hours.
Finish with Cheese
Add the shredded cheddar cheese during the last 20 minutes, letting it melt and bubble.
Check for Doneness
Make sure the center is set before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the casserole a bit dense.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature sour cream and butter helps everything incorporate smoothly.
More Cheese, Please: Don’t skimp on the cheese topping—it’s the best part! If you’re a cheese lover, add a handful to the batter, too.
Let It Rest: Giving the casserole a few minutes to settle after baking really helps it set and makes serving easier.
Test for Doneness: For the oven version, the center should be set and slightly springy (not jiggly like liquid) before adding cheese.

How to Serve

This corn casserole shines as the perfect sidekick to everything from roasted chicken to holiday hams, backyard BBQ, or even a bowl of chili. Here’s how to make it a full meal:

Pairings:

Classic with roast chicken, turkey, ham, or pot roast
Fantastic with Southern BBQ ribs or pulled pork
Delicious next to chili or hearty stews

Garnishes:

A sprinkle of scallions, fresh herbs, or cracked black pepper
Serve with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for a flavor boost

Leftovers:

Reheat and spoon over scrambled eggs for a southern-inspired brunch
Fold into burritos, tacos, or quesadillas for a quick lunch twist

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooled casserole in an airtight container in the fridge—it keeps well for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better after a day!

Freezing

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a microwave-safe dish or cover with foil and bake at 300°F until heated through. If the casserole seems a little dry after reheating, a small pat of butter on top does wonders.

Make Ahead Methods

Assemble in Advance: Mix and store in your baking dish, covered in plastic wrap, up to a day ahead. Let it come up to room temperature before baking.
Fully Bake & Reheat: Bake, cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, top with cheese and heat through until bubbly.

FAQs

Can I make this without Jiffy mix?

If you don’t have Jiffy corn muffin mix on hand, you can substitute with another brand of corn muffin mix, or make a homemade blend using cornmeal, a little flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. It may change the texture slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply use a larger baking dish or two casserole pans. This recipe scales up beautifully for feeds-a-crowd occasions like family reunions or holiday dinners.Absolutely! Simply use a larger baking dish or two casserole pans. This recipe scales up beautifully for feeds-a-crowd occasions like family reunions or holiday dinners.
Is this corn casserole gluten-free?

The traditional recipe with Jiffy mix is not gluten-free. However, you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cornbread mix and verifying other ingredients as well.
Can I prepare this in advance for a party?

Yes! You can either assemble the casserole (without cheese) and refrigerate until ready to bake, or fully bake it, refrigerate, and reheat with cheese right before serving. Both methods keep the casserole creamy and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This classic corn casserole might just become your new favorite side—it’s fast, flexible, and always a hit. There’s something so satisfying about a dish that’s as easy to pull together as it is to eat. Give this recipe a try the next time you need a simple, soul-warming addition to your table, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Happy cooking!