If you love corn, this Cheesy Corn Casserole is sure to become a favorite side. Melty cheddar, buttery soda crackers, and the sweet-and-savory corn combination make it a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish for holidays, family dinners, or any time you want a warm, flavorful side.
This casserole balances a touch of sugar and butter with plenty of corn and cheese. It’s lovely served with a sprinkling of fresh basil for brightness.
Why You’ll Love It
- Simple to make: Mix, pour, and bake—great for busy days.
- Versatile: Pairs well with turkey, ham, chicken, and many mains. The corn-cheese-cracker trio elevates any plate.
- Comforting classic: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—an ideal cozy side dish.
Ingredients
Printable recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Eggs: Use large eggs to help the casserole set.
- Milk: Dairy milk gives a creamy texture; you can try unsweetened dairy‑free milk if needed.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted is fine—don’t skip it for flavor.
- Sugar: A tablespoon of granulated sugar balances the savory elements; substitute another sweetener if desired.
- Onion: A chopped sweet onion adds mild, savory sweetness; yellow or white both work.
- Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning to taste.
- Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work—choose what’s convenient.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar provides rich, melty flavor.
- Basil: Fresh basil brightens the dish; dried herbs work in a pinch.
- Soda crackers: Crushed soda crackers give a buttery, crunchy topping.
How to Make Cheesy Corn Casserole
Follow these easy steps to prepare the casserole.
- Preheat: Heat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix: In a bowl whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, chopped onion, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in the corn, ½ cup shredded cheddar, and ½ cup crushed soda crackers.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup crushed crackers and ½ cup cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for about 55 minutes, until set and golden. Serve hot.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
- Green vegetable sides such as Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Other classic holiday or weeknight sides
Variations and Substitutions
- Different cheeses: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or Gouda for a new flavor profile.
- Herb swaps: Use thyme, oregano, or parsley if you don’t have basil.
- Topping alternatives: Substitute crushed Ritz crackers, panko, or cornflakes for a different crunch.
- Add heat: A pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or a few dashes of hot sauce adds a kick.
- Different corn: Use roasted, grilled, or Mexican-style street corn for more depth.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Assemble the casserole but freeze before baking for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Make-ahead: Mix and pour into the dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Tips and Tricks
- Best corn: Fresh is ideal in season, but frozen, canned, or cream-style corn all produce good results.
- Sauté onion: Sauté the chopped onion briefly in butter for sweeter, milder onion flavor.
- Extra cheese: Add another layer of cheese in the middle for a gooey center.
- Topping technique: Spread the crushed crackers evenly and press lightly for a uniform crunchy crust.
Slow Cooker Instructions
You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker:
- Combine eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, chopped onion, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in corn, ½ cup cheese, and ½ cup crushed soda crackers.
- Grease the slow cooker and pour in the mixture. Top with the remaining crackers and cheese.
- Cook on low for 3–4 hours, until the casserole is set.
Add-Ins
Customize the casserole with these additions:
- Bacon
- Jalapeños
- Bell peppers
- Green onions or chives
- Diced tomatoes
- Hot sauce or cayenne
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley
- Cream cheese for extra richness
Other Vegetable Casseroles
- Carrot casseroles
- Mashed potato casseroles
- Green bean or broccoli casseroles
- Sweet potato casseroles
Cheesy Corn Casserole
A comforting casserole loaded with sweet corn, cheese and a crunchy soda cracker topping.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- pinch salt and pepper
- 4 cups corn
- 1 cup salted soda crackers, crushed, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ tsp basil, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
-
Whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, chopped onion, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir in the corn, ½ cup cheese, and ½ cup crushed crackers.
-
Pour into the prepared dish. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup crushed crackers and ½ cup cheese.
-
Bake uncovered for about 55 minutes, until set and golden. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 bowl
|
Calories: 518 kcal
|
Calories: 518 kcal
Nutrition information is an estimate from an online calculator and not a substitute for professional advice.