Description of this Recipe
This Cornbread Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional cornbread, transforming it into a creamy, comforting side dish or even a satisfying light meal. Imagine the familiar, slightly sweet taste of cornbread elevated by the richness of creamed corn, the tang of sour cream, and the subtle savory notes of whole kernel corn. The result is a moist, tender casserole with a golden-brown top that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. This recipe is a fantastic way to add a touch of Southern charm to any meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Cornbread Casserole. First and foremost, its simplicity is a huge draw. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few straightforward steps, you can have a warm, comforting dish on the table in under an hour. The combination of textures and flavors is also irresistible. The slight grittiness of the cornmeal, the sweetness of the sugar and creamed corn, and the tangy creaminess of the sour cream create a symphony of sensations that will tantalize your taste buds.
Beyond its deliciousness and ease of preparation, this casserole is incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with a wide range of main courses, from barbecued ribs and pulled pork to chili and roasted chicken. It can also be customized to suit your preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, stir in some chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick, or incorporate shredded cheese for extra richness.
Another reason to love this recipe is its comforting nature. There’s something inherently soothing about a warm, homemade casserole, and this Cornbread Casserole is no exception. It evokes feelings of nostalgia and home-cooked goodness, making it the perfect dish to share with loved ones on a cozy evening. The leftovers, if there are any, are just as delicious the next day, making it a practical and satisfying meal option. Finally, its budget-friendly nature makes it an accessible dish for everyone.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 15 ounces canned corn, drained
- 15 ounces canned creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and achieves that beautiful golden-brown crust. While the oven is preheating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to break up any lumps in the cornmeal or flour to ensure a smooth batter. The baking powder is crucial for giving the casserole its light and airy texture, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients: eggs, melted butter, corn, creamed corn, and sour cream. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough casserole. A few streaks of flour are fine.
Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This ensures that the casserole cooks uniformly and doesn’t have any thin or thick spots.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to prevent it from burning. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This Cornbread Casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Barbecue: Serve it alongside barbecued ribs, pulled pork, brisket, or grilled chicken for a classic Southern meal.
- Chili: A scoop of Cornbread Casserole is the perfect complement to a hearty bowl of chili.
- Roasted Chicken or Turkey: Add it to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread for a comforting side dish.
- Vegetarian Mains: Pair it with vegetarian dishes like black bean burgers, lentil soup, or vegetable skewers for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve it warm with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey for a unique breakfast or brunch treat.
Tips:
- Use good-quality cornmeal: The flavor of the cornmeal will significantly impact the overall taste of the casserole, so choose a high-quality brand.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough casserole. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of sugar. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar.
- Add some spice: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos to the batter.
- Stir in some cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese would all be delicious additions to this casserole.
- Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Reheat leftovers: Leftover Cornbread Casserole can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
45-50 minutes
Total Time:
55-60 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams per serving Sodium: Approximately 200-300mg per serving
Conclusion
Cornbread Casserole is a dish that embodies comfort, simplicity, and deliciousness. With its creamy texture, sweet and savory flavors, and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying side dish for a weeknight dinner or a comforting addition to a holiday feast, this Cornbread Casserole is the perfect choice. Its versatility allows for endless customization, ensuring that you can create a version that perfectly suits your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort with this delightful Cornbread Casserole!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this casserole without sour cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or even cream cheese. However, the sour cream adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture that is characteristic of this recipe. If you omit it, the casserole may be slightly drier. You can compensate by adding a splash of milk or cream to the batter.
Q2: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! This casserole is very versatile and can easily be adapted to include other vegetables. Some great additions would be diced bell peppers, onions, or even some cooked bacon or sausage. Just be sure to chop the vegetables into small pieces and add them to the batter along with the corn and creamed corn.
Q3: How do I store leftover cornbread casserole?
A: Leftover cornbread casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q4: Can I freeze this cornbread casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze cornbread casserole, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q5: Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?
A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh corn! You’ll need about 2 cups of corn kernels. Cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the batter. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as fresh corn may release more moisture than canned corn. Keep an eye on the casserole and bake until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
