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This creamy Corn Casserole from scratch is made in a jiffy…without Jiffy!

a spoon dipping into a casserole dish of healthy corn casserole

We all know and love the classic corn casserole recipe from the 60s that uses boxed Jiffy cornbread mix.

I’m not knocking itβ€”it’s nostalgic and delicious.

Thus, it is with the utmost respect that I do declare: this recipe for corn casserole WITHOUT Jiffy is SO much better.

With each bite, sweet corn kernels pop against the creamy, cheesy cornbread-y filling.

Nothing beats homemade!

bowl of corn casserole made from scratch

Just like my Healthy Green Bean Casserole and Pineapple Casserole, β€œfrom scratch” doesn’t have to mean complicated.

This recipe is as easy as it is scrumptious. 

Some healthy swaps are made from the traditional recipe to lighten it up but keep it incredibly moist, like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

I also added chives and thyme to jazz up the flavor.

While corn casserole might be thought of a Southern thing, or a required dish on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, it’s so tasty it should be enjoyed anywhere and anytime.

a casserole dish of baked cheesy corn casserole

How to Make Corn Casserole without Jiffy

Simple ingredients quickly whisked together create this easy corn casserole recipe.

Corn casserole freezes well and can be prepped ahead of time too!


The Ingredients

  • Butter. This is the holidays after all. I didn’t go full Paula Dean and have called for less amount from the standard recipe. I promise it is still PLENTY rich.
  • Cornmeal. Mixed with flour, this is the cornbread essence of the casserole base.
  • Fresh Herbs. Thyme pairs nicely with the corn and cheese to bring a warmth to the dish. You may also top with chopped chives or green onions.

Tip!

Go with fresh herbs in this case. It makes a difference in this simple recipe.

  • Honey. A few tablespoons bring out the sweetness of the corn.
  • Corn. Canned whole kernel corn is totally ok here!

Tip!

Make sure to fully drain your canned corn for corn casserole to prevent the casserole from being runny.

  • Creamed Corn. I also used canned creamed corn for a shortcut that does not shortchange the dish one bit.

Ingredient Note

I do not recommend substituting creamed corn for anything else as it adds to the essential creaminess of the dish. If you use other corn, the casserole will taste dry.

dish of creamy corn casserole made without jiffy mix

What is Creamed Corn?

  • Half of the fresh corn kernels are pureed, and the other half are left whole, and then they are mixed together to create creamed corn.
  • Creamed corn is NOT the same as the β€œcream of…” soups that are so commonly used in Southern casserole dishes. 
  • Canned cream corn does not actually have any cream in it.
  • Eggs. The binder for the casserole.
  • Greek Yogurt. Full-fat Greek yogurt is used in place of sour cream. It makes the dish rich and creamy and adds protein. Score!
  • Cheese. Go with sharp cheddar so the cheese stands out from the corn.

Tip!

A pro cooking tip I always give is β€œshred your cheese!” Bagged, pre-shredded cheese is a nice shortcut; however, it has powdery coating to keep it from sticking together in the bag, making it not melt as well or be as tasty.

The Directions

flour and cornmeal in a bowl with herbs
  1. Melt the butter. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk together the dry ingredients.
mixing corn, greek yogurt, and eggs in a white bowl
  1. Whisk together the eggs, honey, corn, creamed corn, Greek yogurt, and melted butter.
mixing shredded cheese into creamy corn casserole mixture
  1. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chives.
stirring dry ingredients into healthy corn casserole custard mixture
  1. Add dry ingredients to the mixture and stir.
corn casserole assembled in baking dish prior to baking
  1. Pour into baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake corn casserole at until set and golden brown, and then let rest. ENJOY!

What to Serve with Corn Casserole

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Let the corn casserole come to room temperature, and place in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
  • To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or rewarm gently in the microwave.
  • To Freeze. Corn casserole freezes well! To freeze entire casserole, double wrap with plastic wrap and then foil. Or freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Let thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip

Corn casserole can be made in advance! You can fully bake and rewarm it, or refrigerate without baking and bake the day of.

  • Unbaked. Prepare the casserole the day prior to baking. Wrap casserole dish tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Thirty minutes prior to baking, let sit on counter to come to room temperature, and then bake according to directions.
  • Pre-Baked. After baking, let casserole cool completely. Tightly wrap casserole dish, and store in refrigerator up to 2 days before serving. Rewarm in oven at 350 degrees F.
corn casserole in a bowl

Leftover Ideas

Corn casserole makes great leftovers. You can serve it with any of your holiday leftovers of course, or transform it into a BBQ meal with Crockpot BBQ Chicken and Easy Baked Beans or Instant Pot Black Beans. Rewarm corn casserole and top with the shredded BBQ chicken, then serve with side of the beans.

Embrace the casserole and know you CAN cook from scratch with this easy, cheesy corn casserole recipe!

healthy corn casserole made without jiffy mix

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Corn Casserole a Southern Dish?

Yes. While cornbread draws its roots from the Native Americans, the South prides itself on its corn casserole.

What is the Difference Between Corn Casserole and Corn Pudding?

Corn pudding and corn casserole are similar dishes. Corn pudding is creamier and more custard-like in texture than corn casserole.

What Goes With Corn Casserole?

While corn casserole usually comes to mind as one of the staple Thanksgiving side dishes, it really is great served alongside just about any Main Dish or protein, like Rosemary Chicken Thighs, Grilled Pork Chops, or Pan Fried Cod.

Do You Eat Corn Casserole Hot or Cold?

Hot! Corn casserole is best right out of the oven (yum), but also reheats beautifully.

Corn Casserole

5 from 7 votes
This cheesy, creamy Corn Casserole is made without Jiffy but is still super easy! Ditch the mix for this delicious homemade version.

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 16

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks )
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cans whole kernel corn drained (15 ounces)
  • 2 can creamed corn (15 ounces)
  • 2 cups full-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 1 cup), divided
  • 3 tablespoons chopped chives optional

Instructions
 

  • In a medium, microwave-safe bowl in the microwave or in small saucepan on the stove, melt the butter. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, pepper, and thyme.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, honey, drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, Greek yogurt, and melted, cooled butter. Stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese and the chives.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir gently just until the flour disappears.
  • Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ΒΌ cup cheese evenly over the top .
  • Bake the corn casserole for 50 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F and continue baking until the cheese is a gorgeous golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes more. Let rest 10 minutes prior to serving.

Video

Notes

  • TO STORE:Β Let the corn casserole come to room temperature, and place in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or rewarm gently in the microwave.
  • TO FREEZE: To freeze entire casserole, double wrap with plastic wrap and then foil. Or freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Let thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 8gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 62mgPotassium: 251mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 473IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 113mgIron: 1mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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