There are some dishes that are simply synonymous with comfort, holidays, and family gatherings. For me, a classic corn casserole is at the top of that list. It’s the kind of dish that brings a smile to everyone’s face, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies. This Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole takes that beloved classic and elevates it with a simple but game-changing addition: a sweet honey glaze that caramelizes into a beautiful, golden crust.
This isn’t just your standard corn casserole. While it maintains the same fluffy, pudding-like texture you love, the subtle sweetness of the honey complements the corn’s natural flavor and adds a beautiful depth. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a fantastic pairing for anything from a Thanksgiving turkey to a simple roasted chicken on a busy weeknight. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You’ll spend less than 10 minutes on prep and the oven does the rest, leaving you free to focus on the rest of your meal.
Whether you’re looking for a new side dish to impress at your next potluck, or you want a simple and comforting recipe for a quiet family dinner, this Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole is about to become your new go-to. It’s so easy and so delicious, you’ll be making it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe’s secret lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-bowl wonder that doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complex techniques. Here’s why you should add it to your recipe book:
- Effortless Preparation: No need to pre-cook anything! Just mix the ingredients in a single bowl, pour it into your baking dish, and let your oven work its magic.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet corn, savory butter, and a hint of honey is universally loved. It’s a side dish that even the pickiest of eaters will devour.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While it’s a staple for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas, this corn casserole is easy enough to make for a regular weeknight meal or a casual backyard BBQ.
- Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own creativity. You can easily add extra ingredients to suit your taste, from cheese and bacon to jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can creamed corn
- 1 (8 oz) package Jiffy cornbread mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- Optional additions: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1/2 tsp chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch or 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, honey, and egg. Whisk until everything is well-combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the Jiffy cornbread mix to the bowl. Stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the casserole tough. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. If you are adding cheese, sprinkle it on top of the mixture now. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it Set: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This is a crucial step that allows the casserole to firm up and makes serving much easier.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm casserole directly from the baking dish. It’s best enjoyed while still warm and fluffy.
The Secrets to the Perfect Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips will guarantee you get the best possible results every time.
- Use the Right Corn: The combination of whole kernel corn and creamed corn is essential. The whole kernel corn gives you a great texture with bursts of sweetness, while the creamed corn is what gives the casserole its signature pudding-like moisture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the cornbread mix, which will result in a tougher, more dense casserole instead of a light and fluffy one. Mix just enough to incorporate the dry ingredients.
- The Power of the Glaze: The honey is what makes this recipe special. As it bakes, it caramelizes on top, creating a beautiful, slightly sweet, and firm crust. You can even drizzle a little extra honey on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
- Let It Rest: It might be tempting to dig in right away, but allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking allows the internal structure to set. This prevents it from falling apart when you scoop it out.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
- Holiday Classic: This is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter feast. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- Weeknight Meal: Serve it alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or even your favorite meatloaf for a simple yet satisfying dinner.
- Cheesy Corn Casserole: Add one cup of shredded cheddar cheese directly into the batter before baking.
- Sweet and Spicy: For a kick of heat, mix in a chopped jalapeno or a half-teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Bacon Lover’s Dream: Fold in a half-cup of crispy, cooked, and crumbled bacon for a salty, smoky flavor.
- Onion and Chives: Add a quarter-cup of chopped green onions or chives to the batter for a mild, savory onion flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh or frozen corn? Yes, you can! If using fresh corn, you’ll need about 2 cups of kernels. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. You can prepare the mixture (without baking) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, give it a good stir and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- What if I don’t have sour cream? You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream. It will give you the same creamy texture with a slightly tangy flavor.
I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your family’s meal rotation!
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The Best Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together corn muffin mix, whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, and melted butter until combined.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and set.
- Drizzle honey over the hot casserole, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve warm straight from the dish.