There’s something undeniably special about a good corn casserole. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it just feels like home. And when we think of classic, down-home comfort food, the Cracker Barrel corn casserole often comes to mind. That sweet, savory side dish that pairs perfectly with just about everything, from fried chicken to holiday roasts. But what if you could recreate that beloved flavor and texture right in your own kitchen, with minimal fuss? You absolutely can! This Cracker Barrel corn casserole recipe is designed to bring that same delightful taste and incredibly moist texture to your table, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make comfort classic.
In This Post
Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe
This isn’t just another corn casserole; it’s a tried-and-true method for achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and savory goodness. Here’s why this recipe will become your new favorite:
- Effortlessly Easy: With minimal prep and simple mixing, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meal prep.
- Incredible Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate creamy, sweet, and savory side dish that pleases everyone.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly at potlucks, holidays, or family dinners.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and fresh corn for maximum flavor.
- Foolproof Results: Designed for success, even for beginner cooks.
Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Ingredients
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious corn casserole:
- 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (14.75 ounce) can creamed corn
- 1 (8 ounce) package corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional additions: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Smart Swaps & Flavor Boosts
- For a Lighter Version: Use light sour cream and reduce the butter slightly, or use unsweetened applesauce for half the butter.
- For a Gluten-Free Option: Look for a certified gluten-free corn muffin mix or make your own from scratch using gluten-free flour and cornmeal. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- For a Bolder Flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Upgrade Suggestion: For extra richness and a nutty depth, brown the butter slightly before melting. Melt it over medium heat until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty, then use as directed.
Ingredient Notes & Sourcing
Quality ingredients make a difference, even in simple dishes!
- Corn: Using both whole kernel and creamed corn is key to achieving the right texture and balance of flavors in this Cracker Barrel corn casserole recipe. Fresh or frozen corn (thawed and drained) can sometimes be substituted for the canned whole kernel corn for a brighter flavor, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Corn Muffin Mix: While the Jiffy brand is commonly associated with this type of casserole for its specific flavor and texture, most standard 8-ounce corn muffin mixes will work.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream provides the best richness and creamy texture. However, light sour cream or even plain Greek yogurt (for a tangier, slightly denser result) can be used in a pinch.
- Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. Make sure it’s fully melted but not hot when adding to the mix.
Essential Equipment
You won’t need much for this straightforward recipe. Here’s what comes in handy:
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a spacious bowl to comfortably combine all the ingredients without spills.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing everything together until just combined.
- 8×8 inch or 9×13 inch Baking Dish: An 8×8 inch dish will yield a thicker casserole, while a 9×13 inch dish will result in a thinner one that bakes faster. Choose based on your preference! A standard casserole dish works perfectly.
- Oven: To bake the casserole to golden perfection.
Crafting Your Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole: Step-by-Step
Get ready to easily assemble this comforting side dish in just a few steps. This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 40-50 minutes of cook time.
- Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sour cream, and beaten egg until smooth.
- Add Corn: Stir in both the drained whole kernel corn and the creamed corn. Mix well to combine.
- Incorporate Dry Mix: Add the corn muffin mix, salt, and pepper to the wet ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can result in a tougher texture. A few small lumps of the dry mix are okay.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. If adding cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top now.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes for an 8×8 dish, or 30-40 minutes for a 9×13 dish, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set (it shouldn’t jiggle excessively when gently shaken). A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
- Rest (Optional but Recommended): Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up slightly and makes serving easier.
Ensuring Perfection: Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Want to make sure your Cracker Barrel corn casserole recipe turns out perfectly every single time? Follow these tips:
- Don’t Overmix: This is the most common pitfall! Overmixing develops the gluten in the corn muffin mix, leading to a dense, rubbery casserole instead of a light, fluffy one. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature sour cream and egg helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a more even texture.
- Baking Dish Size Matters: An 8×8 dish gives you height and a longer baking time; a 9×13 gives you a thinner layer and quicker bake. Both are delicious, just choose your preference! Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Check for Doneness: The edges should be nicely browned, and the center should look set. If the top is browning too quickly before the center is done, you can loosely tent the dish with foil.
- Flavor Science Bite: The combination of sweet corn and savory creamed corn, along with the richness of butter and sour cream, creates a delightful balance that hits multiple taste receptors, making this dish so addictive!
Common Pitfalls & How to Sidestep Them
- Dry Casserole: Usually caused by overbaking or not enough moisture. Ensure you use the correct measurements and don’t bake for too long. Using full-fat sour cream helps maintain moisture.
- Rubbery Texture: Almost always due to overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined!
- Uneven Baking: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly. Rotate the dish halfway through baking if you notice uneven browning.
Variations & Creative Twists
While the classic is amazing, feel free to experiment and make this Cracker Barrel corn casserole recipe your own!
- Spice It Up/Down: Add diced jalapeños (fresh or canned, drained) for a kick. Or mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Keep it simple by omitting any spicy elements.
- Gourmet Twists: Fold in some crispy crumbled bacon, roasted red peppers, or sautéed onions and garlic for extra layers of flavor. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary before baking.
- Simplify It: This recipe is already quite simple! To save a minute, you could use a non-stick baking dish that doesn’t require greasing.
- Seasonal Swaps: If fresh corn is in season, cut the kernels off 2-3 ears of corn and use instead of the canned whole kernel corn for a vibrant, fresh flavor.
- Dietary Variations: As mentioned, explore gluten-free options with the right mix. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free sour cream, plant-based milk (in place of butter or if your mix requires liquid), and dairy-free cheese (if using). Note that the texture and flavor will be different from the traditional version.
Printable Recipe Card
Classic & Easy Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe
Recreate the beloved Cracker Barrel corn casserole at home with this incredibly simple and delicious recipe. Using just a few pantry staples like canned corn, creamed corn, corn muffin mix, butter, sour cream, and an egg, you can achieve that perfect sweet, creamy, and comforting side dish that everyone loves. It’s quick to prepare, foolproof to bake, and guaranteed to be a hit at any meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- 1 8×8 inch or 9×13 inch Baking Dish Choose based on desired thickness
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 1 can whole kernel corn 15 ounce, drained
- 1 can creamed corn 14.75 ounce
- 1 package corn muffin mix 8 ounce, like Jiffy
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for topping
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sour cream, and beaten egg until smooth.
- Stir in both the drained whole kernel corn and the creamed corn. Mix well to combine.
- Add the corn muffin mix, salt, and pepper to the wet ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can result in a tougher texture. A few small lumps of the dry mix are okay.
- Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. If adding cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top now.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes for an 8×8 dish, or 30-40 minutes for a 9×13 dish, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set (it shouldn’t jiggle excessively when gently shaken). A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up slightly and makes serving easier.
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter; mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated for the best texture. Baking time will vary slightly depending on the size of your baking dish and your oven. Always check for a set center and golden edges.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
This corn casserole is the perfect companion to a wide variety of main dishes. It’s a staple side for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it’s easy enough for a regular weeknight dinner.
- Classic Pairings: Serve alongside roasted chicken, fried chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, or grilled steaks.
- Holiday Meals: A must-have next to your roasted turkey, ham, or beef roast, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.
- Other Sides: Pairs well with coleslaw, a crisp green salad (the freshness cuts the richness), or mac and cheese.
- Drinks: A cold glass of sweet tea, lemonade, or even a light beer complements the flavors well.
- Plating Tip: Serve warm scoops of the casserole directly from the baking dish. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
Storing Your Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This corn casserole stores and reheats quite well.
- Refrigeration: Let the casserole cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Oven: The best method for maintaining texture. Preheat oven to 300-325°F (150-160°C). Place casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying, and heat for 15-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Quickest method for individual portions. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power in 30-60 second intervals until hot. Note that the texture might be slightly softer.
- Food Safety: Ensure leftovers are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Discard if showing signs of spoilage (unpleasant odor, mold).
Recipe Remix Ideas
- Corn Casserole Bites: Spoon leftover cold casserole mixture into mini muffin tins, top with cheese, and bake until heated through and browned for little savory bites.
- Cornbread Croutons: If your casserole is a bit firmer, cube it, toss with a little melted butter and herbs, and toast in the oven until crispy to use as croutons for salads or soups.
Nutrition Breakdown
Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. Please note that this is an estimate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
- Calories: Approx. 350-450
- Protein: Approx. 5-8g
- Fat: Approx. 20-30g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 12-18g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 35-45g
- Sugar: Approx. 10-15g
- Sodium: Approx. 400-600mg
Disclaimer: Nutrition data is an estimate calculated using online tools and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.
Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole FAQ
- Can I use fresh corn instead of canned whole kernel corn? Yes, you can use kernels cut from 2-3 ears of fresh corn (about 1.5 cups) instead of canned whole kernel corn for a brighter flavor. Ensure they are patted dry.
- Why is my corn casserole dry? It was likely overbaked. Check for doneness around the minimum bake time. Using full-fat sour cream also helps maintain moisture.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking, or add a few minutes to the baking time.
- Is this recipe spicy? No, the basic recipe is not spicy. Any spice comes from optional additions like cayenne or jalapeños.
- What size baking dish should I use? An 8×8 inch dish yields a thicker casserole, while a 9×13 inch dish results in a thinner one. Both work, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- Can I add cheese to this? Absolutely! Adding 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mix before baking or sprinkling it on top is a popular variation.
Enjoy Your Creation & Let’s Connect!
There you have it – the secret to a wonderfully comforting and incredibly easy Cracker Barrel corn casserole recipe you can make anytime. It’s the perfect side dish to bring a little taste of classic comfort to your table. We hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this simple pleasure!
Did you try this recipe? How did it turn out? We’d love to hear from you!
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