Growing up in the South, I learned pretty quickly that casseroles are a way of life. Whether it’s a church potluck, a family reunion, or just a cozy Sunday dinner, there’s always some kind of bubbly, cheesy, golden-brown goodness on the table. And let me tell you, if there’s one casserole that never disappoints, it’s Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole.
Now, I didn’t always know the magic of this dish. In fact, my first encounter with it was completely accidental. I was hosting my first Thanksgiving—big mistake, by the way. I had no idea what I was doing. I had turkey juices flying, mashed potatoes that resembled wallpaper paste, and a green bean casserole that could’ve doubled as spackle. Just when I thought I had officially failed at being a Southern hostess, my Aunt Margie waltzed in with a dish that smelled like pure heaven.
One bite, and I was hooked. It was creamy, buttery, slightly sweet, and had that perfect golden crust on top. I needed to know what this sorcery was. She just smiled and said, “Honey, it’s Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole.” And just like that, I had found my new favorite holiday side dish.
Now, after making this for years and tweaking it here and there (because let’s be honest, I can’t help myself), I’m sharing my version of this Southern gem with you. It’s everything you love about the original—easy, cheesy, and ridiculously delicious—but with a few little tips and tricks to make it even better.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Ridiculously Easy to Make
If you can stir, you can make this casserole. Seriously, it’s one of those dump-it-all-in-a-bowl recipes that requires zero culinary skills. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or just when you need a quick, comforting side dish. - Only Requires a Handful of Ingredients
I love a good low-maintenance recipe, and this one fits the bill. All you need are pantry staples like corn, sour cream, butter, and Jiffy cornbread mix. No fancy ingredients, no unnecessary steps—just good, old-fashioned comfort food. - Creamy, Cheesy, and Perfectly Golden
The combination of sour cream, butter, and cheese makes this casserole irresistibly rich and creamy. And that golden crust on top? Absolute perfection. The edges get slightly crispy while the inside stays soft and luscious. - A Crowd-Pleaser at Any Gathering
Take this to a potluck, and I guarantee you won’t be bringing home leftovers. People flock to this dish like it’s the last casserole on Earth. It’s just that good. - Pairs Well with Almost Anything
This dish goes beautifully with ham, turkey, fried chicken, or even a big bowl of chili. It’s also a great alternative to traditional cornbread, bringing a little extra creaminess and flavor to the table. - Great for Make-Ahead Meal Planning
If you’re like me and like to plan ahead, you’ll love that this casserole can be made a day in advance. Just mix everything up, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. - A Southern Classic with a Twist
While the original Paula Deen Corn Casserole is already amazing, you can jazz it up with some fun variations—think jalapeños for heat, bacon for extra indulgence, or even green chilies for a little Southwestern flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole:
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)
- 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping, if desired)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish (9×9 or 9×13, depending on how thick you want it)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Oven
How to Make this Recipe
Step-by-step cooking instructions for the Paula Deen’s corn casserole recipe
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that oven nice and warm so your casserole bakes up golden and delicious.
- Mix the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, and Jiffy cornbread mix. Stir until well combined.
- Add the cheese. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the magic happens. You can even mix in a little extra if you love it super cheesy (which, let’s be honest, who doesn’t?).
- Transfer to a baking dish. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve warm. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets the flavors settle and makes it easier to slice.
Notes & Tips
- Make It Extra Cheesy
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle extra cheddar on top before baking. It creates a perfectly melty, golden crust. - Add a Bit of Heat
Want to spice things up? Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. - Bacon Makes Everything Better
Crispy, crumbled bacon mixed in or sprinkled on top takes this casserole to a whole new level. - Make It a Meal
Add some shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage to turn this side dish into a full-blown dinner. - Store and Reheat Like a Pro
Leftovers (if you have any) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.
Macronutrient Count Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Bonus Pro Tips for the Recipe
- Make It Extra Cheesy
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle extra cheddar on top before baking. It creates a perfectly melty, golden crust. - Add a Bit of Heat
Want to spice things up? Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. - Bacon Makes Everything Better
Crispy, crumbled bacon mixed in or sprinkled on top takes this casserole to a whole new level. - Make It a Meal
Add some shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage to turn this side dish into a full-blown dinner. - Store and Reheat Like a Pro
Leftovers (if you have any) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.
Corn Casserole Confessions: Your Questions Answered
What can I serve with Paula Deen Corn Casserole?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, fried chicken, or even a big bowl of chili. It’s also a great companion to Paula Deen Green Bean Casserole for a true Southern feast.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix everything up the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt, use a reduced-fat cheese, and cut back on the butter. It won’t be quite as indulgent, but it’ll still be delicious.
What’s the best way to add more texture?
Try tossing in some crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions on top before baking for a little crunch.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just mix everything together and cook on low for about 3-4 hours until set. It’s a great way to keep the oven free for other dishes.
