If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that comes together effortlessly, you must try this Simple Scalloped Corn Casserole Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of sweet corn and creamy custard baked to golden perfection, striking a balance between silky smoothness and a delightfully crisp top. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or simply craving a nostalgic, homey dish, this recipe delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients makes this dish both accessible and irresistibly tasty. Each component contributes something special—from the eggs that set the custard, to the corn that brings fresh sweetness, and a hint of spice to round out the flavors.
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything together and create the silky texture essential to this casserole.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to keep the casserole smooth and tender.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Brings richness and helps the casserole brown beautifully on top.
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained: Provides sweet bursts of corn texture throughout the dish.
- 1 can (14.75 oz) creamed corn: Gives the casserole a creamy body and enhances the overall corn flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Balances the savory elements with just a touch of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors and keeps the taste harmonious.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming kick to keep things interesting.
- ¼ cup cornmeal or crushed crackers (optional, for topping): This creates a delectably crunchy golden crust on top.
How to Make Simple Scalloped Corn Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a medium casserole dish. This ensures your scalloped corn casserole won’t stick and will come out beautifully once baked.
Step 2: Whisk the Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture. This creamy custard forms the foundation of the casserole, giving it that rich, silky texture we all love.
Step 3: Incorporate the Corn
Gently stir in both the drained whole kernel corn and the creamed corn. This combo guarantees delightful corn flavor throughout the casserole, with a nice contrast between the tender kernels and creamy bites.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Add sugar, salt, and black pepper, then mix gently to blend everything evenly. These simple seasonings balance the natural sweetness of the corn and enhance the savory undertones.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping (Optional)
If you want a crunchy top, stir half of the cornmeal or crushed crackers into the casserole mixture. This ingredient helps create a wonderful texture contrast after baking.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Pour the mixture into your greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cornmeal or cracker crumbs over the top to form a golden crust as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is set and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. This slow baking melds all the flavors and creates that irresistible scalloped corn texture.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, give your scalloped corn casserole about 5 to 10 minutes to rest. This helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and allowing all the luscious flavors to settle.
How to Serve Simple Scalloped Corn Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Simple Scalloped Corn Casserole Recipe even further, consider sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the top just before serving. The burst of greenery adds brightness and a fresh contrast to the creamy casserole.
Side Dishes
This corn casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of mains such as roasted chicken, glazed ham, or grilled steak. It’s also a perfect companion to lighter fare like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the scalloped corn casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This not only makes for a charming presentation but also ensures each serving gets a perfect crispy top and custardy center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Simple Scalloped Corn Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When chilled, it tends to firm up, making it easy to cut into neat portions.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transferring it into a freezer-safe container. Frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps restore the creamy texture and the crispy top better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a bright and slightly sweeter flavor. Use about 2 cups of fresh kernels, and consider lightly sautéing them before adding to ensure extra tenderness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The base recipe is naturally gluten-free if you skip the optional cornmeal or crushed crackers topping or substitute them with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the eggs and milk for plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and almond milk, and replace butter with a vegan margarine. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
What does the sugar do in this recipe?
The sugar balances the savory and creamy ingredients, enhancing the natural sweetness of the corn and providing a subtle depth to the overall flavor profile.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix everything together and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before baking. This makes it convenient for busy days or holiday meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Scalloped Corn Casserole Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in casserole form. With its creamy custard, sweet corn, and golden crust, it’s no wonder this delightful dish has won hearts around the dinner table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite side to bring out whenever you need a little extra comfort in your meals.
Print
Simple Scalloped Corn Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Simple Scalloped Corn Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish perfect for any occasion. Combining whole kernel corn and creamed corn with a smooth custard base made of eggs, milk, and butter, it’s baked to golden perfection with an optional crunchy topping of cornmeal or crushed crackers. Easy to prepare and satisfying, this casserole complements a wide range of meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (14.75 oz) creamed corn
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Topping (Optional)
- 0.25 cup cornmeal or crushed crackers
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add corn: Stir in the drained whole kernel corn and creamed corn into the egg mixture, ensuring the corn is evenly distributed.
- Season the mixture: Add sugar, salt, and black pepper to the bowl, and gently mix everything together to combine the flavors without breaking down the corn.
- Incorporate topping: If using, stir half of the cornmeal or crushed crackers into the corn mixture to add texture inside the casserole.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the prepared corn mixture into the greased casserole dish and evenly sprinkle the remaining cornmeal or cracker crumbs over the top to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up, making it easier to serve.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cornmeal or crackers for the topping, or omit entirely.
- You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free option, but it might change the texture slightly.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set perfectly and improves slicing.
- Adjust sugar levels according to your taste preference; some prefer a less sweet casserole.
- Adding a bit of shredded cheese on top before baking can enhance flavor and create a cheesy crust.
