Paula Deen Corn Casserole: The Easy Cheesy Classic You’ll Love

Paula Deen Corn Casserole is that dependable, feel-good side dish that shows up to every potluck and holiday table like it owns the place—and honestly, it should. With creamy corn, buttery cornbread, and a golden blanket of melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is equal parts comfort and crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding picky toddlers or entertaining your in-laws, this cheesy corn magic is a guaranteed win.

In just about 50 minutes, you’ve got a dish that tastes like it took all afternoon—minus the stress, mess, or culinary meltdown. Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole recipe is right in that sweet spot between homestyle and ridiculously easy, which is perfect when your day’s already a three-ring circus. Stick around, because we’re diving into why this dish deserves a spot on your go-to list.

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What is Paula Deen Corn Casserole?

At its core, Paula Deen Corn Casserole is a Southern classic that straddles the line between side dish and “okay fine, I’ll just eat this for dinner.” It’s a warm, gooey casserole made with whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, butter, corn muffin mix, and a generous helping of cheddar cheese melted right on top. The result? A slightly sweet, slightly savory, ridiculously comforting dish with just the right amount of crisp golden edges.

It bakes into a fluffy, pudding-like texture that’s creamy inside and firm enough to slice. Originating from the Southern tradition of combining pantry staples into rich, indulgent comfort food, this casserole is simple, forgiving, and basically foolproof—perfect for beginners or anyone on a time crunch. Think cornbread meets creamed corn in the best possible way.

Reasons to Try Paula Deen Corn Casserole

Let’s be real: sometimes you just need a side dish that everyone eats without a debate. Paula Deen Corn Casserole checks that box and then some. For starters, it’s quick—just mix, bake, and you’re done. No chopping, no sautéing, no sink full of dishes. It’s also super budget-friendly, with most ingredients already hiding in your pantry.

And if you’re juggling picky eaters or dietary moods, this casserole is flexible—want to add jalapeños or bacon? Go for it. Prefer it plain? Still amazing. Plus, this dish travels well, making it the ideal side for potlucks, family dinners, or office parties where the microwave is a gamble. It even works as a Thanksgiving side dish alongside stuffing and green bean casserole. Basically, it’s your go-to for feeding a crowd without losing your mind.

Ingredients Needed to Make Paula Deen Corn Casserole

• 1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (14.75 oz) can cream-style corn
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (8 oz) package corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
• 2–3 handfuls shredded medium cheddar cheese

Instructions to Make Paula Deen Corn Casserole

Making Paula Deen Corn Casserole is a breeze when you follow this easy step by step breakdown. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, you’ll have a warm, cheesy casserole on the table in under an hour. Here’s exactly how to get it right from start to finish:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Baking Dish

Step by step, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to let your oven come up to temperature fully—this helps the casserole bake evenly and get that perfectly set texture. While the oven is heating, grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and coat it generously with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter. Don’t skip this! You want that golden crust, not a stuck-on mess. If you’re baking in ceramic or glass, both work great for even heat distribution.

Helpful Tip: Want extra crispy edges? Use a metal pan and lightly dust it with cornmeal after greasing.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients Except the Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• 1 drained can of whole kernel corn
• 1 can of cream-style corn
• 1 cup of sour cream
• ½ cup of melted unsalted butter
• 1 box (8 oz) of corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)

Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to gently fold everything together. There’s no need for a mixer here—just mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated. This base is what gives Paula Deen Corn Casserole its creamy, slightly sweet flavor with that signature fluffy texture.

Want to switch things up? If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. We dive into more ingredient substitution tips here under the “make-ahead” section.

Step 3: Pour the Mixture into the Baking Dish

Once your mixture is fully combined, pour it into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of your spoon or spatula to spread it out evenly. The batter will be thick but spreadable. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just make sure it’s level for even baking.

This step sets the stage for that golden, lightly crisp top and fluffy center. It’s okay if it looks a little “wet”—it’ll firm up beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Bake Until Set

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. You’re looking for a firm center with slightly golden edges. Give the dish a gentle wiggle—if it’s no longer jiggly in the middle, it’s ready for the next step.

Tip: Ovens can run hot or cold. If you’re baking more than one dish (hello, green bean casserole), check both halfway through for even cooking.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle 2–3 handfuls of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. If you shredded your own cheese, high five—freshly grated melts like a dream. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Want to jazz it up? Add a sprinkle of paprika or chopped green onions on top for color and a little kick.

Step 6: Rest and Serve Warm

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This lets the casserole firm up and makes slicing easier—plus, no one likes a cheese burn. Serve it warm with a spoon or slice it into squares.

If you’re pairing it with a hearty main, consider adding Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole for the ultimate Southern-style dinner spread.

What to Serve with Paula Deen Corn Casserole

This casserole pairs beautifully with just about everything—from a juicy roast chicken to a big ol’ pot of chili. It’s a staple at Thanksgiving, but don’t wait for a holiday to make it. Try it alongside our Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole or this 50-Minute Easy Green Bean Casserole for a weeknight meal that tastes like Sunday supper. It also plays nice with barbecue, meatloaf, or even as a side to a simple bowl of soup like our Pumpkin Chicken Chili. Honestly, it’s the Swiss army knife of side dishes.

Key Tips for Making Paula Deen Corn Casserole

1. Don’t skip draining the corn—too much liquid = mush.
2. Use freshly shredded cheese if you want that dreamy melt; pre-shredded can be a little… lazy.
3. Make it spicy by tossing in chopped jalapeños or green chilies.
4. Go extra savory with a handful of cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham.
5. Use a glass or ceramic dish for even baking and that golden crust on the edges.

Storage and Reheating Tips Paula Deen Corn Casserole

Leftovers? You’ll be glad. Store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings for about 30–60 seconds, but if you want that top crust to come back to life, pop it in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. This dish also freezes well! Just skip the cheese topping, wrap tightly, freeze, and add cheese when reheating. Want a make-ahead option for the holidays? Assemble everything except the baking, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh the next day.

FAQs

Can I make it without sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt or plain whole milk yogurt makes a good substitute.

What if I don’t have corn muffin mix?
You can DIY it with ¾ cup cornmeal, 3 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a 9×13-inch baking dish and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.

Is this gluten-free?
Not as-is, but you can use a gluten-free corn muffin mix to make it work.

Does it have to be cheddar?
Nope! Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend would also taste amazing.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen Corn Casserole is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with barely any effort. It’s easy, flexible, and honestly, hard to mess up—even if your oven has a personality of its own. Whether you’re planning for Thanksgiving or just trying to get dinner on the table between Zoom calls and soccer practice, this dish is ready to be your go-to. And if you’re into cheesy, cozy, Southern-style casseroles, you might also want to check out our Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole—it’s another family favorite you won’t want to miss.

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