Name: Easy Creamy Corn Bake 🌽
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 package Jiffy corn muffin mix ((dry, unprepared)); 1 cup sour cream; 1 can whole kernel corn (drained of water); 1 can creamed corn; 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Easy Creamy Corn Bake: Your New Favorite Side Dish!

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what magical side dish will elevate your dinner from “meh” to “magnificent”? Or perhaps you’re on potluck duty and need something that screams “homemade deliciousness” but whispers “super easy to make”? Look no further, my friends! Get ready to fall head over heels for the ultimate crowd-pleaser: the Easy Creamy Corn Bake. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a creamy, dreamy, corny embrace for your taste buds, designed to be ridiculously simple yet unbelievably satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat, perfect for busy weeknights, holiday feasts, or just because you deserve a little extra comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Corn Bake (4 Reasons!)

Effortless Elegance: This Easy Creamy Corn Bake is the epitome of simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be able to whip up a dish that tastes like it took hours of painstaking effort. It’s perfect for those busy days when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss.
Unbeatable Comfort: Imagine sweet corn kernels nestled in a rich, creamy, and cheesy base, baked to golden perfection. Every spoonful of this Easy Creamy Corn Bake is a warm hug for your soul. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings smiles to every table, especially on chilly evenings.

Crowd-Pleasing Power: Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a backyard BBQ, or just a casual get-together, this Easy Creamy Corn Bake is guaranteed to be a hit. Its universally loved flavors make it a favorite among kids and adults alike, ensuring there are never any leftovers!
Versatile Pairing: This delightful corn bake isn’t picky! It pairs beautifully with almost any main course, from a succulent roasted chicken to juicy pulled pork, grilled steaks, or a hearty chili. It’s the chameleon of side dishes, adapting perfectly to any meal you throw its way.

Ingredients for Your Easy Creamy Corn Bake

🌽 1 (8.5 ounce) package Jiffy corn muffin mix (dry, unprepared)
🥣 1 cup sour cream
🥫 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained of water

🥫 1 (14.75 ounce) can creamed corn
🧈 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Detailed Directions: Crafting Your Easy Creamy Corn Bake

Get Ready to Bake: First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite 10-12 inch casserole dish – whether it’s a charming oval or a classic rectangle, it’ll work wonders! Give it a light spritz with non-stick spray, then set it aside.
Mixing Bowl Magic: In a generously sized mixing bowl, it’s time for all the stars to unite! Add the dry Jiffy corn muffin mix, the smooth sour cream, the whole kernel corn (make sure it’s nicely drained!), the luscious creamed corn, and the wonderfully melted butter. Now, take your trusty rubber scraper and get to work. Mix everything together thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom, until all the ingredients are beautifully incorporated and there are no dry spots.
Into the Dish: Gently pour your magnificent casserole mixture into the greased baking dish you prepared earlier. Use that same rubber scraper to spread it out evenly, ensuring it reaches all the way to the sides for a perfect bake.

First Bake Round: Carefully place your dish into the preheated oven. Let the magic happen for 40 minutes. This is where the base of your Easy Creamy Corn Bake starts to set and get perfectly tender.
Cheesy Grand Finale: After the initial 40 minutes, carefully pull the casserole out of the oven. Now for the glorious cheese! Sprinkle that cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of your partially baked corn creation.
Golden Touch: Return the casserole to the oven for another 10 minutes. This final bake allows the cheddar to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer and achieve that beautiful, slightly golden brown color that promises pure deliciousness.

Rest and Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the Easy Creamy Corn Bake from the oven. Resist the urge to dive in immediately! Let it cool for approximately 10 minutes. This crucial resting time allows it to set a bit more, making it easier to serve and even more delightful to eat. Then, spoon it out and enjoy!

Creative Ways to Present & Serve Your Easy Creamy Corn Bake

The beauty of this Easy Creamy Corn Bake isn’t just in its taste, but also its versatility in presentation! While it shines as a simple scoop from the casserole dish, a few touches can elevate it further:

Garnish Galore: A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. For a subtle smoky hint, a light dusting of paprika on top of the melted cheese before serving is fantastic.

Individual Portions: For a more refined presentation, bake the mixture in individual ramekins. Adjust the baking time slightly (they might bake a little faster). This is perfect for dinner parties or if you want to control portion sizes.
Themed Tables: This Easy Creamy Corn Bake is a star at holiday gatherings! For Thanksgiving, surround it with classic trimmings. For a summer BBQ, serve it alongside grilled meats and a fresh salad.
Pairing Perfection: It’s an ideal companion to roast chicken, turkey, ham, grilled salmon, pulled pork sandwiches, or even as a hearty addition to a vegetarian meal alongside a crisp green salad. Don’t be shy to serve it with a dollop of extra sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese on the side for those who crave more!

Storing Your Easy Creamy Corn Bake: Longevity & Leftovers

The good news is that if you happen to have any leftovers of this delectable Easy Creamy Corn Bake (a rare occurrence!), they store quite well. To keep it fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration: Allow the corn bake to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. If reheating a larger amount, you can place it back in an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. A quick broil for the last minute can help crisp up the top again if desired.

Freezing: While technically possible, freezing the Easy Creamy Corn Bake is not highly recommended. The creamy texture, especially with the sour cream and creamed corn, can become slightly watery or grainy upon thawing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.

FAQs About Your Easy Creamy Corn Bake

1. Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, you absolutely can! Make sure to thaw the frozen corn first and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the mixture. The quantity should remain roughly the same as the canned whole kernel corn.

2. Can I make this Easy Creamy Corn Bake ahead of time?
You can prepare the mixture (Step 2) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, pour it into your greased dish and proceed with the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the initial bake time if the mixture is very cold.

3. What if I don’t have Jiffy corn muffin mix?
Jiffy mix is key to the texture and flavor of this specific Easy Creamy Corn Bake. It provides the right balance of cornmeal, flour, and leavening. While you could try a substitute, the results might vary. A homemade equivalent would require cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

4. Can I add other ingredients to this corn bake?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize. Diced green chiles for a little kick, a sprinkle of cooked bacon bits, or a dash of jalapeños can add a wonderful twist. Just don’t overload it to maintain the creamy consistency.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, the Jiffy corn muffin mix contains wheat flour, so this particular Easy Creamy Corn Bake is not gluten-free. You would need to find a gluten-free corn muffin mix alternative to make it suitable.

6. Can I use low-fat sour cream or butter substitutes?
Yes, you can use low-fat sour cream, but the “creamy” factor might be slightly less pronounced. Butter substitutes can also be used, but the richness and flavor might differ from using real butter.

7. Why is my corn bake dry/crumbly?
This usually happens if it’s overbaked or if the corn wasn’t sufficiently drained. Ensure you stick to the recommended baking times and drain your whole kernel corn thoroughly. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this Easy Creamy Corn Bake recipe. You’ll need a larger casserole dish (e.g., a 9×13 inch) and the baking time might need to be extended by 10-15 minutes or so, ensuring the center is fully set.

9. What kind of cheddar cheese is best?
Medium or sharp cheddar works wonderfully, adding a nice savory tang to the sweet corn. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded cheese often melts smoother and tastes richer.

10. Is this Easy Creamy Corn Bake suitable for a holiday meal?
Absolutely! Its comforting, crowd-pleasing nature makes it a perfect addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any holiday spread where delicious sides are cherished. It’s often requested year after year!