Cheesy, creamy cornbread casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, savory, and deliciously rich. It’s a dish that feels like a cozy hug on your plate. Whether served as a standout side dish during the holidays or a weeknight dinner centerpiece, this casserole effortlessly blends the sweetness of cornbread with a velvety, cheesy topping that’s hard to resist.
Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies cravings and leaves everyone asking for seconds. In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make this hearty casserole step by step, plus get helpful variations, success tips, and answers to your most common questions.
Why This Cornbread Casserole Deserves a Spot at Your Table
If you love cornbread, imagine it upgraded with a luscious cheese layer, creamy richness, and a golden crust. This dish is rustic yet elegant enough for a dinner party. It’s just as suitable for Sunday supper as it is for a potluck or holiday feast. With its smooth, custard-like top and slightly sweet, tender base, it offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is simple and relies on pantry staples, which makes this casserole an easy go-to dish.
For the Cornbread Base
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 can (14–15 oz) cream-style corn
For the Creamy Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish: Chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top after baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is broken into three basic stages—making the cornbread layer, preparing the cheese topping, and baking it to perfection.
Preparing the Cornbread Layer
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a small amount of butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and the cream-style corn. Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. Set aside while you prepare the cheese topping.
Making the Creamy Cheese Topping
- In a separate bowl, add the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk or stir until everything is thoroughly mixed and creamy.
- Carefully spread this mixture over the cornbread batter in the baking dish. Use a spatula to evenly cover the entire surface.
Baking the Casserole
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- To check doneness, insert a toothpick near the center—it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set for cleaner cuts.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, try these tasty variations to keep things exciting and match your flavor preferences.
Add Heat
- Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeños or fresh diced jalapeños into the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- A few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper also add zing without overpowering the dish.
Make It Meaty
- Add ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or ham to the cheese mixture for a heartier dish.
- Shredded cooked chicken also makes a great protein boost and transforms this casserole into a main course.
Veggie Boost
- Stir in sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, or corn kernels for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Roasted green chilies or mushrooms can add a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
Try New Cheeses
- Replace part of the cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or smoked Gouda for a fun twist.
- Pepper jack cheese adds spice and creaminess all in one.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with:
- Barbecued meats like ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken
- Hearty soups like chili or creamy tomato soup
- Fresh green salads or coleslaw for a balanced meal
- Fried or baked fish for a classic Southern-style spread
It also stands strong on its own as a vegetarian main course with just a side of roasted vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: Especially eggs and sour cream. This helps them mix more evenly into the batter.
- Don’t overmix: Stir ingredients until just combined to keep the texture light and tender.
- Cool before serving: Letting it sit for 10–15 minutes allows the layers to firm up and flavors to deepen.
- Double for a crowd: This recipe scales well. Use a larger baking pan or two 9x13s for potlucks.
- Store leftovers properly: Cover and refrigerate any extras for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.
Nutritional Highlights
While not a diet food, you can make a few simple adjustments to reduce calories:
- Use low-fat sour cream and mayo
- Reduce cheese by ½ cup
- Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat
- Cut sugar to 2 tablespoons for a more savory version
These tweaks make it a bit lighter without sacrificing that creamy indulgence.
Conclusion
Cheesy, creamy cornbread casserole brings together comfort, flavor, and ease all in one pan. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, contributing to a holiday table, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy cornbread, this dish delivers every time.
It’s warm, rich, and versatile enough to make your own. Try it once, and you may never want plain cornbread again. From the slightly sweet base to the luscious cheese topping, every bite is designed to satisfy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving for best results.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap portions in plastic wrap and foil or place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
Can I substitute cream-style corn?
Cream-style corn adds sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have it, mix 1 cup canned corn with ¼ cup milk and mash slightly to mimic the texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. While cheddar gives a nice sharpness, you can use mozzarella, Gouda, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend depending on your flavor preference.
What can I serve with cornbread casserole?
It pairs well with chili, pulled pork, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a holiday side dish with turkey or ham.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to make it gluten-free. Be sure to check all other ingredient labels for gluten content as well.