Homemade Corn Pudding Casserole with Cheddar Cheese – Creamy & Comforting

There’s something special about a dish that feels like home even if you’ve never had it before — and Homemade Corn Pudding Casserole with Cheddar Cheese does exactly that. Warm, creamy, and golden on top, this dish is a celebration of comfort food done right. It’s the perfect bridge between sweet and savory, rich and light, rustic and refined.

Corn pudding has its roots in traditional Southern cooking — a dish that emerged as a way to turn simple, humble ingredients into something hearty and satisfying. The original versions were often made with just eggs, milk, and cornmeal, but over time, home cooks began adding creamy corn, butter, and cheese for extra indulgence. The result? A luscious, custard-like side dish with a soft center and crispy, cheesy edges.

I still remember my first encounter with this casserole at a Thanksgiving potluck. I took a spoonful out of curiosity — and by the second bite, I was hooked. The combination of sweet corn kernels and melted cheddar cheese was pure comfort in every bite. Now, it’s a dish I make year-round, not just for holidays but anytime I crave something cozy and crowd-pleasing.

If you love meals that balance nourishment and flavor, this recipe is for you.

Why Make This Homemade Corn Pudding Casserole?

Corn pudding casserole might look unassuming, but it’s the kind of dish that steals the show every time it’s on the table. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:

1. Effortlessly Delicious: With a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to make.

2. Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The sweet notes of corn meet the savory richness of cheddar cheese and butter, creating a flavor harmony that satisfies every palate.

3. Creamy Yet Fluffy: Thanks to the combination of eggs, sour cream, and muffin mix, you get that custardy softness with a subtle bread-like lift.

4. Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Corn provides fiber, antioxidants, and B vitamins, while eggs and cheese bring protein, calcium, and healthy fats.

5. Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s equally perfect for a weeknight dinner, Sunday brunch, or festive gathering.

6. Foolproof and Make-Ahead Friendly: You can mix everything ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready — a lifesaver during busy holidays.

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Ingredients List

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients for this Homemade Corn Pudding Casserole with Cheddar Cheese. Each one plays a role in creating its creamy texture and irresistible flavor.

Main Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained

• 1 can (15 ounces) creamed corn – adds moisture and a touch of sweetness

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten – helps set the pudding

• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich version)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – adds richness

• 1 box (8.5 ounces) corn muffin mix (like Jiffy) – provides structure and subtle sweetness

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided – for a bold, savory finish

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Flavor Boosters

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika – for a hint of warmth and depth

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances the savory notes

• 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives – adds freshness and a pop of color

• 1 tablespoon honey – for those who prefer a sweeter corn pudding

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is incredibly simple to follow — no mixer, no fuss, and ready for the oven in minutes. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish (or an 8×8-inch pan) generously with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and adds a touch of flavor to the edges.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, and melted butter together until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick but pourable — this is the base that gives the casserole its rich, custard-like texture.

3. Add the Corn

Fold in both the drained whole kernel corn and the creamed corn. The combination gives you both texture and creaminess — one for the chew, the other for the silkiness.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the corn muffin mix, salt, and black pepper. Stir until just combined — overmixing can make the pudding dense instead of fluffy.

5. Add Cheese and Optional Flavorings

Fold in 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for the topping. If you’re adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, or green onions, mix them in now. These additions deepen the flavor profile and make the dish your own.

6. Transfer and Smooth

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the surface for that golden, bubbling crust.

7. Bake

Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly soft. The edges should be firm and browned. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes.

8. Check for Doneness

Insert a knife or toothpick near the center — it should come out mostly clean, with just a bit of moisture. This ensures a creamy interior without being undercooked.

9. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut and enhancing the flavor.

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Tips and Substitutions

Getting the perfect corn pudding casserole is all about small details. Here’s how to customize it and ensure success every time:

Cooking Tips

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs or sour cream can prevent even mixing and affect the pudding’s texture.

• Avoid Overmixing: Stir gently just until the ingredients are combined; overmixing can lead to a dense or rubbery casserole.

• Let It Rest: After baking, let it stand before cutting — this helps the custard set properly.

• For a Crisper Top: Sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top and broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.

• Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter version, stir in a tablespoon of honey or sugar before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce butter to 1/3 cup.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter and non-dairy sour cream; nutritional yeast makes a great replacement for cheese flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix instead of traditional muffin mix.

• Extra Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or crumbled bacon to turn this side into a satisfying main dish.

• Vegetarian Upgrade: Mix in diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for added color and nutrients.

Recipe Variations

Corn pudding is incredibly adaptable. Whether you prefer it spicy, cheesy, or herb-filled, here are a few variations to try:

1. Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Pudding

Add 1–2 chopped jalapeños and replace half of the cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a spicy, Tex-Mex-inspired twist.

2. Bacon & Scallion Corn Pudding

Stir in ½ cup of crumbled cooked bacon and ¼ cup of chopped scallions. The smoky-salty flavor of bacon balances the sweetness of corn beautifully.

3. Herb and Parmesan Corn Bake

Replace cheddar with parmesan and fold in a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or basil. Perfect for an elegant dinner side.

4. Sweet Corn Pudding

Skip the cheese, add 2 tablespoons of sugar, and drizzle honey over the baked pudding for a dessert-style version that pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or berries.

5. Loaded Corn Pudding Casserole

Mix in diced red bell peppers, corn kernels, and caramelized onions for a flavor-packed, vegetable-forward upgrade.

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Nutritional Information (per serving)

(Serves approximately 8)

• Calories: 290

• Protein: 8 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Carbohydrates: 25 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Calcium: 15% DV

• Vitamin A: 10% DV

• Vitamin C: 6% DV

Corn provides valuable antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect eye health. The eggs and cheese deliver protein, calcium, and vitamin D, supporting bone strength and satiety. This casserole proves that comfort food can be nourishing, too.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storage

• Refrigerate: Once cooled, cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Keeps for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted chicken, turkey, or glazed ham for a perfect holiday spread.

• Serve with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a lighter meal.

• Add a spoonful of salsa or hot sauce for a bold flavor contrast.

• Enjoy leftovers as a breakfast side — it’s surprisingly good with eggs and avocado.

Common Questions

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes first.

Why is my corn pudding runny?

It likely needs more baking time. The center should be just set — slightly jiggly but not liquid. Letting it rest also helps it firm up.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. Increase bake time by 10–15 minutes.

Can I make it without cheese?

Of course! The cheese adds richness but isn’t essential. Without it, the dish will lean more toward traditional sweet corn pudding.

What type of corn works best?

Canned corn is easiest, but you can use fresh or frozen (thawed) kernels. For extra creaminess, pulse half the kernels in a blender.

Conclusion

Homemade Corn Pudding Casserole with Cheddar Cheese is the definition of comfort food done right — warm, creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory. It’s simple to make, versatile enough for any meal, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

Every bite reminds you why home cooking matters — it connects us to tradition, flavor, and the joy of sharing something made with love. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or a festive gathering, this corn pudding casserole will become a dish people request again and again.