Description
A creamy, savory, and sweet holiday side dish made with just five ingredients. This reliable corn casserole features sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a cornmeal binder for a comforting texture that is perfect for Thanksgiving or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups frozen whole kernel corn (thawed and drained)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked crispy and crumbled)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- Optional: 1 diced jalapeño, 2 sliced green onions, 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (8-10 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into small pieces once cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, melted butter, and thawed corn. Stir until well combined. Ensure corn is mostly dry by squeezing gently with a paper towel if necessary.
- Add cornmeal, shredded cheese, and most of the crumbled bacon to the bowl. Mix until uniform.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle remaining bacon on top. Add optional jalapeños or green onions if desired.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Ensure frozen corn is thoroughly drained to prevent a watery casserole. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set properly. Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: corn casserole, cheesy corn, bacon side dish, holiday sides, easy recipes, 5 ingredient recipes, Thanksgiving sides, comfort food