Name: Southern Comfort in a Casserole: Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1–2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference); 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen corn, thawed and drained; 1 cup milk; 1 cup sour cream; 6 tablespoons butter, melted; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8 ounces bacon, cooked until crispy and diced; 1–2 jalapeños, minced (adjust for preferred heat level); 1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese, divided; Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish

Who doesn’t love the warm, homey flavor of cornbread? Now imagine that classic Southern staple but elevated to a whole new level with cheese, crispy bacon, and a bit of kick from jalapeños. This Cornbread Casserole isn’t just a side dish—it’s the kind of comfort food that’s bound to steal the show at any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or bringing a dish to a gathering, this casserole has all the familiar flavors of cornbread but with an extra-creamy texture and layers of flavor that make it unforgettable.

This recipe brings together the best of the South in one baking dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has the perfect balance of flavors. And the best part? It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and will make you look like a kitchen rockstar!

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Cornbread casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s satisfying, rich, and has a little something for everyone—sweet corn, savory cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of spice if you like a little kick. It’s versatile enough to pair with just about any main course and is equally perfect as a solo star for potlucks and gatherings. Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes to put together before baking, making it a simple yet impressive addition to any meal. Serve it up with BBQ, fried chicken, or a hearty stew, and watch the compliments roll in!

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1–2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen corn, thawed and drained
1 cup milk
1 cup sour cream
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 ounces bacon, cooked until crispy and diced
1–2 jalapeños, minced (adjust for preferred heat level)
1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Cornbread Casserole

Preheat the Oven: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 350°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring every corner is covered so that the casserole doesn’t stick.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the thawed corn, milk, and sour cream to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture to combine, making sure there are no dry spots.

Incorporate the Flavorful Add-Ins: Pour in the melted butter, add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and fold in most of the bacon, jalapeños, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the casserole dense.
Pour and Spread: Pour the cornbread mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Add Toppings and Melt: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining bacon, ½ cup of cheddar cheese, and a handful of green onions (if using) on top. Return the dish to the oven for a few more minutes, just until the cheese melts.

Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve it warm.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Fresh Corn if You Can: Fresh corn kernels can add a little extra sweetness and crunch. If it’s corn season, go for fresh!
Adjust the Jalapeños: For a milder casserole, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. If you love heat, leave them in or add more.
Double the Cheese: Cheese lovers might want to mix in an extra ½ cup of cheese for an even richer flavor.
Switch Up the Flour: For a denser texture, replace some of the all-purpose flour with more cornmeal.
Make it Sweeter or Savory: Add a tablespoon of honey for a bit of sweetness or skip the sugar entirely if you’re after a more savory flavor.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a little different. Start checking the casserole around the 35-minute mark to make sure it doesn’t overbake.
Add More Toppings: Crumbled feta, green onions, or even diced bell peppers make great additions.

Variations (15 Options)

Mexican-Style: Add ½ cup of black beans and top with sliced avocado after baking.
Tex-Mex: Add chopped green chilies and a sprinkle of cumin.
Cheesy Overload: Use a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for extra cheesiness.
Southwestern Style: Toss in some diced red bell peppers and cilantro.
Spicy: Add diced serrano peppers or even a dash of cayenne for a real kick.
BBQ Twist: Add a swirl of BBQ sauce into the batter for a smoky flavor.
Garlic Herb: Mix in a tablespoon of minced garlic and a teaspoon of dried rosemary.
Creamed Corn: Substitute half of the corn with creamed corn for a creamier texture.
Loaded Cornbread: Mix in chopped green onions and a dollop of cream cheese.
Southern Ham and Cheese: Replace bacon with diced ham and add a bit of Gruyère cheese.
Italian Style: Use mozzarella instead of cheddar and add some Italian seasoning.
Breakfast Style: Add scrambled sausage or ground breakfast sausage.
Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add more veggies like diced bell peppers or zucchini.
Chili Cornbread: Top with a layer of chili before adding the last of the cheese.
Bacon-Wrapped: Lay strips of bacon over the top before baking for a crispy topping.

What to Serve with Cornbread Casserole (15 Options)

BBQ Ribs: Smoky ribs pair beautifully with this casserole’s rich, cheesy flavor.
Fried Chicken: Classic and crispy, fried chicken is a great main to serve alongside.
Pulled Pork: The creamy texture of cornbread casserole complements pulled pork perfectly.
Green Beans: Keep it simple and let the casserole shine with fresh green beans.
Collard Greens: A Southern favorite, collard greens add some welcome acidity and bite.
Mac and Cheese: Double up on the comfort with creamy mac and cheese.
Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a natural match.
Coleslaw: A fresh and tangy slaw cuts through the richness of the casserole.
Grilled Steak: Serve with a grilled steak for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad complements the casserole’s texture and flavor.
Chili: Spoon some chili over the casserole for a one-bowl meal.
Roast Chicken: A simple roast chicken pairs well with the casserole’s complex flavors.
Pork Chops: Serve with juicy pork chops for a robust, filling meal.
Brisket: Smoked or BBQ brisket adds depth of flavor and goes great with this casserole.
Garden Salad: A crisp, fresh salad adds balance and lightness to the meal.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezer: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

How Much Cornbread Casserole Should I Make for Family Gatherings?

For a family gathering of 8–10 people, a 9×13-inch baking dish should be enough. If you’re serving a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe and using two baking dishes, or make a larger batch in a deep dish.

How Far in Advance Can I Make the Cornbread Casserole?

This casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to cook, let the dish sit out at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking, then pop it in the oven as directed.

Southern Comfort in a Casserole: Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Author: Aaron Brown Courses:Breads Holiday Thanksgiving

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 40 minutesRest time: 5 minutesTotal time: 55 minutesServings:10 servingsCalories: kcal Best Season:Fall

Instructions

Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 350°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring every corner is covered so that the casserole doesn’t stick.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
Add the thawed corn, milk, and sour cream to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture to combine, making sure there are no dry spots.
Pour in the melted butter, add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and fold in most of the bacon, jalapeños, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the casserole dense.
Pour the cornbread mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining bacon, ½ cup of cheddar cheese, and a handful of green onions (if using) on top. Return the dish to the oven for a few more minutes, just until the cheese melts.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve it warm.