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A close-up of a spatula lifting a square piece of cheesy baked cornbread casserole topped with bacon and green onions from a dish. The golden cornbread casserole recipe features visible corn kernels for extra flavor.
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5 from 3 votes

Southern Comfort in a Casserole: Cornbread Casserole Recipe

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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Soul Food
Keyword: casserole, comfort, cornbread, Southern
Servings: 10 servings

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 tablespoon butter, melted
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounce 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

Instructions

  • Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 350°F. Generously grease a 9x13-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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 420kcal