Hey y'all! If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food that's a hit on Thanksgiving and every potluck in between, this Easy Cornbread Casserole – Thanksgiving Side Dish Mom-Approved is exactly what you need. It's lusciously moist, buttery, and packed with just the right amount of sweetness for a side dish everyone raves about. Plus, it's a cinch to whip up with pantry staples and zero fuss. Whether you're hosting a festive dinner or just want a cozy side for weeknight meals, this casserole is guaranteed to please. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Easy Cornbread Casserole – Thanksgiving Side Dish Mom-Approved
- Super easy to make with simple ingredients—no fancy skills needed!
- Perfectly moist and fluffy texture that never turns out dry.
- Crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.
- Versatile enough to customize with add-ins like cheese or jalapeños.
- Ready in under an hour with minimal prep and cleanup!
Ingredients for Easy Cornbread Casserole – Thanksgiving Side Dish Mom-Approved
- 1 (8.5 oz) box Jiffy cornbread mix
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions for Easy Cornbread Casserole – Thanksgiving Side Dish Mom-Approved
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, melted butter, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Corn and Cheese
Stir in both cans of corn (drained whole kernel and cream-style), then mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the Cornbread Mix
Gently fold in the Jiffy cornbread mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the casserole fluffy.
5. Bake the Casserole
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes: Tips for the Best Easy Cornbread Casserole – Thanksgiving Side Dish Mom-Approved
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a handful of chopped scallions to the batter.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it firm up, making it easier to slice.
- For more about cornbread history and serving traditions, check out this Southern Living cornbread guide.
Variations of Easy Cornbread Casserole – Thanksgiving Side Dish Mom-Approved
- Cheesy Jalapeño: Add ½ cup diced jalapeños and 1 additional cup of cheddar cheese for a spicy kick.
- Bacon & Chive: Fold in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon and ¼ cup chopped fresh chives.
- Southwestern: Add ½ cup diced red bell pepper and ½ cup drained black beans for a Tex-Mex twist.
Required Equipment for Easy Cornbread Casserole – Thanksgiving Side Dish Mom-Approved
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Easy Cornbread Casserole – Thanksgiving Side Dish Mom-Approved
Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual pieces for 1-2 minutes. Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Easy Cornbread Casserole – Thanksgiving Side Dish Mom-Approved
- Serve alongside roasted turkey or ham for a classic Thanksgiving feast.
- Pair with chili, BBQ pulled pork, or hearty stews for a cozy weeknight dinner.
- Top with a drizzle of honey or a pat of butter for extra indulgence.
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Cornbread Casserole – Thanksgiving Side Dish Mom-Approved
- Mix gently—overmixing the batter can make the casserole dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor (learn how to shred cheese like a pro).
- For a perfectly golden top, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn! (Food Network broiling tips).
FAQ: Easy Cornbread Casserole – Thanksgiving Side Dish Mom-Approved
- Can I make this cornbread casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the casserole up to 2 days ahead. Reheat before serving for best results.
- Can I use a different cornbread mix?
- Yes, most store-bought cornbread mixes work well in this recipe—just use about 8.5 oz for the best texture.
- Can I make it gluten-free?
- Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free cornbread mix—just check the other ingredients for gluten if needed.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
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2In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and salt.
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3Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and no dry spots remain.
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4Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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5Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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