Food & Recipes

Paula Deen Corn Casserole: A Classic Southern Comfort Dish

Daisy Miller March 30, 2025 No Comments
Paula Deen Corn Casserole

As with many culinary traditions, Southern food is also unique. Each of the regions has rich, delicious, and tasty dishes, and there are numerous familiar recipes that provide comfort. One of the famous ones is Paula Deen Corn Casserole.

It is a delicious meal you can find on the family table for holidays, during potluck get-togethers, or for family feasts. With incredible flavor, this dish has earned a reputation for creamy texture and Southern hospitality.

In this article, we will talk about all the details of Paula Deen Corn Casserole.

Who is Paula Deen?

Paula Deen is the most loved Southern chef, TV star, and cookbook writer who is known for using butter, rich cuisines, and traditional Southern food.

She is originally from Albany, Georgia, but she rose to fame with her cooking shows like Paula’s Home Cooking and her restaurant in Savannah, Georgia called The Lady & Sons.

Her recipes focus on home-cooked meals that bring people together, and her corn casserole is a perfect example of this philosophy.

Origins of Corn Casserole

Corn casserole is an interesting regional mix of Southern and Midwestern food, and traditional versions of this dish can also be found in Southern states, as well as in the Midwest. Corn, butter, eggs, and cornmeal are staples of the South.

As we all know, over the years, chefs and home cooks too have also attempted their own interpretations of the dish.

Mostly, corn casserole is Paula Deen’s beloved eat, which has become a staple in almost every Southern household.

The most significant feature of this particular recipe is its consistency, being creamy and delicious at the same time.

It is preferred because Paula’s version of casseroles combines sweet and savory and has tasty flavors, using cornbread mix, sour cream, and canned corn.

The region is famous for its simple preparation of fried chicken.

Ingredients and Recipe

To make Paula Deen Corn Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

  • Whole Kernel Corn: 1 can (15 ounce)
  • Creamed Corn: 1 can (15 ounce)
  • Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: 1 Packet (8 ounce)
  • Sour Cream: 1 Cup
  • Butter: Half a cup (1 stick), melted
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: The Oven: Begin with a temperature of 350 degrees F (175 degrees Celsius). Remember to grease your 9 by 13-inch baking dish to avoid sticking.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: Pour the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter into a large bowl. Mix until everything is evenly blended.
  3. Add Cheese (Optional): For a cheesier casserole, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Bake: Spread the mixture into an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a crust that’s golden brown on top has formed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Serve: Cut into squares and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Variations of Corn Casserole

Although we love Paula Deen’s classic recipe, there are some ways to change her recipe to fit other tastes or dietary restrictions. Here are a few of them.

  1. Spicy Corn Casserole: Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to spice it up.
  2. Bacon and Onion Corn Casserole: For additional flavor, add in some crumbled bacon and sautéed onions.
  3. Mexican-Style Corn Casserole: For a Tex-Mex flair, add in some chopped green chilies and a teaspoon of cumin along with some shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
  4. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix instead of the Jiffy mix to make it friendly for those with gluten issues.
  5. Healthier Alternative: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt and reduce the butter for a lighter version of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Corn casserole is a dish that can easily accompany various main courses. Here are some ways in which it can be served:

  • Thanksgiving: Alongside roast turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
  • BBQ: With grilled chicken, ribs, and pulled pork.
  • Southern Comfort: Fried chicken with collard greens and mashed potatoes.
  • Brunch: Paired with eggs and bacon for a more hearty breakfast.

Tips for a Perfect Corn Casserole

  1. Use High-Quality Corn: Fresh or frozen corn is preferred over canned corn for a better flavor.
  2. Don’t Overmix: Mix only enough to blend the ingredients. An overmix can spoil the corn casserole’s texture.
  3. Customize the Cheese: Pepper jack, gouda, or even mozzarella can be used for other flavors.
  4. Bake in a Cast-Iron Skillet: For a rustic corn casserole that has slightly crispy edges, bake in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.
  5. Make it Ahead of Time: The mixture can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and bake it fresh before serving.

Conclusion

Paula Deen Corn Casserole brings a different taste because of Southern descent. Its rich, creamy mouthfeel and sweet, savory flavor pair well with barbecue. The dish can also be enjoyed with variations to the classic recipe. Always remember the tips and instructions mentioned in the article and follow them to make delicious, mouthwatering, out-of-this-world corn casserole.

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