Introduction To Crack Corn Casserole Recipe
Meet your new favorite comfort food side dish—Crack Corn Casserole. This creamy, cheesy, buttery corn casserole is outrageously good and has earned its “crack” nickname for one simple reason: it’s crazy addictive. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, potluck, BBQ, or holiday feast, this recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and a big ol’ scoop of happiness.
Combining sweet corn, cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, and just the right seasonings, Crack Corn Casserole bakes into a bubbly, golden delight with crispy edges and a tender, melty center. It’s the dish everyone goes back for seconds—and thirds. Bonus? It comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients and almost zero prep stress.
Why Is This Recipe So Popular?
Crack Corn Casserole is a total crowd-pleaser. It has gone viral for several reasons:
- 🧀 Ultra creamy and cheesy – Every bite melts in your mouth.
- 🌽 Sweet + savory balance – The natural sweetness of corn pairs perfectly with rich, salty cheeses.
- 🍽️ Comfort classic – It’s like a hug in casserole form.
- 🥘 No-fuss prep – Mix, pour, bake, done!
- 👨👩👧👦 Loved by all ages – A hit with picky eaters and grown-ups alike.
Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or Thanksgiving dinner, it belongs on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
🧈 Rich and indulgent – Full of bold flavor and luscious texture.
🌽 Corn-forward flavor – Highlights the best of both canned and fresh corn.
🧄 Hearty enough to steal the spotlight – Makes a great vegetarian main or standout side.
🧑🍳 Super easy to prep ahead – Bake fresh or reheat later.
🎉 Customizable – Add bacon, jalapeños, green chiles, or more!
Ingredients:
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
🛒 For One 9×13-Inch Baking Dish (8–10 servings):
- 🌽 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
- 🌽 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn
- 🧀 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 🧄 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 🥄 ½ cup sour cream
- 🧈 ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted
- 🍳 2 large eggs, beaten
- 🌽 1 (8.5 oz) box corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
- 🧂 1 tsp garlic powder
- 🧂 ½ tsp onion powder
- 🧂 Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 🌿 Optional: chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sour cream, cream cheese, and eggs until creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Add the Corn & Seasonings
Fold in the sweet corn, cream-style corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Muffin Mix
Mix in the cheddar cheese and corn muffin mix until fully incorporated. Don’t overmix—it should look thick and creamy.
Step 5: Bake It
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Rest & Garnish
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired.
Variation:
🥓 Bacon Crack Corn Casserole – Stir in ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon before baking.
🌶️ Spicy Jalapeño Version – Add 1–2 diced jalapeños or green chiles to the mix.
🧅 French Onion Twist – Top with crispy fried onions in the last 10 minutes of baking.
🧄 Garlic Herb Upgrade – Add minced garlic, chopped thyme, or rosemary for a savory herbal punch.
🧀 Extra Cheesy Edition – Use 1½ cups shredded cheese and swirl in mozzarella for stretch.
🥬 Veggie-Boosted – Mix in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or shredded zucchini.
COOKING Note:
This casserole is incredibly forgiving, but a few tips will take it to the next level:
- 🧈 Use softened cream cheese for a smooth texture—microwave in 10-second bursts if needed.
- 🌽 Drain the sweet corn well so your casserole doesn’t get watery.
- ⏲️ Check doneness with a toothpick in the center—it should come out mostly clean.
- 🧀 Shred your own cheese if possible for best melt and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This rich, comforting dish pairs beautifully with:
- 🍗 BBQ chicken or ribs
- 🥩 Grilled steak or burgers
- 🥗 Fresh green salad
- 🍳 Brunch platters with eggs and sausage
- 🥖 Crusty bread or cornbread on the side
It’s also the perfect side for holiday meals, potlucks, and Sunday dinners.
Tips:
- 🧊 Make it ahead – Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready.
- ♨️ Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual slices.
- 🌱 Make it vegetarian – It already is! Just skip bacon variations if adding.
- 🧀 Use different cheeses – Pepper jack, Monterey jack, or smoked gouda are excellent here.
- 🥣 Double for a crowd – This recipe scales up easily.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information: (Per serving – approx. 1/10 of casserole)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen or fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 1½ cups cooked fresh or thawed frozen corn in place of canned sweet corn.
Q: Can I leave out the eggs?
Eggs help bind the casserole and give it structure, but you can substitute with flax eggs or use just sour cream and cheese for a denser texture.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
No, the corn muffin mix usually contains wheat. Use a gluten-free cornbread mix for a GF version.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes! Bake first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
Q: Can I turn this into muffins or mini servings?
Definitely—use a muffin tin for individual portions. Bake for 25–30 minutes at 350°F.
Conclusion
When it comes to comfort food, Crack Corn Casserole is the ultimate indulgence. Rich, cheesy, creamy, and loaded with corn flavor, it’s the kind of dish that steals the show—whether it’s a simple family dinner or a holiday table spread. Its effortless prep and flexibility make it one of those recipes you’ll keep in your rotation all year long.
From BBQs and brunches to potlucks and holiday feasts, this dish always brings people back for seconds. So go ahead—get hooked. One bite and you’ll know why it’s called crack corn casserole.
