Growing up, my mama’s 5-ingredient Corn Casserole was always the star of the show at our family gatherings. I can still remember the aroma wafting through the house as it baked in the oven – the buttery, cheesy goodness was enough to make my mouth water. And when she’d pull that golden, bubbly casserole out and set it on the table, everyone would dive in, fighting for the crispy edges and creamy center.
That 5-ingredient Corn Casserole was the ultimate comfort food for me. It didn’t matter if it was Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just a random Sunday supper – I could always count on that dish to bring everyone together and fill our bellies with pure happiness. Even now, as an adult, the mere thought of that recipe takes me right back to those cherished memories with my loved ones.
So when I started experimenting in the kitchen on my own, you better believe one of the first things I mastered was Mama’s famous 5-ingredient Corn Casserole. And let me tell you, it’s just as good as I remember – if not better! The perfect blend of sweet corn, savory cheese, and a buttery crunch on top…it’s no wonder this dish has become a staple in my household.
Why This 5-ingredient Corn Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect 5-ingredient Corn Casserole
What makes this 5-ingredient Corn Casserole recipe so darn good? It all comes down to the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The corn provides a lovely sweetness that’s enhanced by the savory cheddar cheese and the rich, buttery Ritz cracker topping. But the real secret is in the creamy, custardy center – it’s like taking a bite of pure comfort food bliss.
I’ll let you in on a little trick, too: the key to nailing the texture is all in how you prepare the corn. Instead of just tossing in a couple cans of the stuff, I like to use a combination of fresh and frozen corn kernels. The fresh corn adds an extra pop of flavor, while the frozen keeps things nice and creamy. Trust me, this small step makes all the difference in the world.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Corn – A mix of fresh and frozen kernels for the best texture.
- Eggs – Help bind the casserole and create that dreamy, custardy center.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded for maximum melty goodness.
- Milk – Adds richness and moisture.
- Ritz Crackers – Crushed into a buttery topping that gets deliciously crisp.
Step-by-Step 5-ingredient Corn Casserole Instructions
Preparing Your 5-ingredient Corn Casserole
Ready to whip up the best 5-ingredient Corn Casserole you’ve ever tasted? It’s a total breeze to make – just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the oven. All you need is a mixing bowl, a baking dish, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the fresh and frozen corn kernels, shredded cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, and milk. Stir everything together until well mixed.
2- Pour the corn casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Now it’s time for the best part – the buttery Ritz cracker topping! Crush the crackers in a resealable bag or food processor, then sprinkle the crumbs all over the top of the casserole.
3- Bake the 5-ingredient Corn Casserole for 30-35 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure the cracker crumbs don’t burn.
4- Once the casserole is hot and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This allows the eggs to fully set and the flavors to meld together.
5- Scoop out generous servings of the 5-ingredient Corn Casserole and enjoy! The creamy, cheesy corn filling paired with the crunchy topping is an unbeatable combo.
6- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve this 5-ingredient wonder hot and fresh – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit!
Pro Tips for Success
The best thing about this 5-ingredient Corn Casserole is just how easy it is to make. But there are a few expert tips that can take it from great to absolutely amazing:
- Don’t skimp on the cheese – be generous with that shredded cheddar for maximum melty goodness.
- For an extra pop of flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the corn mixture.
- To avoid a soggy topping, make sure to crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs before sprinkling them on top.
- Keep a close eye on the casserole as it bakes to prevent the cracker topping from burning.
- Let the casserole cool for at least 10 minutes before serving – this allows the center to set up perfectly.
Serving and Storing Your 5-ingredient Corn Casserole
Perfect Pairings for 5-ingredient Corn Casserole
This 5-ingredient Corn Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham for an easy, comforting dinner. You can also serve it as a Thanksgiving or Christmas side to complement your holiday feast.
For beverages, I love to keep things simple with an ice-cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade. The creamy, cheesy flavors of the casserole are the real star of the show, so you don’t want to overpower them with anything too bold.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this 5-ingredient Corn Casserole is just as easy to store and reheat as it is to make. Once it’s cooled completely, you can cover the baking dish with foil or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so the topping doesn’t get soggy.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it off according to the recipe instructions. Easy peasy!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for 5-ingredient Corn Casserole
Creative 5-ingredient Corn Casserole Variations
While the classic 5-ingredient Corn Casserole is pretty darn perfect as-is, there are so many fun ways to switch it up. Try adding diced jalapeños or green chiles for a kick of heat. Swap the cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese for a different flavor profile. You can even throw in some cooked bacon or ham for a heartier main dish.
For a seasonal twist, use a mixture of fresh summer corn and roasted fall veggies like butternut squash or sweet potatoes. Or go all-in on the holiday vibes by topping the casserole with a crushed Ritz cracker and pecan streusel.
Making 5-ingredient Corn Casserole Diet-Friendly
Looking to make this 5-ingredient Corn Casserole a little lighter? No problem! You can easily adapt it to fit a variety of dietary needs.
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free Ritz crackers or swap them out for crushed cornflakes or crushed nuts. To make it dairy-free, use plant-based milk and shredded vegan cheese instead of the regular dairy products.
If you’re watching your carbs, you can reduce the amount of Ritz crackers or skip the topping altogether. The corn, eggs, and cheese are the real stars of this dish, so it’s still delicious even without the crunchy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned corn instead of fresh and frozen?
A: You can definitely use canned corn in this 5-ingredient Corn Casserole recipe. Just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the mixture. The texture won’t be quite as fresh and creamy, but it will still be delicious.
Q: How long does the casserole need to bake?
A: The 5-ingredient Corn Casserole bakes for 30-35 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure the cracker topping doesn’t burn. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is golden brown and crispy.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This 5-ingredient Corn Casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven as directed.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This 5-ingredient Corn Casserole recipe makes enough to serve 6-8 people as a side dish. If you’re serving it as a main course, it will feed 4-6 hungry folks.
Q: What should I do if the top starts to brown too quickly?
A: If you notice the Ritz cracker topping is getting too dark before the center is fully set, simply tent a piece of foil over the top of the casserole. This will prevent the top from burning while allowing the inside to finish baking.
5-Ingredient Corn Casserole
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this 5-ingredient Corn Casserole – a comforting classic that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
– 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 cup crushed crackers
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. – In a large bowl, mix together the drained corn, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and melted butter until well combined.
3. – Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. – Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the top.
5. – Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
6. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking. You can also add diced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There you have it – my family’s famous 5-ingredient Corn Casserole recipe! This comforting, cheesy dish is guaranteed to become a new staple in your household, just like it is in mine. The perfect balance of sweet corn, savory cheese, and buttery crunch makes it the ultimate crowd-pleasing side.
What are you waiting for? Gather up those 5 simple ingredients and get baking! I promise, one bite of this 5-ingredient Corn Casserole and you’ll be hooked. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Enjoy!
