
Whenever I want an easy crowd-pleasing side for a weeknight meal or special get-together, Paula Deen’s corn casserole is the one I make. It’s smooth, cheesy, and perfectly savory—everyone always comes back for more.
I remember my first time making this on a hectic Thanksgiving. Tossed it together in minutes while busy with turkey. It disappeared faster than anything else—even before the main dish. Now it’s a staple at every holiday for us.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Melted butter: brings rich flavor all the way through. Unsalted and real gives you the best result.
- Cheddar cheese: gets bubbly and golden up top. Try shredding it fresh if you can—it melts better.
- Sour cream: makes things super creamy with a hint of tang. Full-fat is the way to go for that ultra-smooth bite.
- Jiffy corn muffin mix: keeps it fluffy with just a little firmness. Add it dry, straight from the box.
- Whole kernel sweet corn: gives the casserole lots of nice pieces to bite. Make sure it’s well-drained so it’s not soggy.
- Creamed corn: keeps the whole thing extra moist and slightly sweet. Grab no-sugar brands if you can.
Easy Step-By-Step
- Let It Rest:
- Leave it alone for five minutes after baking. It’ll firm up and won’t fall apart when you scoop.
- Cheese On Top:
- Add cheddar over the part-baked casserole. Pop it back in so it melts and browns just a bit—about 10-15 minutes.
- Bake It:
- Bake (uncovered) till the center isn’t wobbly and the edges are lightly gold. This takes around 45 minutes.
- Fill The Dish:
- Pour the whole mixed bowl into a buttered 10-inch skillet or a 9 x 13 baking dish. Smooth the top out before it goes in.
- Mix It Up:
- Grab a big bowl and stir in sour cream, melted butter, corn muffin mix, whole corn, and creamed corn. Don’t leave any dry parts in the batter.
- Heat Oven:
- Start things off by setting your oven to 350 so everything bakes evenly.

I love corn especially in the summertime so this version always brings back sweet memories. My grandma always tossed in extra cheese plus a little more butter—now that’s the way I make it too. When this comes out of the oven, my kids storm the kitchen for a piece before it even cools.
Clever Storage
After it cools off, cover the casserole up tight and pop it in the fridge for up to four days. Want it to last longer? Cover and freeze for a month tops. To reheat, use the oven and a little foil so it stays soft and the cheese stays nice.
Swaps You Can Try
Greek yogurt stands in well for sour cream if you’re after a boost of tang or a bit of protein. No Jiffy mix? Any cornbread mix with a similar size and sweetness works fine. White sharp cheddar makes things deeper and even more flavorful if you want to mix it up.
Pairing Ideas
This dish is awesome next to grilled chicken or pork tenderloin but really shines at holiday meals with mashed potatoes and green beans too. Sometimes I top mine with spicy jalapeño or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet kick.

Backstory and Tradition
This type of corn casserole is a staple in the South, where corn’s always been a big crop. Using cornmeal and creamed corn in one dish helps stretch every bite for families. Dishes like Paula Deen’s are all about comfort and practicality—no wonder they’re beloved at potlucks and special meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a swap for Jiffy mix?
Sure thing! Other corn muffin mixes are fine, but Jiffy gives you that classic soft and slightly sweet bite that’s well-loved in this dish.
- → Can I prep this ahead of baking?
Yep. Mix it up and stash it in the fridge, or go ahead and bake it, chill, and reheat right before you’re ready to eat.
- → Is it a must to drain the corn kernels?
You sure do! Get rid of the liquid before tossing the kernels into the mix so things don’t get soggy.
- → Will a cast iron pan do the trick?
Absolutely. A 10-inch cast iron pan gives a beautiful crispy edge but any good casserole dish will work just fine, too.
- → How do I tell when it’s cooked through?
It’ll jiggle less in the center when set, and you’ll see the cheese get bubbly and brown on top. That’s your sign it’s ready to eat!
- → Can you fix this up in a slow cooker?
You bet. Mix it up, grease your Crock Pot, and cook. Toss the cheese on top for the last twenty minutes so it gets all melty.