If you’ve ever dined at Cracker Barrel, you might have tasted their famous corn casserole. Known for its creamy, cheesy texture and delightful flavor, Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is the perfect side dish to complement any meal. This Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe will help you recreate this beloved dish at home with ease. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, this casserole will soon become a family favorite.
What is Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole?
Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with corn, cheese, and a creamy base. It is often served alongside Cracker Barrel’s delicious mains like chicken, meatloaf, or roasted meats. Its flavor is sweet, savory, and rich, with a slightly crispy top that contrasts beautifully with its soft and creamy interior.
The dish has gained popularity over the years and has become a staple in many homes. It’s easy to prepare, and the ingredients are simple and readily available. The secret to its delicious flavor lies in the perfect combination of ingredients and baking technique. Let’s dive into the recipe and how you can make this amazing dish at home.
Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole
To make Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole at home, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, and you’ll find them in your local grocery store.
Essential Ingredients:
- One can (15.25 oz) of drained whole kernel corn
- 1 can (14.75 oz) of cream-style corn
- 1 box of Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions (optional)
These simple ingredients will come together to create a mouthwatering casserole that is sure to impress.
How to Make Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole at Home
Making this delicious dish is simple and straightforward. With only a few steps, you can have your very own Cracker Barrel-style corn casserole ready in no time. Let’s walk through the preparation.
1: Preheat Your Oven
Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and reach the perfect golden brown color.
2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream-style corn and the whole kernel corn. Make sure to drain the whole kernel corn before adding it to the bowl. Then, add the sour cream and melted butter. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined.
3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the Jiffy corn muffin mix into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir it gently until the mixture is evenly combined. This will form the base of your casserole.
4: Add the Cheese and Green Onions
Stir in cheddar cheese and green onions (if using). The cheese will melt beautifully during baking, giving the casserole a deliciously cheesy flavor and texture.
5: Pour the Mixture into a Baking Dish
Take a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish with a spatula.
6: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know the casserole is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into squares and serve with your favorite main dish. This casserole is the perfect comfort food side dish.
Tips for Making the Best Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole
While this Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole recipe is simple, a few tips can elevate your dish even further.
1: Use Real Butter for Best Flavor
Using real butter instead of margarine will enhance the flavor of your casserole. The richness of butter adds to the creaminess and overall taste.
2: Add a Little Spice
If you like a little heat in your food, add some jalapeños or chopped green chilies to the mixture. It adds an extra layer of flavor and can balance the sweetness of the corn.
3: Make it Ahead of Time
This casserole can be made ahead of time for convenience. Simply prepare the casserole the day before, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual.
4: Make it Even Creamier
For an extra creamy casserole, substitute cream cheese for some of the sour cream. This will give the casserole an even richer texture and flavor.
5: Try Different Cheese Varieties
While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this casserole, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even cream cheese. Different cheese combinations can give your casserole a unique taste.
How to Serve Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole
Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with many main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Fried Chicken: A classic pairing, the crispy and flavorful fried chicken complements the creamy casserole beautifully.
- Roast Beef: The savory roast beef pairs well with the sweetness of the corn casserole.
- Grilled Steaks: For a hearty meal, serve the casserole alongside grilled steaks or other grilled meats.
- Barbecue: Corn casserole is a great side for a barbecue meal. Serve it with pulled pork or barbecue ribs for a true Southern-inspired meal.
Why You’ll Love Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole
Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a comfort food classic that brings warmth and flavor to every meal. Here’s why you’ll love it:
1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
The combination of sweet corn and savory cheese creates a balanced flavor profile that pleases all taste buds. The sweetness of the corn is complemented by the creamy, cheesy texture, making every bite a treat.
2. Creamy Texture with a Crispy Top
One of the highlights of this casserole is its texture. The inside is soft and creamy, while the top becomes wonderfully golden and slightly crispy after baking. This contrast in textures elevates the dish, making it even more irresistible.
3. Easy to Make
Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients like canned corn, sour cream, and Jiffy corn muffin mix, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours of preparation—without the effort.This recipe is ideal for cooks of all skill levels.
4. Versatile for Any Meal
This casserole is a great addition to any dinner. Whether you’re serving it alongside fried chicken, grilled steaks, or roasted meats, it complements a wide range of main dishes. It’s also ideal for holiday meals, potlucks, and family gatherings.
5. Leftovers Taste Even Better
Not only is Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole delicious when freshly baked, but the leftovers are equally tasty. The flavors meld together even more after sitting overnight, making it the perfect dish for meal prepping or enjoying the next day.
With its rich flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility, Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household.
Final Thoughts
Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish that everyone will love. Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or simply enjoying a weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and simple ingredients, you can easily recreate this iconic dish right in your kitchen.
By following this recipe and adding your personal touch, you can enjoy the flavors of Cracker Barrel from the comfort of your home. Try this Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole recipe today and let it become a staple in your household too.
FAQs About Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe
Is corn casserole the same as cornbread?
Corn casserole is a casserole made with cornbread, corn kernels, sour cream, butter, and cheese and creamed corn blended to create a new dish based on cornbread. It’s a Southern comfort that makes a great side dish, especially during the holidays.
What’s the difference between corn casserole and corn pudding?
Because corn pudding has more liquid ingredients, such as milk and eggs, it has a creamier, custard-like texture. Often made with cornbread mix for a thicker consistency, corn casserole is harder and more akin to bread.
How do you thicken corn casserole?
Make a grainy sauce by combining equal parts cornstarch and liquid, then pour it over the creamed corn. To give the cornstarch time to thicken the dish, stir and simmer it slowly. For the thickening process to function as intended, you need roughly 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of creamed corn.
What are the 5 components of a casserole?
Although there are many different types of casseroles, in essence, they are a meal made up of several ingredients that are baked together in an oven. The five ingredients of a casserole—starch, protein, vegetables, sauce, and cheese—were listed after a brief internet search.
Can I use cornflour for cornbread?
Combine corn flour, flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt in a large basin. Add buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs and stir. Fill a cast-iron pan with cornbread batter, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.