The Ultimate Cheesy Scalloped Corn Casserole: Your New Favorite Holiday Side Dish
Prepare to fall in love with a truly irresistible side dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and satisfying crunch: our Scalloped Corn Casserole. This classic comfort food combines tender corn kernels, creamy corn, rich cheddar cheese, and a medley of seasonings, all crowned with a buttery, crispy cracker topping. It’s an effortlessly delicious addition to any holiday feast, a comforting family meal, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Why This Scalloped Corn Recipe is a Must-Try
Our Scalloped Corn recipe truly stands out as a beloved American comfort food, and for good reason! It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that captivates from the very first bite. Imagine tender whole kernel corn married with the rich, slightly sweet creaminess of creamed corn, all brought together with sharp cheddar cheese and perfectly balanced seasonings. What elevates this dish to legendary status, however, is the exquisite buttery Ritz cracker topping. Baked until golden and bubbly, this crunchy crust adds an irresistible textural contrast that makes every spoonful pure bliss.
Corn is a foundational side dish, especially during festive seasons like Thanksgiving and Christmas. While simple buttered corn or a hearty corn casserole are popular choices, scalloped corn offers an elevated experience without any extra fuss. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, relying on convenient canned ingredients, yet delivers a gourmet-like taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe consistently creates a side that is both hearty and light, rich yet not overwhelming, making it a perfect companion to a wide array of main courses. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of warmth and tradition to any table.
Gather Your Ingredients for This Easy Scalloped Corn Recipe
This delightful scalloped corn casserole comes together with a handful of accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. For precise measurements, detailed instructions, and a printable version, please refer to the complete recipe card at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Let’s dive a little deeper into the ingredients that make this scalloped corn casserole so special, along with some helpful substitution tips to tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand.
CORN – This recipe leverages the convenience of canned corn, specifically a combination of whole kernel corn and creamed corn. The whole kernels provide a delightful pop of texture, while the creamed corn ensures a rich, velvety base that’s packed with sweet corn flavor. If you prefer to use frozen corn in place of the whole kernels, that’s perfectly fine! Just remember to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the mixture. For an even fresher taste, you could even use fresh corn cut right off the cob, though this would add a bit more prep time.
CHEESE – For that undeniably rich and gooey texture, we highly recommend shredding a block of cheddar cheese yourself. While pre-shredded bagged cheese might seem convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose that can prevent the cheese from melting as smoothly and evenly, sometimes resulting in a grainy texture. Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully, creating a more cohesive and luxurious casserole. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar-jack blend for a slightly different flavor profile.
TOPPING – The iconic crunchy topping is made from a simple yet brilliant combination of buttery Ritz crackers and melted butter. The buttery, slightly salty flavor of Ritz crackers perfectly complements the sweet corn and savory cheese. If you’re looking for a lower carb option, finely ground pork rinds make an excellent substitute, offering a similar crispy texture and savory kick. Alternatively, you could use crushed cornflakes for a slightly different kind of crunch, or even panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy, lighter topping.
BINDER & SEASONING – Eggs are essential here, acting as a binder to hold the casserole together, giving it that classic creamy-yet-set consistency. The spices – paprika, salt, and black pepper – enhance the natural sweetness of the corn and the savoriness of the cheese without overpowering them. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the corn mixture.
How to Master Your Homemade Scalloped Corn Casserole
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe perfectly. For a concise, printable version of this recipe, complete with all measurements and detailed instructions, simply jump to the full recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole starts baking immediately upon entering the oven, leading to even cooking and a beautifully golden crust.
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To create the irresistible cracker topping, add your Ritz crackers to a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the melted butter. This evenly coats the crumbs, creating that signature buttery crispness. Once combined, remove about two handfuls of this buttery topping and set it aside to be incorporated into the casserole base. Keep the remaining topping for the top layer.
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If you wish, place your 2-quart casserole dish onto a baking sheet. This is an optional step that can catch any potential spills if your casserole bubbles over, keeping your oven clean. However, we’ve found that with this recipe, bubbling over is rarely an issue.
EXPERT TIP – Don’t have a 2-quart casserole dish? No problem! An 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan will work just as well. Just ensure your chosen dish is oven-safe.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, the creamy canned creamed corn, half of your freshly shredded cheddar cheese, the reserved two handfuls of crumb topping, and the whisked eggs. Stir all these ingredients gently but thoroughly until they are well combined. This ensures every bite of your scalloped corn casserole is packed with flavor and texture. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the corn mixture in the baking dish. This layer will melt into a gooey, savory blanket as the casserole bakes.
- To the remaining buttered cracker crumbs, stir in the paprika, salt, and black pepper. This step is crucial for ensuring the topping itself is well-seasoned and flavorful, not just crunchy. Evenly sprinkle this seasoned crumb topping over the cheese in the casserole dish, creating a beautiful and delicious crust.
- Bake the casserole for approximately 45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and set, and the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on the topping during the last 15 minutes to prevent over-browning; you can loosely tent it with foil if needed.
- Once baked, remove the scalloped corn from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the casserole to set further, making it easier to scoop and ensuring it holds its shape beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Scalloped Corn
Once your scalloped corn has fully cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Absolutely! This scalloped corn casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish, perfect for busy holidays or meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish up to the point where you would add the shredded cheese and Ritz cracker topping. Cover the prepared casserole tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until it’s no longer chilled (especially important if using a glass baking dish to prevent thermal shock). Then, simply sprinkle on the reserved cheese and cracker topping and bake according to the recipe instructions. This ensures the topping remains wonderfully crisp.
Yes, scalloped corn freezes beautifully! To freeze, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap the entire dish tightly a few times in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until it’s warmed through, usually about 30-45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes if you want to crisp up the topping again.
The key to a perfect topping is uniform crushing of the crackers and thorough coating with melted butter. During baking, keep an eye on the casserole; if the topping starts to brown too quickly before the casserole is fully heated through, you can lightly tent it with aluminum foil. This protects the topping while allowing the rest of the dish to cook.
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. For a touch of heat, try adding finely diced jalapeños (seeded for less spice). Crispy cooked bacon bits or a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions would also be delicious additions, enhancing the savory notes. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavors.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Scalloped Corn
This cheesy scalloped corn casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven, when its buttery cracker topping is at its crispiest. Its comforting and versatile nature makes it an ideal accompaniment for a wide range of meals. It’s a perennial favorite for classic holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, pairing beautifully with traditional mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a succulent beef roast. Beyond the holidays, don’t relegate this delicious dish to special occasions only! It makes a fantastic side for everyday weeknight dinners. Imagine it alongside roasted chicken, juicy pork chops, a classic meatloaf, or even grilled fish. The creamy texture and savory flavor provide a wonderful contrast to richer main dishes, making every meal feel a little more special.
More Irresistible Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
- Sweet & Savory Candied Yams
- Easy Glazed Carrots
- Creamy & Rich Creamed Spinach
- Classic Southern Green Beans
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Candied Pecans
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Scalloped Corn
IMPORTANT – Don’t miss the Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips section above for valuable insights and tips!
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Ingredients
For the Buttery Cracker Topping
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 cups Ritz crackers about two sleeves, crushed
For the Creamy Corn Casserole
- 30 ounces canned whole kernel corn two 15 ounce cans, thoroughly drained
- 30 ounces canned creamed corn two 15 ounce cans
- 2 large eggs lightly whisked
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese divided, preferably freshly shredded
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Tools You’ll Need
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Food processor
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Large mixing bowl
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2-quart baking dish
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Baking sheet optional, for spillover protection
Helpful Notes & Tips
- If a 2-quart casserole dish isn’t available, an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch square baking pan can be used as a suitable alternative.
- For convenience, this recipe uses canned whole kernel and creamed corn. Should you opt for frozen corn instead of whole kernels, ensure it’s fully thawed and well-drained before mixing to prevent a watery casserole.
- Considering a lower-carb option for the topping? Ground pork rinds can be an excellent substitute for the Ritz cracker crumbs, offering a savory crunch.
- To Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared up to a day in advance. Simply assemble all ingredients into the dish, but hold off on adding the top layer of cheese and the cracker topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Before baking, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then add the cheese and topping before baking as directed.
- Storage: Leftover scalloped corn should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 4 days for best quality.
- Freezing: Baked and cooled scalloped corn can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until thoroughly warmed.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Cracker Topping
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In a food processor, pulse Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. While processing, drizzle in the melted butter until thoroughly combined. Remove approximately 2 handfuls of this buttered crumb mixture and set aside for later use within the casserole base. Keep the rest for the top.
Assemble and Bake the Casserole
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If desired, place your casserole dish onto a baking sheet to catch any potential overflow. (We often skip this step without issue.)
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn, creamed corn, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, the reserved 2 handfuls of crumb topping, and the whisked eggs. Stir well to integrate all ingredients, then pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.
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Sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the corn mixture in the baking dish.
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To the remaining crumb topping, stir in the paprika, salt, and black pepper. Evenly sprinkle this seasoned crumb topping over the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
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Bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
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Remove from oven and allow to set for 10 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the casserole firm up.
Nutrition Information
The recipes on this blog are meticulously tested using a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. Please be aware that oven performance can vary, especially with older models, leading to inconsistent cooking and baking. We highly recommend using an inexpensive oven thermometer to ensure your oven maintains the correct temperature. If you’re using a toaster oven or countertop oven, be mindful that heat distribution may differ from full-sized conventional ovens, and cooking/baking times might need adjustment. For recipes prepared with appliances like pressure cookers, air fryers, or slow cookers, a link to the specific appliance used is provided within each recipe. When baking, if measurements are given by weight, using cups instead may alter results, and we cannot guarantee success with alternative measurement methods.