Description
A comforting and flavorful Cornbread Casserole that combines the best of creamy corn, tangy sour cream, and melty cheddar cheese in a moist, tender cornbread base. Perfect as a side dish for any meal or a hearty snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2/3 cup sour cream
Add-ins
- 2 cups corn kernels (thawed if frozen, or about 2 ears of fresh corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small can (4 oz) diced green chiles, drained
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Soak Cornmeal: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal with the boiling water. Stir well and let this mixture sit until it cools to room temperature, about 20 minutes. This softens the cornmeal and creates a moist texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Once the cornmeal mixture has cooled, whisk in the eggs, milk (or buttermilk), sour cream, and melted butter until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the casserole light and tender.
- Add Extra Ingredients: Fold in the corn kernels, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced green chiles evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the casserole is pulling away slightly from the edges of the dish.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving to help it set and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh corn kernels when possible for the best texture and flavor, but frozen (thawed) works well too.
- For extra richness, substitute part of the milk with buttermilk as indicated.
- If you want a spicier casserole, increase the amount of diced green chiles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with chili, barbecue, or as a standalone side dish.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American