Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of bacon sizzling in the pan filled the air, signaling comfort food at its finest. This Loaded Corn Casserole is my ultimate side dish, expertly combining the sweet crunch of corn with savory bacon and creamy cheese. It’s a delightful blend that brings warmth to any gathering while being astonishingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply enjoying a family dinner, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Plus, it proudly features a crunchy Cheez-Its topping that adds a fun twist! Who could resist diving into a dish that offers so much satisfaction? Ready to whip up something truly delicious? Why is Loaded Corn Casserole a Must-Try? Comfort in Every Bite: This Loaded Corn Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, marrying sweet corn and crispy bacon in a way that warms the heart and soul. Quick and Easy: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dish in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Family-Friendly Delight: Kids and adults alike will devour this cheesy goodness, making it the ideal addition to any family meal or holiday spread. Versatile Option: Serve it as a side with grilled meats or make it a main dish by adding chicken. Complimentary Crunch: The unique Cheez-Its topping introduces a delightful crunch that elevates every mouthful, ensuring guests will be talking about it long after the meal. Pair this casserole with fellow homestyle dishes like Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread for a savory feast that everyone will love! Loaded Corn Casserole Ingredients Get ready to create a flavor-packed dish that your family will love! For the Casserole • Bacon – Adds a savory, smoky flavor and crunch; try turkey bacon for a lighter option. • Shallots – Provide a sweet, aromatic base; substitute with onions for a bolder taste. • Cornmeal – Gives a hearty texture; you can use polenta for a different flair. • All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; opt for gluten-free flour for dietary needs. • Sugar – Balances flavors and enhances sweetness; brown sugar offers a richer taste. • Baking Powder – Helps the casserole rise, making it fluffy and light. • Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust to your taste preferences. • Eggs – Bind the ingredients; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option. • Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor; Greek yogurt can be a good swap. • Whole Milk – Provides moisture; almond milk is great for a dairy-free choice. • Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; margarine can be used as an alternative. • Fresh Corn Kernels – Offers sweetness and texture (approximately 1 large ear); frozen corn works well too. • Creamed Corn (14 oz can) – Boosts moisture and sweetness for a creamier consistency. • Jalapeños – Impart heat; omit or use sweet bell peppers for a milder dish. • Shredded White Cheddar (2 cups) – Contributes creaminess and sharpness; try Monterey Jack or Gouda for variety. • Fresh Chives – Adds freshness; green onions can serve as a substitute. For the Topping • Cheez-Its (3/4 cup crumbs) – Creates a crunchy topping; feel free to use crushed crackers for a twist. Each ingredient in this Loaded Corn Casserole works together to create that irresistible comfort food experience. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions and get started on a dish that will wow your loved ones! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Loaded Corn Casserole Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This step ensures that your Loaded Corn Casserole comes out perfectly without sticking, allowing for easy serving at your holiday gathering or family dinner. Step 2: Cook Bacon & Shallots In a large skillet over medium heat, add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, add chopped shallots and sauté until soft and translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes. This will create a flavorful base for your casserole. Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. This dry mix is essential for creating the structure of your Loaded Corn Casserole, giving it a hearty and comforting texture, perfect for your family meals. Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter until smooth. Then, stir in the creamed corn for added moisture and richness. This mixture helps bind the ingredients while enriching the flavor profile of the casserole, making it creamy and delightful. Step 5: Combine Mixtures Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, being careful not to overmix. Add fresh corn kernels, sautéed shallots, chopped jalapeños, fresh chives, half of the crispy bacon, and 1½ cups of shredded white cheddar cheese. This combination creates a delightful medley of flavors in your Loaded Corn Casserole. Step 6: Bake the Casserole Spread the combined mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top is lightly golden. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting dish for all to enjoy. Step 7: Add the Topping After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle crushed Cheez-Its evenly over the top, followed by the remaining bacon and the rest of the cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy. This crunchy layer adds the perfect finishing touch to your Loaded Corn Casserole. Step 8: Rest Before Serving Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for about 20 minutes before serving. This step is crucial as it helps the casserole set, making it easier to cut and serve. The Loaded Corn Casserole will be perfectly creamy and flavorful, ready to impress your family and friends! Expert Tips for Loaded Corn Casserole Grate Your Own Cheese: Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents. Avoid Overmixing: Mix gently to keep the casserole light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Rest Before Serving: Allow the Loaded Corn Casserole to sit for 20 minutes after baking; this helps it set for easier serving. Make-Ahead Hack: Assemble your casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator; bake it fresh when ready to serve. Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheating in the oven ensures the best texture. What to Serve with Loaded Corn Casserole Comforting and delicious, this dish invites the perfect pairings to create a memorable meal experience. Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds a protein-packed option that complements the casserole’s creaminess beautifully. The smoky flavors elevate the dish to the next level. Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the rich Loaded Corn Casserole, balancing flavors for a well-rounded meal. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus provide an earthy counterpart that brightens every bite. Their caramelized edges bring depth to your hearty side. Chili: A warm bowl of chili enriches the meal, adding warmth and spice that pairs wonderfully with the sweet corn and cheese. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread has a subtle buttery essence that complements the casserole’s flavors while providing a satisfying texture contrast. Apple Crisp: Finish your meal with a delightful apple crisp, showcasing sweet and tangy flavors. This dessert echoes the comfort of the Loaded Corn Casserole while offering a sweet conclusion. With these pairing suggestions, your Loaded Corn Casserole will shine brightly as part of a delicious feast! Make Ahead Options Preparing your Loaded Corn Casserole in advance is a fantastic time-saver for those busy nights or holiday gatherings! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time by following the instructions up until the baking step. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. Then, bake it according to the original instructions, adding the Cheez-Its topping just before the final baking period. This way, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal that’s just as comforting and flavorful, with minimal effort on the day of serving! Loaded Corn Casserole: Endless Possibilities Feel free to let your imagination run wild and customize your casserole with these delightful twists! Cheese Swap: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or spicy Pepper Jack for a unique flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own character, adding richness and depth to your casserole. Protein Boost: Add cooked diced chicken or turkey to turn this dish into a hearty main course. It’s a simple yet scrumptious way to elevate this comfort meal while keeping it family-friendly. Veggie Delight: Incorporate fresh spinach or bell peppers for an added nutritional boost and vibrant color. Leafy greens not only enhance the flavor but also make your casserole more colorful and inviting. Spice it Up: Mix in diced green chiles or an extra jalapeño for a spicy kick. This burst of heat will tantalize the taste buds, inviting everyone to savor the flavor! Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary preferences. With this easy adjustment, everyone can enjoy this beloved casserole at gatherings! Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and vegan sour cream to create a delicious vegan version of this casserole. Even meat-lovers won’t miss the dairy in this comforting dish! Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley for an aromatic touch. The fresh, herby notes elevate the traditional flavors, making each bite an experience to remember. Embrace the spirit of creativity as you prepare your Loaded Corn Casserole and serve it alongside a zesty Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread for an unforgettable meal your family will treasure! How to Store and Freeze Loaded Corn Casserole Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven is best for maintaining the casserole’s creamy texture and crunchy topping. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a delicious meal. Reheating: Reheat baked Loaded Corn Casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning. Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and store in the fridge, baking it when you’re ready to serve. Loaded Corn Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of corn should I use for Loaded Corn Casserole? For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using fresh corn kernels from about one large ear of corn. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works beautifully as a substitute, providing the same sweetness and crunch. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to your casserole! How should I store leftovers of Loaded Corn Casserole? After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its creaminess and flavor. When you’re ready to reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covering it with foil to keep the top from getting too brown. Can I freeze Loaded Corn Casserole, and if so, how? Absolutely! To freeze your casserole, let it cool completely after baking, then cut it into individual portions and package them in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. What if my Loaded Corn Casserole doesn’t rise properly? If your casserole doesn’t rise as expected, it could be due to overmixing the batter or expired baking powder. Make sure to mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined, and check the expiration date on your baking powder before you start! Is Loaded Corn Casserole suitable for vegetarians? Yes, with a few adjustments, this casserole can easily be made vegetarian. Simply replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms for that savory richness, and use a plant-based milk and sour cream substitute. This way, everyone can enjoy this delightfully cheesy dish! Can I make Loaded Corn Casserole ahead of time? Indeed! To prepare it in advance, assemble the casserole up to a day ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake it according to the recipe instructions. This makes meal prep a breeze, especially during busy holidays! Loaded Corn Casserole: Comfort Food Your Family Will Love No ratings yet This Loaded Corn Casserole is a delicious blend of sweet corn, savory bacon, and creamy cheese, making it the perfect comfort food your family will love. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsResting Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole6 slices Bacon Adds a savory, smoky flavor and crunch; try turkey bacon for a lighter option.1 medium Shallots Provide a sweet, aromatic base; substitute with onions for a bolder taste.1 cup Cornmeal Gives a hearty texture; you can use polenta for a different flair.1 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; opt for gluten-free flour for dietary needs.1 tablespoon Sugar Balances flavors and enhances sweetness; brown sugar offers a richer taste.1 tablespoon Baking Powder Helps the casserole rise, making it fluffy and light.1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances overall flavor; adjust to your taste preferences.2 large Eggs Bind the ingredients; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.1 cup Sour Cream Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor; Greek yogurt can be a good swap.1 cup Whole Milk Provides moisture; almond milk is great for a dairy-free choice.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Adds richness; margarine can be used as an alternative.1 cup Fresh Corn Kernels Offers sweetness and texture (approximately 1 large ear); frozen corn works well too.14 oz Creamed Corn Boosts moisture and sweetness for a creamier consistency.1 medium Jalapeños Impart heat; omit or use sweet bell peppers for a milder dish.2 cups Shredded White Cheddar Contributes creaminess and sharpness; try Monterey Jack or Gouda for variety.1/4 cup Fresh Chives Adds freshness; green onions can serve as a substitute.For the Topping3/4 cup Cheez-Its Creates a crunchy topping; feel free to use crushed crackers for a twist. Equipment 9x13-inch baking dishLarge skilletMixing bowlswhiskSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.In a large skillet over medium heat, add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, add chopped shallots and sauté until soft and translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined.In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, eggs, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter until smooth. Stir in the creamed corn.Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, then add fresh corn kernels, sautéed shallots, chopped jalapeños, fresh chives, half of the crispy bacon, and 1½ cups of shredded white cheddar cheese.Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle crushed Cheez-Its, remaining bacon, and additional cheese on top, then bake for an additional 15 minutes.Allow the casserole to rest for about 20 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg NotesFor best results, use freshly grated cheese and avoid overmixing to keep the casserole light and fluffy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 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