Hearty Crack Corn Casserole Recipe

Cozy Homestead Hearty Crack Corn Casserole Recipe

Bubbling with comfort and southern charm, this crack corn casserole brings serious flavor to your dinner table.

Folks can’t resist the creamy corn casserole magic that happens when simple ingredients meld together.

The secret weapon in this delectable side dish creates an irresistible blend of textures and tastes.

Kernels of sweet corn nestle perfectly with rich, velvety ingredients that make everyone’s eyes light up.

You’ll want seconds of this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary corn into something extraordinary.

Each spoonful delivers a warm, satisfying experience that connects people around the table.

Prepare to fall in love with this mouthwatering corn casserole that’s sure to become a permanent fixture in your recipe collection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredient Guide for Crack Corn Casserole

For Base Ingredients:
  • Corn, Creamed Corn: Provides the hearty foundation with sweet kernels and creamy texture, choosing fresh or high-quality canned corn ensures rich flavor.
  • Onion: Adds depth and subtle sharpness, selecting firm and golden-colored onions enhances overall taste.
For Creamy and Binding Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety consistency and tangy undertones, opt for full-fat versions for maximum richness.
  • Butter: Delivers rich, smooth flavor and helps sauté onions perfectly, using unsalted allows better seasoning control.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Shredded Cheddar: Introduces sharp, melty cheese goodness, selecting aged cheddar provides more intense flavor.
  • Crumbled Bacon: Brings smoky, crispy texture and savory punch, using high-quality thick-cut bacon elevates the dish.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: Layered spices that create complex, aromatic profile, freshly ground spices offer more vibrant taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and brighten all ingredients, using freshly cracked black pepper adds nice warmth.

Equipment That Works Best for Crack Corn Casserole

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all the delicious ingredients.
  • Skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions to golden perfection.
  • 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for baking and serving the casserole.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and prepping ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing and spreading the casserole mixture.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

Clear Directions for Making Crack Corn Casserole

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and give your baking dish a quick spray of non-stick magic.

  • Sizzle Those Onions

Dance some butter in a skillet and toss in the chopped onions, letting them soften and turn golden until they’re whispering sweet caramelized stories.

  • Create Flavor Symphony

Grab a big mixing bowl and introduce all your delicious players – corn buddies, creamy friends, cheese pals, and bacon bits. Stir them together with a playful twist, making sure everyone gets acquainted with a quick mix.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pour your corn concoction into the waiting baking dish, spreading it out like a delicious blanket. Slide into the hot oven and let the heat work its transformative magic for about 45 minutes, until the top looks beautifully golden and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

  • Rest and Serve

Pull your masterpiece out and let it chill for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving a breeze. Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Handy Tips to Upgrade Crack Corn Casserole

  • Bacon Alternatives: Swap bacon with crispy turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for a lighter or meat-free version of the dish.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for easy entertaining and meal planning.
  • Cheese Swap Tricks: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for extra kick or gouda for a smoother, richer flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornmeal and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicier corn casserole, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.

Serving Suggestions for Crack Corn Casserole Crowd-Pleasers

  • Perfect Pot Luck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to community gatherings where comfort food lovers will be delighted by its rich, creamy texture.
  • Weekend Family Feast: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled meats for a hearty weekend meal that guarantees second helpings and smiles around the dinner table.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Pair with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a decadent weekend brunch that transforms an ordinary morning into a special culinary experience.
  • Game Day Delight: Offer as a warm, satisfying side dish during sports watching parties where guests can scoop up this cheesy, corn-packed goodness between exciting plays.

Storage Advice for Crack Corn Casserole Leftovers

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in airtight containers within the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months, perfect for make-ahead meal planning.
  • Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide casserole into individual serving sizes before storing, allowing easy grab-and-go meals for quick lunch or dinner options.
Print
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Hearty Crack Corn Casserole Recipe

Hearty Crack Corn Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Midwestern crack corn casserole delivers comfort with creamy, cheesy goodness straight from heartland kitchens. Hearty side dishes rarely taste this satisfying, promising pure culinary pleasure for hungry guests.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 225 oz (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 500 g (4 cups) frozen corn (or 2 cans (400 g) whole kernel corn, drained)
  • 1 can (400 g) creamed corn
  • 200 grams (1 cup) sour cream
  • 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 100 g (1 cup) crushed Ritz crackers or butter crackers
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Fire up the oven to 180C (350F) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick coating.
  2. Sauté: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, sautéing onions until soft and translucent, creating a flavor foundation.
  3. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, blend corn kernels, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, bacon pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into a creamy, textured mixture.
  4. Integrate: Fold caramelized onions into the mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and balanced flavor profile.
  5. Prepare: Transfer the consolidated mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading smoothly and creating an enticing surface.
  6. Bake: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing ingredients to meld and transform into a bubbling, golden comfort dish.
  7. Finish: Cook until the top turns golden-brown with crispy edges, signaling perfect texture and complete flavor development, approximately 35-40 minutes.

Notes

  • Manage Moisture Carefully: Control corn’s water content to prevent a watery casserole, potentially draining canned corn or using dried corn kernels for optimal texture.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyere or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles while maintaining creamy consistency.
  • Enhance Bacon Crispiness: Pre-cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling to add more robust crunch and prevent soggy texture in the final dish.
  • Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute dairy components with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and non-dairy sour cream for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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