The Cracker Barrel corn casserole is a creamy, rich side that pairs well with family dinners and gatherings during the holidays or potlucks. This is a super simple casserole with everyday ingredients that is creamy and slightly sweet and loved by all. Get ready to come home to a deliciously gooey oven-baked side dish!
While you may want to recreate Cracker Barrel’s famous dish exactly as is, it’s still a delicious one to have with your favorite roast as well that just tastes like home! Now, here are all the nitty-gritty details for the perfect copycat Cracker Barrel corn casserole!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn
- 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, washed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more if you want it richer)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Procedure
Preparing the Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, and corn muffin mix. Mix well until combined. Two kinds of corn ensure a perfect chewy-creamy ratio, unlike the overcreamed and/or undergotten recipe varieties you get with a single kind. This mix provides just the perfect amount of sweetness to resemble the signature Cracker Barrel flavor.
Then, stir in the sour cream and melted butter. Sour cream is the secret weapon for those decadent, rich, luscious layers that build this casserole. Melted butter keeps things moist and gets mixed into the casserole to add a buttery flavor to every bite. Give a good stir to combine all of the ingredients.
If you want a cheesier casserole, fold half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture at this point. The cheese adds both flavor and a gooey texture that marries well with the creamy base.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancement
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper. These basic seasonings counteract the sweetness from the corn and muffin mix. Mix the seasoning well to coat the meat evenly. If you want to up your game, throw in this or that to ramp up basic bland: smoked paprika, a few shakes of garlic powder, or some tiny diced jalapeños for a little under-the-breath heat.
Alternatively, for an extra kick, you can add diced green chilies or freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. These elements elevate the flavor profile and introduce aroma. Taste the batter before you bake it to adjust seasoning as desired.
Baking the Casserole
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This helps it cling and gives your casserole a nice crusty outer layer.
Transfer the batter into the greased baking pan, making sure it is evenly spread with a spatula. If you added shredded cheese earlier, sprinkle the leftover cheddar cheese on top for a golden, rich crust.
Bake the casserole for 45 to 50 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. To check for doneness, poke a toothpick or knife into the middle – if it comes out clean, the casserole is done. If you want it extra crispy, place the casserole under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook, as this will dry out the dish.
Serving and Presentation
Cool the casserole in the baking dish for about 5 minutes before serving. That brief rest lets the casserole set a little so that it’s easier to slice and serve. That warm, buttery smell and golden top are bound to tempt everyone at the table.
Corn casserole is great with barbecue, roasted chicken, or holiday turkey. It makes a perfect companion to savory mains and brings a note of sweetness to balance rich and hearty meals. For a little more polish, sprinkle the tops with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a spot of color. For a bit of holiday cheer, top with a few red pepper flakes for a splash of color and a little heat.
Tips for Perfect Results
For a Spicy Twist, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes , or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter to spice things up a bit.
For Extra Texture: Add crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions to pack in extra depth and richness.
For a Richer Taste: Use full-fat sour cream and unsalted butter for the ultimate in creaminess.
For a Crisper Top: Broil the casserole in the final 2-3 minutes of baking to create a golden, bubbly crust.
Storage Note: Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in an oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. Do not microwave — it will ruin the texture.
Variations to Try
Mexican-Inspired: Mix in diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese for a southwestern flair.
Bacon Lovers’ Edition: Stir cooked, crumbled bacon straight into the batter for a smoky touch.
Vegetarian Variation: Incorporate bell peppers, sautéed onions, or even spinach for an extra nutritional boost without losing any of the comforting flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornbread mix instead of Jiffy mix.
Dairy-Free Variation: Substitute coconut milk yogurt and vegan butter for a creamy but lactose-free version.
Nutritional Information
One serving of corn casserole has approximately 300 calories, 15g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 5g protein. Making adjustments, such as using less butter and adding a little extra vegetable, can cut out a number of the calories but add nutritional benefits. To add fiber, try black beans, diced zucchini, or chopped mushrooms for a nice addition.
Pairing Suggestions
Cracker Barrel corn casserole goes great with so many different meals. Pair it with smoked brisket, grilled ribs, or roasted turkey for a satisfying meal. Vegetarian food combinations served with roasted vegetables, stuffed bell peppers, or fresh garden salad are great pairings with it.
Its creamy, somewhat sweet flavor makes it a rich foil for savory entrees. For brunchy situations, this mushroom casserole works well alongside scrambled eggs, breakfast sausages, or hash browns for a full-on morning spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking: Baking the casserole too long can dry it out, making it crumbly instead of creamy. Take it out of the oven when the center is set.
Skipping the Greasing Step: Not greasing your baking dish can make your casserole stick, leading to a tricky cleanup. A generous greasing ensures it’s easy to release.
Not Combining Well: If you don’t combine the ingredients thoroughly, it can lead to dry corn muffin mix pockets or butter divisions. Be sure to mix the batter well so that everything is incorporated.
Overdoing It with Cheese on Top: Cheese is delicious, but too much can keep the top from crisping. The best texture will come if you stick to the mod cheese layer.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel’s corn casserole is a carefully balanced interplay of creamy textures, savory flavors, and buttery richness. With basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s perfect for casual dining and celebratory groupings. Whether as a holiday side or a weeknight comfort meal, this casserole will surely steal hearts at your table. Savor every soothing spoonful!
