Corn Soufflé (Casserole)

This Corn Soufflé recipe tastes just like the traditional corn casserole but with better flavor, a fluffier texture, and it’s even a tad bit healthier for you! It couldn’t be easier to make, too, by simply mixing together some cream of corn, sweet kernel corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, and shredded cheese. You’ll wow your friends and family this Thanksgiving and holiday season with this simple twist on a classic!

The Best Corn Casserole Recipe

Growing up, this Corn Soufflé, affectionately referred to as “corn casserole” in our house, was by FAR my favorite dish at Thanksgiving.

(Ok, maybe it was a tie with this Sweet Potato Casserole and this Cajun Cornbread Dressing.)

Recently I got the recipe from my Mom (by way of my Nanny!) and saw how simple the ingredients were: cream of corn, sweet kernel corn, Jiffy muffin mix, sour cream and shredded Cheddar cheese.

Not wanting to stray too far from the traditional, I did want to make my version a tad bit healthier, with a better texture and more flavor, so that’s what you’ll find below!

I did this by substituting a little bit of the sour cream for an egg to give it more protein and a fluffier texture. But there is no additional heavy cream or cream cheese in this cornbread casserole to weigh it down.

I also tossed in some garlic powder and chives for that added UMPH of yumminess.

But don’t worry—this perfect side dish still tastes just like the classic easy corn casserole recipe you know and love, but even better!

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make this corn souffle recipe include:

• Canned corn. You’ll need both creamed corn and sweet corn kernels. These can easily be found in the canned vegetable aisle at the grocery store. Not all brands are created equal, so be picky in your choice. You don’t need to mess with fresh corn kernels in this easy dish.
• Corn muffin mix. While Jiffy mix is a classic and delicious in this recipe, it is not gluten-free. Be sure to grab a brand that fits your dietary needs.
• Butter. You’ll need a stick of salted butter for the best results.
• Sour cream. Grab an 8-ounce tub of sour cream, either regular or dairy-free. You won’t need the whole thing, though.
• Egg. A single egg is needed to bind the casserole together. It’s best at room temperature.
• Seasonings. Garlic powder and salt add flavor to this recipe.
• Cheese. A cup of shredded cheddar cheese is mixed into the casserole and sprinkled on top for a crispy topping.
• Chives. Freshly chopped chives add a fresh and irresistible crunch in every bite.

How to Make Corn Soufflé

See the recipe card below for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

Mix the Batter

Preheat the oven to 350℉.

Add the creamed corn, corn muffin mix, melted butter, sour cream, egg, garlic powder, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix until well combined.

Drain and rinse the can of whole kernel corn and shred the cheese, if it isn’t already.

Mix the corn, half of the shredded cheese, and chopped chives into the mix. Use a spatula to carefully stir the batter.

Bake in the Oven

Spray an 8×10- or 9×9-inch casserole dish or pan liberally with non-stick cooking spray. This dish (like most cornbread) has a tendency to stick if not prepped properly! For a rustic look, you can use a cast-iron skillet.

Spread the cornbread mixture evenly into the baking dish. Bake in the preheated 350℉ oven for 25 minutes.

Then, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and finish baking for 5 to 10 more minutes.

It’s done when the edges are golden brown and the middle only jiggles slightly when moved.

Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing; it will continue cooking and setting.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead of time: You can make the entire dish ahead of time and leave it unbaked in the fridge for 1 to 2 days, then bake as directed.
• How to store: Keep leftover corn casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• How to freeze: It’s easy to freeze this casserole baked or unbaked. Cover it tightly, then freeze for up to 3 to 4 months.
• How to reheat: For the best results, warm this dish back up in the oven at 300℉ until heated through.

What is another name for corn soufflé?

Other names for corn soufflé include corn casserole, corn pudding casserole, or creamed corn casserole. You might have heard others, too—the name used is often specific to certain regions. This great side dish is often served with a holiday dinner or special occasion, but it can be enjoyed all year round.

What is the difference between corn casserole and cornbread?

The main difference between corn casserole and cornbread is the addition of whole corn, cream of corn, and cheese to the casserole. They do have many similar ingredients, though.

What do you eat with corn soufflé?

Corn soufflé is a traditional side many eat with holiday meals, like Thanksgiving. However, it can be enjoyed any time of year if you’re craving a sweet yet savory and tasty side dish.

Do you put egg in corn casserole?

Yes, egg is a required ingredient for corn casserole. Just like other bread and cake dishes, it helps bind the ingredients and gives the casserole a fluffy texture.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already vegetarian as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Gluten-free: Be sure to grab a corn muffin mix that is gluten-free.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free sour cream and creamed corn, along with a diary-free cheese.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Grab both. You need creamed corn AND sweet kernel corn for this dish.
• Read the label. Make sure you get ingredients that are appropriate for your dietary needs.
• Just enough. Don’t overmix the batter or it will turn out dense.
• Wait for it. Save half of the cheese for the last 5 or 10 minutes of baking so it doesn’t burn.
• Be patient. Let the casserole sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing or it will fall apart.
• Make extra. Whip up a double batch and freeze half for an easy and delicious side dish during the week.

What to Serve with Corn Casserole?

While this dish is perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner table, that’s not the only place you can serve it. Try these other healthy main course recipes any time of the year for a family dinner.

It’s great with a chicken main dish, like Hot Honey Chicken or Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings.

You can also serve it with soup, like Chicken Vegetable Soup, Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, or Instant Pot Beef Stew.

More Holiday Side Dish Recipes

When the holiday season rolls around, you can never have enough side dish recipes at the ready. Try any of these next.

Sausage Stuffing, Cajun Cornbread Dressing, and Wild Rice Stuffing are each a holiday staple you need at Thanksgiving.

Don’t skip the Sweet Potato Casserole, Mashed Butternut Squash, Green Bean Casserole from Scratch, or Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts.

Change things up with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.

And what’s a holiday spread without the Orange Cranberry Sauce? (Or go a little fancier with this Cranberry Orange Relish!)