Honey Glazed Corn Casserole

This honey-glazed corn casserole brings a warm, comforting touch to any meal with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a dish that easily complements Sunday dinners or holiday spreads, and its creamy texture mixed with the gentle sweetness of honey creates a crowd-pleaser every time.

I first made this casserole for a family potluck, and it quickly became the most requested side dish. The honey glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness to make it special without overpowering the corn flavor.

Ingredients

• Fresh corn kernels or canned corn for convenience and natural sweetness: fresh is best for a bright taste
• Creamed corn: adds creaminess and rich corn flavor that gives the casserole body
• Sour cream: brings moisture and a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness
• Shredded cheddar cheese: provides savory depth and a melty texture
• Honey: offers a natural sweet glaze that enhances the corn without being cloying
• Unsalted butter instead of salted: helps control the seasoning, plus it adds richness
• Cornmeal: is essential for structure and gives a slight grainy texture, so choose a fine grind
• Baking powder: helps the casserole rise and become light and fluffy
• Salt and black pepper: to season and balance the flavors
• Garlic powder: adds a subtle savory note
• Large eggs: bind everything together and contribute to a tender crumb
• Chopped chives or parsley: for optional fresh garnish that brightens the dish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. This ensures the casserole cooks evenly from the start.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the fresh or canned corn kernels, creamed corn, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, honey, and melted butter. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy base.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This blend provides the structure and seasoning for your casserole.

Combine Wet and Dry:

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until combined. Overmixing here will lead to a denser casserole, so be careful to mix just enough.

Fold in Eggs:

Add the beaten eggs to the mixture carefully, folding them in to keep the batter light and airy. This step helps in setting the casserole while baking.

Prepare Baking Dish and Add Batter:

Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish using cooking spray or butter. Pour the corn batter evenly into the dish, smoothing the top gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.

Bake:

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center  it should come out clean and the top will turn a golden brown.

Cool and Garnish:

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor before slicing into squares to serve.

One of my favorite ingredients in this casserole is the honey. It brings a subtle sweetness that enhances the corn without overpowering it. A family memory I cherish is when my grandmother first taught me to make this dish for a Sunday dinner—it became our tradition ever since.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the edges crisp. To freeze, wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt works well to maintain tanginess and creaminess. You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you want a milder cheese. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream instead of sour cream and use a plant-based butter alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork and adds a comforting touch to vegetarian meals. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables will balance its richness and keep the meal fresh and light.

This honey-glazed corn casserole is a perfect blend of sweet and savory that’s sure to become a family favorite with its creamy texture and golden crust.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What kind of corn works best for this dish?

Fresh corn kernels offer the best texture and flavor, but canned corn can be used when fresh is unavailable.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Mild cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella work well, though cheddar adds a sharpness that balances the sweetness.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is ready when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time later.

→ What does the honey add to the casserole?

Honey brings a natural sweetness that enhances the corn’s flavor and gives a slight glaze to the top.

→ Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the dry ingredients for a mild heat kick.