Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole: A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Classic

If you’ve been craving a warm, cozy side dish that practically hugs you from the inside, Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole might just become your new go-to recipe. This dish has been a lifesaver in my kitchen, especially on those nights when the to-do list feels endless, the group chat won’t stop buzzing, and you just want something easy, reliable, and truly delicious. And yes—our star today is the one and only Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole, made with everyday pantry staples and a good ol’ box of Jiffy mix.

Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting a holiday dinner, or bringing a dish to the church potluck, this recipe fits right in. It’s creamy, buttery, sweet, savory, and requires almost zero effort. The kind of recipe that makes you think, Why don’t I make this every week?

As someone who loves letting appliances do most of the heavy lifting, this dish is exactly the kind of simple, soulful cooking I adore here at SlowCookersRecipes. It’s comfort food with minimal fuss—my favorite combination.

Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

Let’s be honest: life is busy. Between work, laundry, meal planning, and the occasional meltdown (sometimes ours, sometimes the kids’), we all need recipes that are delicious and low-stress. Here’s why this one is a keeper:

  • It’s ridiculously easy. Toss everything in a bowl, give it a mix, bake—and done.
  • It uses inexpensive ingredients you probably have on hand.
  • It’s flexible. Need to make it ahead? Want to cook it in the crock pot? No problem.
  • It’s universally loved. This dish disappears fast at gatherings. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

My favorite part? The smell. Honestly, your house will smell like a cozy hug from your grandma—warm, buttery, and irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 14.75 oz. creamed corn
  • 15.25 oz. whole kernel sweet corn, drained
  • 8.5 oz. Jiffy corn muffin mix
  • 8 oz. sour cream
  • 1 stick butter, melted
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Simple, right? This is the kind of ingredients list that gives busy home cooks a moment of relief. No fancy stuff. No extra grocery runs. Just real, comforting food.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole (Oven Method)

Even if you’re new to cooking—or new to casseroles—you’ll find this recipe incredibly approachable.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Grab a big bowl and combine all ingredients except the cheddar cheese. A quick reminder: drain that whole kernel corn first.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish or a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
  4. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
  5. Top with cheddar cheese, then bake 10–15 minutes more, until the top turns beautifully golden.
  6. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. (Hardest five minutes of your life, trust me.)

That’s it. No fancy steps, no complicated techniques—just pure comfort in a casserole dish.

Slow Cooker Version (Because You Know I Love a Crock Pot Moment)

If you’re anything like me, you love a set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole works beautifully in the slow cooker, which is perfect for holiday meals when your oven is already packed.

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl except the cheddar cheese.
  2. Add to a lightly greased Crock Pot.
  3. Cook on High for 2–3 hours, or Low for 4 hours.
  4. Add cheddar during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
  5. Check that the center is firm and set before serving.

I’ve used this method on busy weekdays when I know dinner time will sneak up on me. It has saved me more times than I can count—especially on those “how is it already 5 p.m.?” days.

Make-Ahead Options (Holiday Hosting Approved!)

Holiday cooking can feel like a marathon, and this casserole is a blessing because it can be made ahead in two different ways:

1. Assemble and Refrigerate

  • Combine everything except the cheese.
  • Spread into a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
  • Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Bake as directed.

2. Bake and Reheat

  • Bake covered at 350°F for 50 minutes.
  • Cool, refrigerate, top with cheese, and cover again.
  • Warm at 300°F for 10 minutes.
  • Bake uncovered at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until melty and perfect.

I’ve tried both versions during busy seasons, and both work beautifully. Choose whichever fits your schedule.

Moist Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole served on a plate with a golden, slightly caramelized top
A delicious spoonful of Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole, featuring a golden top and creamy corn-filled center.

Tips for the Best Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

  • Don’t prepare the Jiffy mix. Just dump the dry mix straight from the box into the bowl.
  • Don’t skip the rest time. Those 5 minutes after baking help it set into that perfect, spoonable texture.
  • Want extra richness? Add another small handful of cheese on top. (Cheese is joy. Science.)
  • If your casserole looks too thick, add a splash of milk next time. If it’s too soft, a few extra minutes in the oven fixes everything.

Light humor aside—this recipe is incredibly forgiving. It’s one of the reasons I love it so much.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole, I had just wrapped up a long week filled with recipe testing, errands, and trying to convince myself that I didn’t need to reorganize the pantry at 10 p.m. The fridge looked bare except for butter, sour cream, and leftover cans of corn. This casserole quite literally saved dinner that night.

My husband walked in, sniffed the air, and said, “Are we having something special?”
And honestly? It did feel special—even though it took me all of 5 minutes to throw together.

Food doesn’t need to be complicated to feel like home. That’s exactly why this recipe belongs in every busy cook’s back pocket.

FAQs About Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole

Can I make this without cheddar cheese?

Absolutely. It will still be creamy and delicious. The cheese just adds a little extra indulgence.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream?

Yes! Many readers love doing this for a lighter version. It adds a tiny bit of tang but keeps the texture similar.

Can I freeze Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole?

You can freeze it after baking. Just cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Swap the Jiffy mix with a gluten-free cornbread mix. The flavor stays pretty close to the original.

Bring Comfort to Your Table

If you’ve been looking for an easy, soulful dish that feels like home with every bite, Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole is exactly that. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for holidays, weeknights, or any time you want real food without extra effort. I hope this becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again—because trust me, once your family gets a taste, they’ll start asking for it by name.

Ready to make your kitchen smell like pure comfort? Grab your bowl, your Jiffy mix, and your cans of corn—and let’s get cooking.

More Delicious Dishes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this comforting Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole, you might also love exploring another take on this classic over at Chicken Magic Recipes—it’s always fun to see different versions of a beloved dish. And if you’re building out a full meal, here are a few fan-favorite recipes from my kitchen that pair beautifully with it:

Each recipe adds its own cozy comfort—perfect for rounding out your next family dinner or holiday spread.

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Moist Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole served on a plate with a golden, slightly caramelized top

Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole: A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Classic


  • Author: Mounia
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This easy and comforting Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole comes together with Jiffy mix, sweet corn, butter, and cheddar for the ultimate cozy side dish. Perfect for holidays, weeknights, or potlucks, and you can prep it ahead for stress-free cooking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 14.75 oz creamed corn

  • 15.25 oz whole kernel sweet corn, drained

  • 8.5 oz Jiffy corn muffin mix (dry, unprepared)

  • 8 oz sour cream

  • 1 stick butter, melted

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. In a large bowl, combine everything except the cheddar cheese. Be sure to drain the whole kernel corn.

  3. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish or 10-inch cast-iron skillet.

  4. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.

  5. Top with shredded cheddar and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until golden and lightly browned.

  6. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Slow Cooker Option:

  1. Combine all ingredients except cheese and add to a greased Crock Pot.

  2. Cook on High 2–3 hours or Low for 4 hours.

  3. Add cheese during the last 20 minutes.

  4. Ensure the center is set before serving.

Notes

Do NOT prepare the Jiffy mix—add it dry from the box.

Make-Ahead Option 1: Assemble without cheese, refrigerate, rest 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Make-Ahead Option 2: Bake covered for 50 minutes, refrigerate, add cheese, warm at 300°F for 10 minutes, then bake uncovered at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

You can also bake it fully with the cheese from the start; results are very similar.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baked (with slow cooker variation)
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg