Loaded Corn Casserole Recipe
This Loaded Corn Casserole is a deliciously rich and savory dish featuring crispy meat, spicy jalapeños, sharp white cheddar, and a creamy corn batter. Baked to golden perfection with a crunchy Cheez-It topping, it makes a perfect comforting side or hearty snack.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Meat and Vegetables
- 8 strips Meat , cooked until crispy
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 large ear of corn)
Dry Ingredients
- 2/3 cup cornmeal
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons (2 oz) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 – 14 oz can creamed corn
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar, divided
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
- 3/4 cup Cheez-Its crumbs
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch or 2-quart oval ceramic baking dish with softened butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook meat and shallots: Heat a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the bacon strips and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy but not burnt. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a small bowl. Increase the heat to medium and add the chopped shallots to the skillet; cook for 4-5 minutes until they are soft and beginning to brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the sour cream, eggs, whole milk, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in the creamed corn. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl.
- Combine batter with mix-ins: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together using a rubber spatula until just combined. Carefully fold in the fresh corn kernels, cooked shallots, diced jalapeños, minced chives, half of the crispy bacon, and 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp white cheddar cheese. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake the casserole: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Cheez-It topping: While the casserole bakes, place Cheez-Its in a small ziplock bag and crush them into small bits using a rolling pin or similar object.
- Add toppings and finish baking: Remove the casserole from the oven after 30 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese, the rest of the crispy bacon, and the crushed Cheez-It bits evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set fully and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and dairy to ensure better batter consistency.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and kept chilled; bake just before serving.
- For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in an oven or microwave.
Keywords: corn casserole, loaded corn casserole, bacon corn bake, savory corn dish, jalapeño corn casserole, cheesy corn casserole, comfort food