This incredibly easy Crock Pot Corn Casserole recipe is a holiday hero, crafted with simple ingredients like Jiffy corn muffin mix and canned sweet corn. It’s a delicious, comforting side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.
THE ULTIMATE EASY HOLIDAY SIDE DISH: CROCK POT CORN CASSEROLE
As the holiday season approaches, the search for effortless yet impressive side dishes begins. For many, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals are synonymous with classic comfort foods: golden brown Fried Turkey, creamy Mac & Cheese, savory Stuffing, and velvety Mashed Potatoes. While these staples are irreplaceable, there’s always room for a delightful new addition that promises to become an instant family favorite. This year, allow us to introduce you to a recipe that will not only simplify your holiday cooking but also bring a new level of warmth and flavor to your table: the Crock Pot Corn Casserole. Fondly known in many homes as ‘Sweet Corn Spoon Bread’, this dish strikes a perfect balance between the delightful sweetness of corn bread and the creamy richness of a traditional casserole.
Imagine a bustling holiday kitchen, ovens fully occupied with turkeys and roasted vegetables. Now picture a beautiful, bubbling corn casserole, slowly cooking to perfection in your crock pot, filling your home with an inviting aroma without demanding an inch of precious oven space. This is the magic of our Crock Pot Corn Casserole. It’s designed for convenience, allowing you to focus on other culinary tasks or simply enjoy time with loved ones, knowing a spectacular side is simmering away. Its incredibly tender texture and sweet corn flavor make it a universally loved dish, sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this easy-to-make, hands-off recipe will quickly earn its place as a cherished tradition.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS EASY CROCK POT CORN CASSEROLE
There are countless reasons why this Crock Pot Corn Casserole is a must-try for your next gathering, especially during the holidays. Its simplicity is paramount – with minimal prep time, you can have a gourmet-tasting side dish ready with very little effort. But beyond ease, this casserole offers a unique combination of textures and flavors that truly sets it apart.
- **Effortless Preparation:** Forget complicated steps and long ingredient lists. This recipe comes together quickly in one bowl, then finishes its magic in the slow cooker.
- **Hands-Off Cooking:** Free up your oven and stovetop! The crock pot handles all the cooking, allowing you to focus on other dishes or enjoy your company.
- **Crowd-Pleasing Flavor:** The blend of sweet corn, creamy textures, and a hint of sweetness makes this casserole irresistible to all ages. It’s comfort food at its finest.
- **Versatile Side Dish:** While perfect for holidays, this corn casserole is also a fantastic addition to potlucks, barbecues, or even a comforting weeknight meal.
- **Travel-Friendly:** Taking your dish to a party? This casserole travels exceptionally well, staying warm and delicious in its slow cooker until it’s time to serve.
- **Simple Ingredients:** Utilizes pantry staples like Jiffy corn muffin mix and canned corn, making it accessible and affordable.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT CORN CASSEROLE
Achieving a perfectly cooked, golden-brown corn casserole in your slow cooker is simpler than you might think, but a few key tips can elevate your results. Pay close attention to your slow cooker type and heat settings to ensure the best outcome.
- **Optimal Slow Cooker Choice:** This recipe performs beautifully in a 3.5-quart casserole-style slow cooker or a 4-quart oval slow cooker. While it can work in traditional oval slow cookers, the casserole slow cooker often provides a more even cook and a nicer presentation due to its wider, shallower shape. We do not recommend using a round slow cooker for this recipe as it can lead to uneven cooking.
- **Traveling with Ease:** If you’re bringing this delicious corn casserole to a friend’s house or a potluck, rest assured it’s an excellent traveling companion. The slow cooker keeps it warm and moist, ensuring it’s ready to serve upon arrival. Just make sure it’s securely transported to prevent spills.
- **Understanding Your Slow Cooker Insert:** This is a crucial tip!
- **Metal Inserts vs. Ceramic Inserts:** Slow cookers with metal inserts tend to heat up very quickly and intensely. This rapid, high heat can cause casseroles and similar dishes to burn around the outer edges before the center has a chance to fully cook through. Traditional ceramic inserts, on the other hand, distribute heat more evenly and gradually, leading to a consistent cook.
- **Adjusting for Metal Inserts:** If your slow cooker has a metal insert, it is highly recommended to cook this corn casserole on the LOW setting. Monitor it closely throughout the cooking process, checking for doneness and stirring gently if needed (though stirring too much can inhibit the crust formation). Your experience with your specific appliance is your best guide.
- **General Slow Cooker Variations:** Be aware that slow cookers vary greatly in how they operate. Older models might heat very slowly, while newer, more powerful ones can run extremely hot, even on a ‘low’ setting. Always use your own knowledge of your slow cooker to adjust cooking times as necessary. The wide range of suggested cooking times (4-6 hours on low, 2-3 hours on high) accounts for these differences.
- **Oven Baking Option:** No slow cooker? No problem! This corn casserole can also be baked in a traditional oven.
- **Preparation:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- **Baking Time:** Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly. The top should be golden brown.
- **Preventing Sticking:** Always use a nonstick cooking spray to generously coat the inside of your slow cooker insert or baking dish before adding the batter. This ensures easy serving and cleanup.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR THIS DELICIOUS CASSEROLE
The beauty of this Crock Pot Corn Casserole lies in its straightforward ingredient list, primarily featuring pantry staples that come together to create a dish far greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- **Corn Muffin Mix:** Jiffy corn muffin mix is the star here, providing both the cornmeal base and a touch of sweetness and leavening for that signature cornbread-like texture.
- **Cream-Style Sweet Corn:** Adds an incredible creaminess and a burst of sweet corn flavor throughout the casserole. Don’t drain this!
- **Whole Kernel Sweet Corn:** Provides texture and more natural corn sweetness. Draining is essential for this component to prevent a watery casserole.
- **Salted Butter:** Melted butter introduces richness and moisture, contributing to the casserole’s tender crumb.
- **Eggs:** Act as a binding agent, helping the casserole hold its shape and giving it structure.
- **Milk:** Adds moisture and helps to create the perfect consistency for the batter.
- **Honey (or Sugar):** Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn, giving it that “sweet corn spoon bread” characteristic. Adjust to your preference.
- **Sour Cream:** A secret ingredient that adds tanginess, richness, and an incredibly moist texture, preventing the casserole from drying out.
HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT CORN CASSEROLE: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Making this incredible corn casserole is astonishingly simple. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delightful, crowd-pleasing side dish that requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the two boxes of corn muffin mix, two cans of cream-style sweet corn (undrained), two cans of whole kernel sweet corn (drained thoroughly), ¼ cup of melted salted butter, two large beaten eggs, 1 cup of milk, ⅓ cup of honey (or sugar), and 1 cup of sour cream. These simple ingredients are all you need to create the rich, comforting base of your casserole.
Step 2: Mix Thoroughly
Using a spoon or spatula, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and a smooth, consistent batter forms. Ensure there are no dry pockets of corn muffin mix remaining. This step is quick and easy, requiring just a few minutes of stirring.
Step 3: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Generously spray the inside of a 3.5-quart casserole crock pot or a 4-quart oval slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the casserole from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Be sure to coat the bottom and sides well.
Step 4: Pour Batter into Slow Cooker
Carefully pour the prepared corn casserole batter into the greased slow cooker. Spread the batter evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, but exercise caution: some slow cookers, especially newer models, run very hot on the high setting and can cause the edges to burn before the center is cooked. Always keep a close eye on it if using the high setting. Refer to the detailed tips above regarding slow cooker types and metal inserts for best results.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, the casserole should be golden brown around the edges and set in the center. Carefully remove the lid, and your delicious Crock Pot Corn Casserole is ready to be served! It’s best enjoyed warm, straight from the slow cooker.
VARIATIONS AND CUSTOMIZATIONS
While this Crock Pot Corn Casserole is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable to your tastes and what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to customize your next batch:
- **Cheesy Corn Casserole:** Stir in 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for an extra layer of savory goodness.
- **Spicy Kick:** For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños (fresh or canned, seeds removed for less heat) or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- **Savory Add-ins:** Cooked and crumbled bacon, finely diced bell peppers, or sautéed onions can be folded into the batter for added depth of flavor and texture.
- **Fresh Herbs:** A handful of fresh chopped chives or parsley stirred in at the end, or used as a garnish, can brighten up the dish.
- **Sweetness Adjustment:** If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of honey or sugar. For a richer, more dessert-like quality, you could increase it slightly.
MAKE-AHEAD AND STORAGE TIPS
This corn casserole is fantastic for meal planning and holiday prep. Here’s how to manage it before and after cooking:
- **Make Ahead (Batter):** You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all ingredients, cover the bowl tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, give it a quick stir and proceed with pouring it into the slow cooker. You might need to add an extra 30 minutes to an hour to the cooking time if starting with cold batter.
- **Storage:** Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm through. For larger amounts, you can reheat in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
This versatile Crock Pot Corn Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses and other side dishes, making it a staple for any meal:
- **Holiday Feasts:** A natural fit alongside roast turkey, baked ham, or prime rib.
- **Southern Comfort:** Serve with fried chicken, pulled pork, or barbecued ribs.
- **Everyday Dinners:** A comforting addition to meatloaf, roasted chicken, or pork chops.
- **Potlucks & Picnics:** Its easy portability makes it a hit at any gathering.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES?
If you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes, especially those perfect for holidays and family meals, explore these other fantastic options:
- Southern Sweet Potato Pie
- Crock Pot Cornbread Stuffing
- Crock Pot Creamed Corn
- Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese
- Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Corn Fritters
- Southern Collard Greens
- Fried Turkey
- Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup
Originally published: November 2018
Updated & republished: November 2020
Further enhanced: May 2024
Crock Pot Corn Casserole
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Ingredients
- 2 (8.5 ounce) boxes corn muffin mix
- 2 (14.75 ounce) cans cream-style sweet corn
- 2 (15 ounce) cans whole kernel sweet corn, drained
- ¼ cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup honey or sugar
- 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
- Spray 3.5 quart casserole crock pot (or a 4 quart oval crock pot) with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter into the prepared slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. (Note: you can cook on high for 2-3 hours but be careful and keep an eye so that it doesn’t burn – some slow cookers run VERY hot when on high – especially newer ones).
- Then serve!
Notes
- IMPORTANT SLOW COOKER NOTE: If you have a slow cooker with a metal insert, please pay special attention to your cooking times. Metal inserts tend to heat up very quickly and intensely, which can cause foods like casseroles to burn around the edges before the center is fully cooked. Unlike traditional ceramic inserts that heat more evenly and slowly, metal inserts require vigilance. If using a metal insert, we highly recommend cooking on the LOW setting and monitoring the casserole throughout the process to prevent burning. Always use your knowledge of your specific slow cooker to adjust cooking times accordingly, as models vary widely in heat output. For this recipe, we recommend a casserole or oval slow cooker, and advise against using a round one.
- Oven Instructions: To bake this casserole in the oven, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the dish and bake for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the top is golden brown.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.