Name: Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 pound bacon (cut into small pieces); 0.5 onion (finely chopped); 1 clove garlic (minced); 0.67 cup cornmeal; 0.67 cup flour; 0.25 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sour cream; 0.5 cup butter (melted); 1 large egg; 1 15-ounce can corn (drained); 1 15-ounce can cream-style corn; 1.5 cups sharp white cheddar; to taste chopped chives

Introduction to Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole

Corn casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a nostalgic staple that warms the heart and belly. Perfectly creamy and subtly sweet, Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for young professionals looking to simplify their weeknight dinners or impress friends at a gathering. With its uncomplicated preparation and hearty flavors, this dish allows you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying life!

What Makes Corn Casserole a Go-To Dish for Young Professionals?

For those juggling the fast-paced demands of work and social life, corn casserole checks all the boxes:

Ease of Preparation: With minimal chopping and cooking skills required, it fits seamlessly into your busy schedule. Simply mix the ingredients and pop it in the oven!
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s essentially a one-dish wonder that appeals to everyone—vegetarians, cheese lovers, and even picky eaters.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store beautifully, making it a fantastic option for lunch the next day. And it tastes even better after sitting for a bit.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in ingredients to suit your preferences; whether you're a fan of turkey bacon or looking for a meat-free option, this dish adapts effortlessly.

By opting for Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole, you can enjoy a tasty meal that brings people together without the hassle. For additional inspiration, check out these meal prep tips for young professionals!

Ingredients for Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole

When you're looking for a comforting dish that pleases a crowd, Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole stands out as a fantastic choice. This easy-to-make recipe has a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a hit at any gathering. Let’s dive into the essential ingredients you'll need!

Key Ingredients

Turkey Bacon: 1 pound, cut into small pieces for that savory crispiness.
Onion: ½, finely chopped to add depth and flavor.
Garlic: 1 clove, minced for a fragrant touch.
Cornmeal: ⅔ cup for that wonderful texture.
Flour: ⅔ cup, helping bind everything together.
Sugar: ¼ cup to enhance the natural sweetness of corn.
Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon for that perfect rise.
Salt: ½ teaspoon to bring all the flavors together.
Sour Cream: 1 cup for creaminess.
Butter: ½ cup, melted for richness.
Egg: 1 large to help achieve a lovely consistency.
Canned Corn: One 15-ounce can, drained for juicy goodness.
Cream-Style Corn: One 15-ounce can for added creaminess.
Sharp White Cheddar: 1 ½ cups, because what's a casserole without cheesy goodness?
Chopped Chives: For garnish, bringing freshness and a pop of color.

These ingredients create a harmonious blend that makes Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole not just a side dish, but a star of the meal! Have you tasted it yet? Let the flavors take you on a delightful culinary journey! For tips on making your casserole extra special, check out this cooking guide that offers insights into ingredient substitutions and flavor pairings.

Step-by-step Preparation of Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole

Creating your own Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole at home is a delightful experience that rewards you with comforting flavors and enticing aromas. Ready to whip up this delicious dish? Let’s dive into the preparation steps!

Gather and prepare your ingredients

Before you kick off the cooking process, make sure you’ve got all your ingredients at the ready. Here’s what you need:

Turkey Bacon: 1 pound, cut into small pieces
Onion: ½, finely chopped
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Cornmeal: ⅔ cup
Flour: ⅔ cup
Sugar: ¼ cup
Baking powder: 1 tablespoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Sour cream: 1 cup
Butter: ½ cup, melted
Egg: 1
Canned Corn: one 15-ounce can, drained
Cream-style Corn: one 15-ounce can
Sharp white cheddar: 1 ½ cups
Chopped chives: for garnish

Having everything in front of you not only saves time but also makes the process more enjoyable!

Cook the turkey bacon, onion, and garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a pan over medium heat, add your turkey bacon pieces. Fry them until crispy and then remove them from the pan, leaving some of the grease behind. You’ll want this to sauté your onions. Add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt to the pan, cooking until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Combining these ingredients creates a savory base for your casserole.

Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl

In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients—the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. It’s crucial to combine these thoroughly, as this ensures an even rise and texture in your casserole. Simple yet effective, right?

Combine wet ingredients in another bowl

Now, in another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: your sour cream, melted butter, and egg. After blending these, stir in the drained corn, cream-style corn, your flavorful onion mixture, and half of the crispy turkey bacon. Mixing wet and dry separately helps achieve a well-integrated batter!

Fold everything together and pour into the dish

Once everything is mixed, it’s time to fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently stir until just combined—overmixing can make your casserole dense, and we want it to be light and fluffy. Then, pour this delightful mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Bake and add the cheese and bacon on top

Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes. The aromas will start filling your kitchen, and it’ll be hard to resist not peeking! Once it’s golden brown, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese and turkey bacon on top. Pop it back in the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.

Finally, garnish with chopped chives for a fresh finish. Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole is now ready to impress at your next gathering!

For more tips on easy casseroles, you might find resources from Cooking Light or check out Food Network for extra inspiration. Happy cooking!

Variations on Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole

Spicy Jalapeño Corn Casserole

If you’re looking to kick up the flavor, try adding diced jalapeños to your corn casserole recipe! The peppers bring a delightful heat that complements the sweet corn beautifully. Just a couple of finely chopped jalapeños mixed into the batter will make your casserole a hit at your next gathering. For a unique twist, consider sprinkling some pepper jack cheese on top before baking, giving it that extra zing!

Vegetarian-Friendly Corn Casserole

For a meatless option, simply swap out the turkey bacon for sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. This vegetarian-friendly version of Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole keeps all the comforting flavors intact while making it healthier. You can also experiment with adding ingredients like black beans for protein or diced tomatoes for a fresh touch. This variation is not only easy to whip up but also perfect for family gatherings or potlucks! Check out more vegetarian casserole ideas on Love and Lemons.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole

Corn casserole is comfort food at its finest, and I’ve got some tips to ensure yours turns out delightful every time.

Choose Your Bacon Wisely: While traditional recipes call for pork bacon, swapping it with turkey bacon makes for a leaner option without compromising flavor.
Cheese Matters: Opt for sharp white cheddar; its boldness truly elevates the dish. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for extra creaminess.
Make It Ahead: Prep the casserole in advance and pop it in the fridge. It will save time on busy nights.

Remember, making Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole is about experimenting and finding what you love! Don’t hesitate to mix in some extras, such as jalapeños or bell peppers, for a tasty twist. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole

Pairing With Proteins

Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole is wonderfully versatile! Why not complement its rich flavors with proteins like grilled chicken ham or turkey bacon? These options add a satisfying crunch while balancing the creaminess of the dish.

Colorful Sides

For a pop of color on your table, serve it alongside some fresh steamed vegetables or a crisp garden salad. Not only do these bring freshness, but they also add nutrients that round off your meal nicely.

Perfect Occasions

This casserole shines at family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s easy to whip up and can serve a crowd without missing a beat. Have you considered adding a side of homemade cornbread? It pairs beautifully!

Enhance your meal further by checking out these delicious ideas from Allrecipes for more serving inspirations!

Time Breakdown for Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole

Preparation Time

Get ready to dive into deliciousness! The prep time for Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole is approximately 20 minutes. This quick time frame lets you chop, mix, and get everything ready without feeling rushed.

Cooking Time

After prep, it's time to let your casserole work its magic in the oven. The cooking time is about 35 minutes, plus another 5 minutes for that melted cheese topping to achieve perfection. Your patience will surely pay off!

Total Time

In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. This makes it doable even on a busy weekday! So, gather your ingredients, and let’s whip up some comfort food that everyone will love.

For tips on ingredient selection and more recipes, check out Pinch of Yum for inspiration!

Nutritional Facts for Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole

When it comes to comfort food, Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole delivers not just in taste but also in nutritional value. Let’s break down the key nutritional facts so you know exactly what you’re indulging in during your next gathering.

Calories

Each serving of this delightful casserole packs approximately 300 calories. This makes it a rich but rewarding dish, perfect for sharing.

Protein

You'll find around 8 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the inclusion of Turkey Bacon and cheese. This protein boost can help keep you feeling satisfied longer.

Sodium

While it’s full of flavor, be mindful of the sodium content, which is about 620 milligrams per serving. If you're watching your salt intake, consider using low-sodium options for the Turkey Bacon and cheese.

Ready to make your own? Check out the full recipe above and transform your next meal into a heartwarming experience with Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole!

To deepen your understanding of nutrition, consider visiting Healthline for more tips on balancing flavors and healthy eating.

FAQs about Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole can be prepped in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Simply follow the recipe up to baking, then cover the unbaked casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to enjoy it, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to bake, as it will be chilled.

What are some good side dishes to serve with corn casserole?

This comforting dish pairs beautifully with various sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even some zesty coleslaw. If you're in the mood for something heartier, try it with grilled chicken or savory mashed potatoes.

How do I store leftovers properly?

To keep your corn casserole fresh, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days, or you can freeze it for up to three months. Just reheat in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy again!

Conclusion on Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole

In summary, Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of corn and Turkey Bacon, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners. Easy to prepare, this casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Share it with friends and family for a delicious treat that everyone will love! For more tips on enhancing your casserole dishes, check out this article on casserole cooking. Enjoy!