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Ultimate Cornbread Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 76 reviews

This Ultimate Cornbread Casserole is a savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish perfect for any family gathering or holiday meal. Combining the rustic flavors of cornmeal and sweet corn with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of jalapeño heat, this casserole bakes to golden perfection with a creamy, tender texture inside and a golden crust on top.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar

Wet Ingredients & Dairy

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Main Add-ins

  • 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen corn, thawed and drained
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces bacon, cooked until crispy and diced
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9- by 13-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar to evenly combine the dry components, ensuring a consistent rise and flavor throughout the casserole.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Stir in the thawed and drained corn, sour cream, and milk into the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Then fold in the melted butter, freshly ground black pepper to taste, most of the cooked and diced bacon, most of the minced jalapeños (adjust amount according to heat preference), and 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese, mixing gently to combine all elements without overmixing.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
  5. Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining bacon, jalapeños, and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to help it set and to enhance the flavors. Serve warm as a hearty side dish or a comforting main course.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level; remove seeds for milder heat.
  • For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
  • Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat option.
  • Ensure the bacon is well-drained after cooking to avoid greasy casserole texture.

Keywords: cornbread casserole, bacon cornbread, cheesy cornbread casserole, jalapeño cornbread, southern casserole

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/ultimate-cornbread-casserole-recipe/