Easy Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe for Busy Weeknights

If you’ve ever dined at Cracker Barrel, you know that their dishes are a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, and one side dish that consistently stands out is their famous Corn Casserole.

Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family meal or bringing something special to a potluck, this creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.

With its rich, velvety texture and mouthwatering taste, it’s no surprise that Cracker Barrel’s Corn Casserole has become a beloved favorite in many households.

The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make at home, offering you the chance to recreate the restaurant’s magic in your own kitchen.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the details of this easy, flavorful recipe so you can enjoy a dish that combines the perfect balance of savory corn, creaminess, and comfort all in one bite.

What is Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole?

Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is a deliciously creamy and hearty side dish made from a simple blend of corn, cornbread mix, eggs, and sour cream.

Its irresistible flavor comes from the combination of sweet corn kernels and a rich, buttery base that creates a smooth, almost pudding-like consistency.

While it is often served as a side dish in Cracker Barrel, this casserole is so flavorful and satisfying that it can easily be the star of the meal.

This dish is known for its comforting nature and versatile appeal.

It has a delicate sweetness from the corn, balanced by the savory flavors of butter and sour cream, while the cornbread mix gives it just the right texture—soft yet a bit crumbly.

Baked to golden perfection, the casserole has a deliciously crispy top, making every bite a delightful experience.

It’s a great addition to family dinners, holiday feasts, or any occasion that calls for a comforting side.

Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a cozy, flavorful dish, Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is the perfect choice.

Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole

To make your very own Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole at home, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully for a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn – Drained
• 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn – This adds to the creamy texture of the casserole.
• 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy cornbread mix – This is the key to achieving that fluffy, slightly crumbly texture that makes this casserole so irresistible.
• 1 cup sour cream – Provides creaminess and richness to the dish.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Melted, for richness and flavor.
• 2 large eggs – These help bind the ingredients together and create a smooth consistency.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds cheesy goodness and flavor.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning to taste.

These simple ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and sweet. The beauty of this casserole lies in how easily these pantry staples transform into a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is as easy as it is delicious.

Here’s how to whip up this mouthwatering dish from scratch:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and reaches that perfect golden-brown top.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned whole kernel corn and creamed corn.

These two types of corn will provide the ideal texture—creamy from the creamed corn and a bit of bite from the whole kernels.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, stir in the sour cream, which gives the casserole its signature creaminess, and the melted butter for that rich, buttery flavor.

Add the eggs and whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

Now, add the Jiffy cornbread mix to the wet ingredients. Mix it in thoroughly, ensuring there are no dry pockets of cornbread mix left in the batter.

The cornbread mix is what gives the casserole its perfect texture—soft and a little crumbly, just like cornbread!

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt beautifully into the casserole as it bakes, creating little pockets of cheesy goodness throughout.

You can also reserve a small handful to sprinkle on top if you’d like an extra cheesy finish.

Step 6: Pour the Mixture into a Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.

Pour the prepared corn mixture into the dish and spread it evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, while the center is set and no longer wobbly.

If you prefer a crispier top, you can bake it for an extra few minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes, from roasted meats to hearty stews.

Whether it’s for a family dinner or a holiday spread, this Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.

And there you have it!

A simple, flavorful, and creamy Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole that’s sure to satisfy every palate. Enjoy the comforting taste of this dish in the comfort of your own home!

Tips for Perfect Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole

Creating the perfect Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole isn’t just about following the recipe—it’s also about making sure you get the texture, flavor, and consistency just right.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Full-Fat Sour Cream and Butter

For the richest and creamiest casserole, opt for full-fat sour cream and unsalted butter.

This will add a luxurious, velvety texture that makes the casserole indulgent and satisfying.

Low-fat versions may not provide the same creamy consistency and depth of flavor.

2. Don’t Skip the Jiffy Cornbread Mix

The Jiffy cornbread mix is key to achieving the perfect texture.

It’s not just about flavor; the mix helps create a soft, yet slightly crumbly base that makes the casserole both comforting and light.

Avoid substituting it with a different cornbread mix or making your own from scratch, as it might change the overall texture.

3. Consider Adding Extra Cheese

While cheddar cheese is the traditional choice, feel free to get creative.

Adding a bit of Monterey Jack or Colby cheese can provide extra creaminess and a unique flavor.

You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top of the casserole before baking for a golden, cheesy crust.

4. Make It Ahead of Time

You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge overnight.

This allows the flavors to meld together, and it will save you time on the day you’re serving it.

Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before baking.

5. Ensure Even Mixing

Mix your ingredients thoroughly but gently.

Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which is not what you want for this casserole.

Aim for a uniform mixture without overworking the batter to keep it light and fluffy.

6. Baking Time is Crucial

Monitor the casserole as it bakes.

The cooking time can vary based on your oven, so check the casserole around 45 minutes.

You want the top to be golden brown and the edges slightly crispy.

If the center still seems a bit wobbly, give it an extra few minutes in the oven.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Corn Casserole

Even a simple recipe like Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole can be prone to a few common mistakes.

Here are some pitfalls to watch out for to ensure your dish turns out just like Cracker Barrel’s:

1. Not Draining the Corn Properly

One of the biggest mistakes is not draining the canned whole kernel corn.

Leaving excess liquid in the dish will make the casserole too watery, leading to a runny consistency instead of the thick, creamy texture it should have.

Always drain both the whole kernel corn and the creamed corn to avoid this issue.

2. Overmixing the Batter

While mixing your ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Stir the ingredients gently until they are just combined.

Overmixing can activate the cornbread mix too much, which may result in a denser, less fluffy texture.

You want to keep the mixture light and airy for the perfect casserole.

3. Not Using the Right Baking Dish

Using a baking dish that’s too small or too large can affect the final outcome of your casserole.

If your dish is too small, the casserole will overflow as it bakes, and if it’s too large, the mixture may bake too thinly, leaving you with a dry casserole.

A 9×13-inch dish is the perfect size for this recipe.

4. Skipping the Butter or Sour Cream

Don’t skip the butter and sour cream in the recipe.

These ingredients are essential for creating the creamy, flavorful base of the casserole.

Without them, the dish may turn out dry or lacking in flavor.

If you’re concerned about the richness, consider using full-fat versions for the best result.

5. Not Baking Long Enough

One common mistake is pulling the casserole out of the oven too early.

It’s important to bake it long enough for the top to become golden and slightly crispy.

If you stop too soon, the casserole may be undercooked in the middle, which will affect the texture.

6. Skipping the Cheese

The cheese not only adds delicious flavor, but it also contributes to the creamy texture.

Don’t leave it out! It melts into the casserole, adding richness and depth.

For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle cheese on top before baking and bake until bubbly and golden.

By keeping these tips and common mistakes in mind, you’ll be able to make the most perfect, mouthwatering Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole every time.

How to Serve Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole

Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that can be served in a variety of ways to complement different meals.

Here are some ideas for how to serve it and make it the star of your dinner table:

1. As a Side Dish to Main Courses

Corn casserole pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main dishes. Its rich, creamy texture makes it a perfect side for roasted meats such as roast chicken, BBQ pork, or grilled steak.

The savory flavors of these meats are balanced by the casserole’s subtle sweetness, creating a perfect harmony on your plate.

2. Perfect for Holiday Meals

Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering, Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is an excellent choice for your holiday meal.

It’s hearty enough to be served alongside your holiday staples like turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Its comforting flavors make it a beloved part of any holiday spread.

3. At Potlucks or Family Gatherings

Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is an ideal dish to bring to potlucks or family gatherings. It’s easy to prepare in advance, feeds a crowd, and is a hit with people of all ages.

The rich, cheesy flavor appeals to everyone, and it’s one of those dishes that gets devoured in no time.

4. Top with Fresh Herbs or Bacon Bits

For an extra touch, consider topping your corn casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, or even crispy bacon bits.

The fresh herbs will add a pop of color and a hint of freshness, while bacon will give it an extra savory crunch.

5. Serve with a Fresh Salad

Pair the creamy corn casserole with a crisp, fresh salad for contrast.

A simple green salad with vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw would complement the richness of the casserole while offering a refreshing balance to the meal.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole!

Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole is a timeless favorite that’s easy to make, yet full of flavor.

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday meal, a casual family dinner, or a gathering with friends, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

With its rich, creamy texture and sweet-savory flavor, this dish brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

So, next time you want to serve something special, try this simple yet delicious recipe, and bring a bit of Cracker Barrel magic into your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen corn instead of canned corn?

Yes! You can definitely use frozen corn in place of canned corn. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

The texture will be slightly different, but it will still taste great.

2. Can I make Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole without sour cream?

While sour cream adds a rich creaminess to the dish, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar texture and flavor.

If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using a dairy-free sour cream alternative.

3. Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator.

When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, then bake as usual.

4. Can I freeze Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake it.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

5. Can I add other ingredients to customize the casserole?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can add cooked bacon bits, jalapeños for a little spice, or even diced green chilies for extra flavor.

Just be sure not to overload it, as the balance of corn and cornbread is key to the casserole’s texture.