Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe

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Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about pulling a warm, golden casserole from the oven — especially when it’s a Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe. The scent alone can fill a kitchen with memories: holiday meals, Sunday suppers, and those quiet nights when only something hearty and homemade will do. Inspired by the beloved Southern classic, this dish blends sweet corn, creamy richness, and just the right touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or sneaking forkfuls straight from the pan, it always feels like home.

Prep & Method

The beauty of this Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. You’re working with pantry staples and a method so foolproof, it’s nearly impossible to mess up. But that doesn’t mean it’s bland — quite the opposite. With each step, you’re layering rich, creamy flavor and achieving that golden, fluffy texture that keeps folks coming back for seconds.

Here’s how to do this beloved Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe just right.

Equipment You’ll Need:

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • 9×13 baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven mitts (trust me — that dish gets hot!)

Ingredients (Recap for Prep):

  • 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix
  • Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This gives the Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe a steady, even bake — and a perfectly browned top.

Grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
This keeps the edges from sticking and adds flavor if you use butter.

In a large bowl, combine your corn ingredients.
Pour in the whole kernel corn and cream-style corn. Stir together gently — you want to keep some texture from the kernels.

Add the sour cream and melted butter.
Make sure the butter isn’t too hot or it’ll curdle the dairy. Stir until creamy.

Fold in the corn muffin mix.
Don’t overmix. Just stir enough so everything is incorporated. A few lumps are okay — that’s part of the rustic charm in a Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe.

Season lightly.
A pinch of salt and pepper brings balance. If you’re adding cheese or spices, now’s the time.

(Optional) Add shredded cheddar cheese.
Mix it in, or sprinkle it on top for a golden, bubbly crust.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Smooth out the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes.
You’re looking for lightly browned edges, a golden top, and a center that’s set but still soft. Insert a toothpick — it should come out mostly clean.

Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
It firms up a bit, making for cleaner slices and better texture.

Pro Tip:
If you want a deeper flavor, brown the butter before mixing it in — it adds a nutty, rich undertone that transforms the whole Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe into something unforgettable.

Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole

Substitutions & Tips

A great Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe is the kind that adapts to your pantry and your guests. Whether you’re aiming for dairy-free, adding protein, or just jazzing things up, here are practical ways to make this recipe your own — without losing its Southern soul.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

No sour cream? Use plain Greek yogurt or even softened cream cheese (just cut the salt slightly). Both keep the creamy texture while adding a slight tang to your Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe.

Dairy-free option: Sub in vegan butter and a plant-based sour cream (oat- or almond-based). The result is still rich, silky, and satisfying.

No Jiffy mix on hand? Make your own quick blend: mix ⅔ cup cornmeal, ¼ cup flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt. It keeps the heart of your Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe intact.

Cheese swap: Not a cheddar fan? Try shredded pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda for a deeper, more complex bite.

Crab Casserole-Inspired Upgrades

Want to give your Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe a coastal Southern twist? These seafood-inspired additions bring it closer to a crab casserole without changing the base.

Fold in ½ to 1 cup of lump crab meat for a subtle briny richness. (Now you’re brushing up against a lump crab meat casserole recipe — and it’s delicious.)

Stir in 1 cup cooked rice for a heartier, more filling version — a clever idea borrowed from many crab casserole recipe with rice versions.

Add a touch of Old Bay seasoning, minced parsley, or a squeeze of lemon for a Southern crab casserole recipe edge that brightens every bite.

Toss in some chopped green onions or sweet bell pepper for extra color and complexity.

Time-Saving Tips

Make your Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe ahead: Mix the full batter a day in advance and refrigerate unbaked. Let it come to room temp before baking.

Freeze for later: Bake, cool completely, and freeze in portions. Thaw overnight and reheat at 300°F until warmed through.

Double it: Feeding a crowd? This recipe easily doubles for a party-size pan — just increase bake time by 10–15 minutes.

Grandma’s Touch

Sometimes the best flavor tip is the oldest one in the book.

Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter on top for a crunchy, nostalgic finish — a nod to the old fashioned crab casserole crust.

A pinch of sugar or honey brings out the natural sweetness of corn — something you’ll find in many grandma’s crab casserole recipe styles.

For a real down-home vibe, bake your Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe in a cast-iron skillet. The result? Crispy edges, creamy center, and lots of love.

Add-Ins to Make It Your Own

A dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for warmth

Plating & Pairings

You’ve pulled your Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe from the oven, and the golden crust is calling. But a dish this comforting deserves just a little extra care when it hits the table. From rustic cast-iron servings to full holiday spreads, here’s how to make this classic Southern favorite shine — and what to serve with it for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal.

Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe

How to Serve It Beautifully

Rustic is the name of the game. The charm of a Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe lies in its homey simplicity, but a little presentation goes a long way.

  • Bake it directly in a cast-iron skillet for a farmhouse-style look with crisp edges.
  • Use a white ceramic or stoneware dish to let the golden top of your Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe stand out.
  • For gatherings, scoop generous spoonfuls onto warm plates and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs — parsley or thyme both work beautifully.

Want to dress it up for the holidays? Add a few sprigs of thyme on top just before serving. That pop of green against the rich yellow crust feels both festive and fresh.

Holiday Pairings & Everyday Matches

The Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe plays nicely with a wide range of dishes — especially those that show up around the winter table.

For a Southern-style feast:

  • Brown sugar-glazed ham
  • Herb-roasted turkey
  • Braised collard greens or sautéed green beans
  • Cranberry-orange relish
  • Sweet potato casserole or creamy mac and cheese

For casual dinners:

  • A bowl of chili (serve the casserole right beside it or under it)
  • Pan-seared pork chops or roast chicken
  • Roasted root vegetables
  • A crunchy green salad with citrus vinaigrette

No matter how you serve it, this Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe brings balance — mellow, rich, and deeply satisfying.

What to Drink With It

Southern meals love a good pairing. With a savory-sweet dish like the Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe, you’ve got options:

  • Sweet iced tea (classic and beloved)
  • Chilled riesling or a buttery chardonnay
  • Light-bodied red wine, like pinot noir or grenache
  • Apple cider (hot or cold) for a family-friendly winter vibe

Storage & Reheating Tips

One more reason to love the Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe — it reheats like a dream. The creamy interior stays soft, and a quick oven refresh crisps up the edges.

Add a splash of milk or a pat of butter if it looks dry — it’ll bounce right back.

Memory, Twist, or Chef’s Touch

I still remember the first time I tasted a Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe — though back then, we didn’t call it that. It was just “corn casserole,” the kind Grandma made on quiet winter nights. The kind of evening when the sky turned a dusky blue, and the heater clanked on in the hallway. We had ham steaks sizzling in the cast iron, green beans from the garden, and this casserole — golden on top, creamy underneath, sweet and salty all at once.

That moment wasn’t meant to be special, and maybe that’s why it was. The dish wasn’t fancy. It didn’t need garnish or a name-brand label. It was made from the same ingredients you’ll find in your pantry right now — a can of corn, a box of cornbread mix, a scoop of sour cream. But it had heart. And that made all the difference.

Today, what we call a Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe is more than just a nostalgic bake — it’s a comfort ritual. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or showing up to a church potluck, it’s the kind of recipe people ask for before dessert’s even hit the table.

Seasonal Twists to Keep It Fresh

And if you’re looking for a small twist that nods to the season, there are endless ways to adapt your Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe.

In fall, fold in a pinch of nutmeg and smoked paprika — just enough to warm the back of your throat. In winter, layer on sharp white cheddar and finish it with thyme or rosemary for a savory edge. In spring, lighten things up with green onions and crème fraîche. Even in summer, this Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe belongs at the cookout table — nestled between BBQ ribs and smoky baked beans.

But don’t let the seasons tell you when to make it.

Let your cravings do that.

Because this isn’t just a side dish. The Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe is food meant to feel like home — wherever and whenever you are.

If you’re curious how this Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe stacks up against traditional Southern versions, Southern Living has a roundup of classic and modern corn casserole ideas that’s worth exploring.

Additional Recommended Recipes

If you loved this Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe, try one of these next for more comforting side dish inspiration:

These recipes are warm, crowd-pleasing, and full of Southern charm—just like your favorite corn casserole.

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Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe

Ultimate Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe


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  • Author: Keyla Stewart
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A creamy, sweet-savory Southern side dish made with pantry staples — the perfect Cracker Barrel-style corn casserole for any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained

  • 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ to 1 cup lump crab meat

  • 1 cup cooked rice

  • Old Bay seasoning, to taste

  • Chopped green onions or bell peppers

  • Crushed Ritz crackers + butter (for topping)


Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

  • Mix corn: In a large bowl, combine whole kernel and cream-style corn.

  • Add dairy: Stir in sour cream and melted (not hot) butter until creamy.

  • Fold in muffin mix: Stir in Jiffy mix gently — don’t overmix.

  • Season: Add salt and pepper; fold in cheese or spices if desired.

  • Pour mixture into baking dish and smooth the top.

  • Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until golden and set.

  • Rest 10–15 minutes before serving for best texture.

 

  • Optional topping: Sprinkle with buttered Ritz crumbs before baking for crunch.

Notes

  • Make-ahead: Mix and refrigerate batter up to 24 hours ahead.
  • Freezer-friendly: Bake, cool, freeze in portions; reheat at 300°F.
  • Dairy-free option: Use vegan butter and plant-based sour cream.
  • No Jiffy mix? Combine ⅔ cup cornmeal, ¼ cup flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, pinch salt.
  • Cast-iron version: Bake in skillet for crispy edges and rustic charm.
  • For depth: Brown the butter before mixing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

Recipes worth trying by Keyla Stewart
Keyla Stewart

Hi, I’m Keyla Stewart — home cook, recipe writer, and firm believer that food doesn’t have to be fancy to matter. I didn’t grow up in a family of chefs. But I grew up in a family where food meant something…

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