Nothing says comfort food like our copycat Cracker Barrel corn casserole. This warm, creamy, cheesy corn pudding side dish, made with Jiffy cornbread mix, cheddar cheese, and corn kernels, captures the authentic taste of Cracker Barrel’s famous corn casserole.
Key Takeaways
- Our recipe delivers the authentic flavors of Cracker Barrel’s iconic dish.
- This creamy, cheesy corn casserole is a comforting side dish perfect for family meals and holiday gatherings.
- The recipe is easy to make and uses simple, readily available ingredients like corn kernels, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
- You can customize the recipe by adding spice or making it gluten-free or dairy-free.
- Leftover corn casserole is easy to store and reheat, making it a convenient and versatile dish.
Recreating the Iconic Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole
Many people love Cracker Barrel’s corn casserole for its rich corn flavor and creamy texture, making it a family favorite.
The Comfort Food Cravings
This dish combines sweet corn kernels, cream, and cheddar cheese, meeting all our comfort food needs with its fulfilling and nostalgic mix.
Capturing the Authentic Flavors
By following our copycat recipe and choosing the best ingredients, you can enjoy the special southern-style corn casserole that Cracker Barrel is known for.
Ingredients Needed for the Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Recipe
To make this famous dish, you need key ingredients that give it its well-known taste and feel.
Corn Kernels: The Star Ingredient
The main part of this recipe is sweet and tender corn kernels. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, as they add the perfect corn taste to the casserole.
Creamy Goodness: Sour Cream and Cream of Corn
Sour cream brings a rich, tangy flavor, while cream of corn makes everything creamy. These two are key for the casserole’s texture.
The Cheesy Twist: Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese adds a cheesy deliciousness to the dish. Melting over the sweet corn, it creates a perfect balance.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole
Creating the perfect Cracker Barrel corn casserole is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to make an incredible version yourself:
Prepping the Corn Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, add canned corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, melted butter, and cheddar cheese. Mix well to make a creamy corn casserole mix.
Assembling the Casserole
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the corn mixture in the dish, then top with crushed Ritz crackers or cornbread crumbs.
Baking to Perfection
Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is firm. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to firm up.
Variations and Customizations
Adding a Kick with Jalapeños
If you love a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños to your corn casserole. They’ll spice it up perfectly.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cornbread mix. For dairy-free, swap sour cream with non-dairy yogurt and use non-dairy cheese.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
The Cracker Barrel corn casserole pairs well with many main courses and other complementary sides.
Complementary Side Dishes
Try it with roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or simple baked chicken for a complete meal. For a Southern twist, add buttermilk biscuits or cornbread.
Mouthwatering Main Course Pairings
This casserole enhances roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled steak. It’s also delicious with barbecued ribs, fried chicken, or a juicy pork chop.
Tips for Leftovers and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Let the casserole cool fully, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. You can also freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container or single servings for up to 3 months.
The History and Legacy of Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel started in 1969 with a simple country store and has grown into a beloved restaurant chain known for its Southern food and friendly atmosphere.
From Country Store to Beloved Restaurant Chain
Now with more than 660 locations, Cracker Barrel keeps old-time charm alive while serving great food.
The Enduring Appeal of Cracker Barrel’s Comfort Food
Cracker Barrel’s menu, full of classic comfort food like the corn casserole, has won over many with its rich, sweet, and cheesy taste.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This recipe captures the taste of a famous restaurant’s corn casserole. It’s easy and affordable, making it perfect for anyone to cook at home.
Capturing the Authentic Taste
Using top-quality ingredients like sweet corn, sour cream, cream of corn, and cheddar cheese, this recipe brings out the dish’s true flavor.
Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness
All the ingredients are simple to find, and the steps are easy to follow. You can make this for a big gathering or a small family dinner without much fuss or cost.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole FAQs
What are the key ingredients in the Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole?
Corn kernels, sour cream, cream of corn, and cheddar cheese create the creamy and cheesy flavor.
How do I prepare the corn mixture for the casserole?
Mix corn kernels, sour cream, and cream of corn in a bowl. Add melted butter and your favorite seasonings, then put the mix into a baking dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the casserole a day before and keep it in the fridge. Bake it when ready. You can also freeze the mix for up to 3 months.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
Use a gluten-free cornbread mix for gluten-free. For dairy-free, pick a dairy-free sour cream and non-dairy cheese.
What are some good main dish pairings for the Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole?
It pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham. It’s also a tasty side for barbecue, meatloaf, or pork chops.
How long does the casserole take to bake, and how can I tell when it’s done?
Bake for 45-55 minutes at 350°F. It should be golden brown at the edges and set in the middle. A toothpick or knife should come out clean when it’s finished.
Can I freeze leftover Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole?
Yes, let it cool, then put it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven when ready.
Best Darn cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Copycat Recipe You Ever Saw!
Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can 14.75 oz cream-style corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 package 8.5 oz corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, melted butter, corn muffin mix, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake: Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Mexican Style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and a Mexican cheese blend.
Southwest Style: Incorporate black beans and diced tomatoes along with ground cumin and chili powder.
Herb Infusion: Mix in chopped parsley, chives, or thyme for added freshness.
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers, breadcrumbs, or cornflakes on top before baking for extra crunch​ (Blend of Bites)​​ (Our WabiSabi Life)​​ (Wasian Cookery)​​ (Foodie Haven)​.
Serving Suggestions
Main Courses: Serve with barbecue ribs, pulled pork, marinated chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Vegetarian Option: Pair with a crisp garden salad or roasted veggies.
Holiday Feasts: Include this casserole in your holiday spread alongside traditional dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing​ (Our WabiSabi Life)​​ (Foodie Haven)​.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating​