Scalloped Corn Recipe

Homemade Scalloped Corn Recipe: Golden Comfort in Every Bite

Crispy, golden edges and a creamy center define this delightful scalloped corn dish that promises pure comfort.

Kernels nestled beneath a buttery crust tell a story of homestyle cooking passed through generations.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet spectacular side.

Layers of sweet corn mingle with rich dairy, creating a harmony that speaks to classic American cuisine.

Cheese provides a subtle tang, while breadcrumbs add irresistible crunch to every forkful.

Memories of family gatherings flood back with each warm, inviting bite.

Join me in celebrating this timeless recipe that turns humble ingredients into something magical.

Why Scalloped Corn Is Always a Favorite

  • Guaranteed to be a hit at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, this recipe offers a creamy, satisfying corn dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic mixing steps, allowing you to create a mouthwatering side dish in under an hour with easy-to-find pantry staples.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by switching cracker types, adding herbs, or incorporating extra cheese to match your taste preferences and make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Scalloped Corn

Main Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the corn casserole.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
  • Whole Kernel Corn: Brings texture and sweet corn flavor.
  • Cream-Style Corn: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the dish.
Dairy and Seasoning:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy top.
  • Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn.
  • Salt, Pepper: Provide essential seasoning for balanced flavor.
Topping:
  • Crackers: Creates a crunchy, golden-brown crust on top of the corn casserole.
  • Chives or Parsley: Optional fresh herb garnish for added color and flavor.

How to Make Classic Scalloped Corn

How to Make Classic Scalloped Corn

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and give a 9×9-inch baking dish a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up The Liquid Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and vigorously whisk eggs and milk until they’re perfectly blended and smooth.

Step 3: Season And Enhance

Introduce these ingredients to the egg mixture:
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything until it’s wonderfully combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Corn Goodness

Fold in both corn varieties:
  • Whole kernel corn
  • Cream-style corn

Mix thoroughly to distribute evenly.

Step 5: Add Cracker Crunch

Gently incorporate one cup of crushed crackers into the mixture, creating delightful texture.

Step 6: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the corn concoction into the prepared dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even layer.

Step 7: Create A Crispy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crushed crackers across the top.

Optional: Dot with extra butter for enhanced richness.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a set center.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the dish to settle for 5-10 minutes.

For an elegant touch, garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley before serving.

Tips for Creamy, Golden Scalloped Corn

  • Use buttery Ritz crackers for extra richness and a more indulgent flavor profile that adds depth to the corn dish.
  • Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending and optimal texture.
  • Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Crush crackers coarsely for a more rustic, crunchy topping that provides delightful textural contrast to the creamy corn base.
  • Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use vegan butter to create a delicious lactose-free version of this classic side dish.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Scalloped Corn

  • Store leftover scalloped corn in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate promptly after cooling.
  • Wrap the dish securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents to track storage time.
  • Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent crackers from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Add extra butter or cracker crumbs to restore original crispy texture.

Great Pairings for Scalloped Corn

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy corn dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity cuts through the richness and complements the sweet corn flavors.
  • Create Protein Balance: Serve alongside roasted herb-crusted chicken or grilled pork tenderloin to add a savory protein element that contrasts with the corn's sweetness.
  • Match with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, creamy scalloped corn texture.
  • Complete the Comfort Meal: Add buttermilk biscuits or cornbread to round out the side dish, creating a satisfying southern-style comfort food experience with complementary corn-based accompaniments.

Fun Twists on Scalloped Corn Recipes

  • Gluten-Free Scalloped Corn: Replace wheat-based crackers with gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter.
  • Spicy Mexican-Style Corn: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of cumin, and sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese on top for a zesty kick.
  • Vegetable-Enhanced Corn Bake: Mix in diced bell peppers, onions, or corn kernels to boost nutrition and add extra texture to the classic recipe.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in scalloped corn?

The key ingredients are corn (whole kernel and cream-style), eggs, milk, butter, crackers, sugar, salt, and pepper.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply use plant-based milk and butter alternatives to create a vegetarian version of scalloped corn.

  • How do crackers contribute to the recipe?

Crackers provide a crunchy topping and help bind the ingredients together, creating a rich, textured dish with a golden, crispy surface.

  • Is this a traditional American side dish?

Scalloped corn is a classic comfort food popular in Midwestern and Southern United States, often served during family gatherings and holiday meals.

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Scalloped Corn Recipe

Scalloped Corn Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Grandma’s hearty Scalloped Corn brings pure Midwestern comfort to dinner tables with creamy, golden goodness. Rich buttery kernels nestled in a crisp cracker topping promise a soul-warming side dish you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) cream-style corn
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted (plus more for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz), divided
  • Chopped chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×9-inch baking dish with a light grease layer.
  2. Vigorously whisk eggs and milk together in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Incorporate melted butter, sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring until the mixture becomes uniformly blended.
  4. Gently fold in both whole kernel and cream-style corn, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  5. Add one cup of crushed crackers, delicately mixing to maintain the dish’s light texture.
  6. Transfer the combined ingredients into the prepared baking dish, carefully smoothing the surface for an even finish.
  7. Generously sprinkle the remaining cracker crumbs across the top, optionally dotting with additional butter for enhanced richness.
  8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a firm central consistency.
  9. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5–10 minutes after removing from the oven, then optionally garnish with fresh chives or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Toast the crushed crackers briefly in a dry skillet before sprinkling on top for extra crunchiness and deeper flavor.
  • Swap milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter alternative to make the dish lactose-free.
  • For a more custard-like consistency, reduce cracker quantity slightly and increase egg-to-milk ratio.
  • Incorporate finely diced bell peppers or sautéed onions for added nutrition and complexity in flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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