Why You’ll Love this Cheesy Homestyle Cornbread Casserole
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with a perfect cornbread base, this Southern Comfort Cornbread Casserole is about to become your new favorite dish.
The magic happens when Jiffy mix meets creamy corn, creating that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Can we talk about that sour cream and cheese layer? Divine.
And those buttery sautéed onions? They add just the right depth of flavor.
The best part? It’s incredibly simple to throw together.
Perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or honestly, any day you need a bit of Southern comfort.
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Homestyle Cornbread Casserole?
Our Southern Comfort Cornbread Casserole combines the convenience of a Jiffy mix with rich, creamy elements that transform a simple cornbread into something truly special. This dish strikes that perfect balance between comfort food simplicity and impressive flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of sweet corn and savory cheese creates a texture that’s both moist and satisfying, while the sautéed onions add a wonderful depth.
- 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
- 1 medium onion
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 (11 ounce) can creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded colby or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
When shopping for ingredients, feel free to customize based on what you have on hand. Prefer a sharper flavor? Go with cheddar over colby. Want to add a bit more color or spice? You could easily incorporate some diced bell peppers or jalapeños alongside those onions. And while the recipe calls for a standard Jiffy mix, the real magic happens with the creamy additions that transform it from an ordinary cornbread into this spectacular casserole that embodies true Southern comfort food tradition.
How to Make this Cheesy Homestyle Cornbread Casserole
Making this Southern cornbread casserole couldn’t be simpler, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F – this higher temperature helps create that beautiful golden crust we all love on cornbread.
While the oven heats up, grab 1 medium onion and dice it finely. In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter and sauté those onions until they’re translucent and just beginning to caramelize. There’s something magical about the aroma of butter and onions cooking together, isn’t there? It sets the stage for the comfort food experience that’s about to unfold.
Next comes the cornbread base. Prepare 1 Jiffy cornbread mix according to the package directions, then stir in 1 (11 ounce) can of creamed corn until well combined. This addition is what gives the casserole that moist, tender texture that elevates it beyond ordinary cornbread. Serious bakers might consider using premium chocolate equipment to precisely measure ingredients for consistent results every time.
Pour this mixture into a greased 11×13 casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Now for the crowning glory – in a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream with 1 cup of shredded colby or cheddar cheese, then fold in those buttery sautéed onions. This creamy, cheesy mixture gets dropped by spoonfuls across the top of the cornbread batter, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout the casserole. A final sprinkle of 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese adds that perfect savory touch.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole becomes light brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The waiting is honestly the hardest part.
When it emerges from the oven, you’ll be rewarded with a casserole that has a beautiful contrast of textures – slightly crusty on top, tender and moist inside, with pockets of melted cheese and savory onions throughout. For even cooking and perfect browning, consider using a premium electric griddle to prepare any accompanying dishes while your casserole bakes.
Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving, though I completely understand if you can’t wait that long. Some things are worth the risk of a burned tongue.
Cheesy Homestyle Cornbread Casserole Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Southern comfort cornbread casserole is how adaptable it’s to whatever you have in your pantry or preferences.
Don’t have Colby? Swap in monterey jack, pepper jack for a kick, or even mozzarella for that stretchy pull. The sour cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed twist.
Can’t find Jiffy? Any cornbread mix works, or make your own from scratch if you’re feeling ambitious.
For flavor variations, try adding diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, or sautéed bell peppers.
Vegetarian? Skip the bacon and add corn kernels for extra texture.
What to Serve with Cheesy Homestyle Cornbread Casserole
This cornbread casserole deserves perfect partners on your dinner plate, transforming an already delicious dish into a complete Southern comfort meal. I recommend serving it alongside slow-cooked pulled pork or crispy fried chicken—the savory meats balance the sweet cornbread beautifully.
For sides, collard greens simmered with a ham hock or black-eyed peas make fantastic companions.
Need something lighter? A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness wonderfully.
During summer gatherings, I pair it with barbecue ribs and coleslaw.
Trust me, your guests will be scraping their plates clean, asking for your secret recipe.
Final Thoughts
Southern comfort food brings people together, and this cornbread casserole stands proudly in that tradition.
I can’t think of a more perfect dish to grace your family table—creamy, cheesy, with that perfect balance of savory onion and sweet corn.
The beauty of using Jiffy mix as your base? It’s foolproof, even for kitchen novices.
If you’re looking to expand your comfort food repertoire, try making a hearty Italian-style lasagna with layers of noodles, seasoned ground beef, and three kinds of cheese.
For another crowd-pleasing option at gatherings, consider making funeral potatoes, a similarly cheesy and comforting casserole dish.
