Easy Scalloped Corn is a delightful, creamy dish that embodies comfort food at its finest. This American classic serves as a perfect side to any meal, boasting sweet bursts of corn nestled in a rich, buttery base. The addition of crispy cracker crumbs on top not only offers a crunchy texture, but also elevates the entire dish, transforming simple ingredients into something truly memorable. It’s the kind of dish that brings back warm memories of family gatherings and potluck dinners, a staple that never fails to leave you wanting more.
When I first encountered scalloped corn at a family reunion, I was captivated. The first bite was a joyful explosion of buttery sweet corn and creamy goodness that danced on my taste buds. I can still picture the inviting golden hue emanating from the casserole dish, and the joyful chorus of “What is this?” from guests at the table. Now, I find myself whipping it up for cozy weeknight dinners or festive occasions. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, rewarding you with flavors that are delightful and comforting all at the same time. I’m excited for you to try this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this dish in the oven in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite combines sweet corn, tender onions, and creamy richness for a taste that’s unforgettable.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The gorgeous golden topping adds a delightful crunch, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it alongside grilled meats or as a simple snack on movie nights.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can substitute ingredients for gluten-free or dairy-free versions if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5 tablespoons butter: Used for cooking and adding rich flavor. For a lighter option, consider using olive oil.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the creamy mixture. For gluten-free, you can substitute with cornstarch.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk gives the best creaminess, but feel free to use low-fat milk for a lighter version.
- 1 cup half and half: It contributes to the luxurious texture. If you’re looking for fewer calories, replace it with more milk.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the savory flavors of the corn. You might reduce it or swap with honey if you prefer.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor; adjust to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat without being overpowering.
- 1 cup chopped white onion: Provides sweetness and depth. You can also use shallots for a milder flavor.
- 2 cans sweet corn, drained: The star ingredient; use whole or creamed corn depending on your preference.
- 2 eggs, whisked: Binds everything together, contributing to the casserole’s structure.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz butter crackers: Adds delightful crunch on top; you can substitute with gluten-free crackers if needed.
How to Make Scalloped Corn
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F, ensuring it’s hot enough for proper baking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter, setting the stage for this delicious casserole.
- Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and let them cool slightly.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the half and half, milk, salt, pepper, whisked eggs, flour, and sugar until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Mix in the Corn and Onions: Gently fold the drained sweet corn and sautéed onions into the creamy mixture. This is where the magic happens!
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the corn mixture into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure even cooking. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, allowing it to set and bubble.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping: While the casserole is baking, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. In a bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, combining until the crackers are fully coated.
- Add the Topping: After 30 minutes in the oven, remove the casserole and sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the top, creating a delightful crunchy layer.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle, a simple toothpick test will do!
- Cool and Serve: Let the scalloped corn cool for about 5 minutes before scooping it into bowls. Enjoy the wonderful harmony of flavors!
Storing & Reheating
Leftover scalloped corn can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about an hour. For longer storage, place in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh for up to 3–4 days. If you want to freeze it, cover tightly and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, reheating in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20–25 minutes is ideal. Just know that while flavors remain delicious, the texture may soften, so consider topping with fresh crackers for extra crunch.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir gently to keep the delicate balance of creaminess and texture; over-mixing can lead to a dense casserole.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: They blend in better, ensuring a smoother, creamier texture.
- Timing is Key: Make sure to keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add ingredients like diced bell peppers, cooked bacon bits, or shredded cheese for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home, Easy Scalloped Corn is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its combination of simple ingredients and rich flavor gives you a dish that not only satisfies but also warms the heart. Don’t hesitate to personalize it to your taste, perhaps by trying different spices or add-ins that you adore. I invite you to embrace the joy of cooking this dish and let every scoop remind you of fond memories.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make scalloped corn ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Simply mix everything, store it covered in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
What can I serve with scalloped corn?
Scalloped corn pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or pork, and it’s a fantastic complement to barbecued dishes. It also works well as a hearty side for holiday meals alongside turkey or ham.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
You can tell it’s done when the edges are bubbling and the center is set when you gently shake the dish. A toothpick inserted in the middle should also come out clean, ensuring everything is cooked through.
Is scalloped corn gluten-free?
The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free due to the flour and Ritz crackers. However, you can easily substitute those with gluten-free flour and gluten-free crackers to make this dish suitable for those following a gluten-free diet. Enjoy!
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Scalloped Corn
This scalloped corn features sweet corn melded with rich flavors of butter and topped with crispy Ritz crackers. A simple yet satisfying dish, great for family gatherings or comforting dinners.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 2 cans sweet corn, drained
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 cup crushed Ritz butter crackers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside to cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the half and half, milk, salt, pepper, eggs, flour and sugar together.
- Add the corn and sautéed onions to the bowl and stir.
- Pour the corn mixture into the greased baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- While the casserole bakes, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Combine the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter.
- After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the buttered crackers on top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Let the scalloped corn cool for about 5 minutes, then scoop and serve.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Make sure to drain the corn well to prevent a watery casserole.
You can add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
Letting the dish cool slightly helps it set better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
