Golden, custard-soft, and comfortingly creamy—Corn Pudding is the nostalgic dish that bridges the gap between savory and sweet. With its rich, velvety texture and pops of sweet corn in every bite, it’s a staple at Southern tables, holiday feasts, and family get-togethers. This dish comes out of the oven with a gorgeous caramelized top, creating a contrast between the buttery crust and the silky, corn-studded interior. It’s no wonder this classic continues to win hearts across generations.

What makes corn pudding so special is how simple ingredients can transform into a deeply satisfying side that works with virtually any main dish. Whether you’re preparing a festive dinner or looking for an easy comfort food fix, this dish stands ready. It’s minimal on prep, generous on flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast once served.

Why You’ll Love This Corn Pudding Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, soft, and slightly sweet—it checks all the boxes for cozy indulgence.
Easy to Prepare: Made with pantry staples and no fancy techniques.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or casual family dinners.
Versatile Pairing: Works equally well with turkey, fried chicken, ham, or roasted veggies.
Kid-Friendly: Sweet corn and a custard-like base make this a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Bakes Beautifully: That golden-brown top isn’t just good-looking—it adds the perfect texture.
Customizable: Want a savory kick? Add cheese, bacon, or jalapeños.
Gluten-Free Option: Can be easily modified to fit dietary needs.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (And Why They Matter)

Before diving into the mixing and baking, assembling the right tools can streamline the process and ensure the perfect texture for your Corn Pudding.

Mixing Bowls: Use a large bowl for combining your wet and dry ingredients. A second, smaller bowl helps when whisking eggs separately or melting butter.
Whisk: Crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free custard base. It ensures eggs and dairy are properly emulsified.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for folding ingredients gently without overmixing.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters, especially with liquids and baking agents like sugar and flour.
Baking Dish (2–2.5 quart or 8×8 inch casserole dish): Ceramic or glass is ideal for even baking and a soft, golden crust.
Oven Thermometer (Optional but helpful): Corn pudding is sensitive to overbaking; accurate oven temperature keeps it silky rather than dry.
Cooking Spray or Butter for Greasing: Prevents sticking and gives the edges a beautifully crisp finish.

Preparation Tips

Room-Temperature Ingredients: Let eggs and dairy sit out for 15–20 minutes to ensure a smoother blend and even baking.
Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined. Overworking the batter can lead to a dense or rubbery texture.
Check for Doneness Without Guessing: Insert a knife in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Rest Before Serving: Give it 10 minutes out of the oven. This helps the custard set and makes slicing cleaner.
Double for a Crowd: This recipe scales well. Use a 9×13 inch dish if doubling, and adjust baking time accordingly.

Ingredients for This Corn Pudding Recipe

To achieve that perfect blend of creamy custard and sweet corn flavor, you’ll need just a handful of pantry and fridge staples. These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a luscious, golden-baked side dish.

Core Ingredients:

2 cans (15 oz each) whole kernel corn, drained
(Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and texture throughout the pudding.)
1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
(Enhances moisture and deepens the corn flavor.)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
(Infuses the pudding with richness and helps create a caramelized top.)
1 cup sour cream
(Lends a slight tang and contributes to the creamy, tender consistency.)
2 large eggs
(Bind everything together and give the pudding its soft custard structure.)
1 package (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix (like Jiffy)
(Provides a light structure and subtle sweetness.)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
(Optional but enhances the sweet corn flavor, especially if your corn isn’t very sweet.)
¼ teaspoon salt
(Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the corn.)

Optional Add-Ins (for variation):

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for a savory twist
½ teaspoon black pepper – adds mild spice
Chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) – for brightness
Diced jalapeños or green chiles – for heat lovers

Step-by-Step Instructions for Corn Pudding

Transforming these simple ingredients into a golden, creamy masterpiece only takes a few easy steps. Follow this guide and your Corn Pudding will turn out perfectly soft in the center with a gently caramelized top every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Your Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 2–2.5 quart baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and create a lightly crisped edge.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
Add the melted butter and sour cream to the eggs, whisking until completely combined.

Step 3: Add the Corn

Fold in both the drained whole kernel corn and the creamed corn.
Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and slightly thick.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in the corn muffin mix, salt, and optional sugar.
Mix until just combined—do not overmix, or you’ll lose that delicate custard texture.

Step 5: Pour and Smooth

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Use a spatula to smooth out the top evenly.

Step 6: Bake Until Set

Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil around the 35-minute mark.

Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Let the corn pudding rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. This helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing its texture.

Notes

Extra Tips to Elevate Your Corn Pudding

Texture Control: Want it ultra-smooth? Pulse the whole kernel corn in a food processor before mixing. Prefer more bite? Leave it as is.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the batter up to a day in advance. Just cover tightly and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
Sweet or Savory?: This recipe sits in the middle, but you can shift the balance. Add a little more sugar for a dessert-like feel, or fold in cheese and herbs for a savory edge.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for a warm, subtle kick.
Doubling Up: Feeding a crowd? Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch dish. Bake for 50–60 minutes, checking for doneness at 45.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overmixing the Batter: Stirring too much can activate the gluten in the muffin mix, making the pudding chewy instead of custardy.
Skipping the Rest Time: Cutting too soon after baking will leave you with a runny center. Let it settle.
Wrong Dish Size: Using a dish that’s too deep or too shallow can affect baking time and texture. Stick with a 2–2.5 quart dish or scale accordingly.
Not Draining the Corn: Excess liquid from the canned corn can make the pudding watery. Drain well before adding.
Overbaking: It’s easy to go from golden to dry. Begin checking around 40–45 minutes. The center should jiggle slightly but not slosh.

What to Serve With Corn Pudding?

Corn pudding’s rich, comforting flavor and velvety texture make it an all-star companion for both rustic home meals and festive gatherings. It shines as a side dish but can also be the cozy centerpiece of a vegetarian plate when styled right.

8 Recommendations

1. Roast Chicken or Turkey

Classic pairings that bring out the sweet-savory contrast. Corn pudding’s softness complements the crispy skin and juicy meat.

2. Honey-Glazed Ham

The sweet glaze on ham echoes the natural sweetness of the pudding, creating harmony on the plate—perfect for Easter or Christmas.

3. Southern Fried Chicken

The crunch of the chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy pudding. Add a drizzle of hot sauce for a Southern-style feast.

4. Barbecue Ribs or Pulled Pork

Smoky, saucy meats are a bold contrast to corn pudding’s mild sweetness. Great for summer cookouts or potlucks.

5. Grilled or Roasted Vegetables

Balance the richness with charred asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers. Adds color and freshness to your plate.

6. Chili or Hearty Stews

Corn pudding acts like a soft cornbread here—perfect for scooping or sopping up spicy sauces.

7. Salmon or White Fish

Lighter proteins like baked salmon or tilapia gain warmth from the pudding’s richness.

8. Crisp Green Salad

Keep it light and vibrant with a lemon vinaigrette. A great counterbalance to the pudding’s creamy base.

Storage Instructions

Keeping Corn Pudding Fresh and Delicious

Corn Pudding stores well, making it an ideal make-ahead side or leftover favorite. Here’s how to preserve its flavor and texture:

Refrigeration

Storage Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Storage Method: Transfer to an airtight container, or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
Reheating Tips: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds. For larger amounts, warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to retain moisture.

Freezing

Can You Freeze It? Yes, though the texture may become slightly softer upon thawing.
How to Freeze: Let the pudding cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe zip bag or container.
Freezer Life: Keeps well for up to 2 months.
Thawing & Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as directed above. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems dry.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 8 servings)

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown for a traditional corn pudding recipe (without cheese or extra add-ins):

Calories: 280–300 kcal
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 350mg
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g

Note: These values can vary depending on your brand of corn muffin mix, use of added sugar, and any extra ingredients like cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make corn pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

2. Is corn pudding the same as cornbread casserole?

They’re similar but not quite the same. Cornbread casserole tends to be more bread-like and dense, while corn pudding is creamier and more custard-like due to a higher ratio of eggs and dairy.

3. Can I use fresh or frozen corn instead of canned?

Yes! Substitute 2 cups of cooked fresh or frozen corn (thawed) for the canned whole kernel corn. You’ll still want to include creamed corn or make a homemade version to preserve that creamy texture.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, since traditional corn muffin mix contains wheat flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using a GF corn muffin mix like Krusteaz or making your own mix with cornmeal and gluten-free flour.

5. Why is my corn pudding runny in the middle?

It likely needed more bake time or didn’t cool long enough. The center should be just set—not jiggly like Jell-O. Let it rest at least 10–15 minutes after baking to firm up.

6. Can I add cheese to make it more savory?

Definitely. Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack cheese adds a delicious twist. Fold in about 1 cup after combining the other ingredients.

7. How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. It should no longer jiggle in the middle.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for a double batch. You may need to increase the baking time to 55–65 minutes—check doneness as usual.

Conclusion

Creamy, golden, and bursting with corn flavor, this Corn Pudding Recipe is the side dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re feeding a holiday crowd or just craving some down-home comfort, this simple yet satisfying dish hits all the right notes. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly versatile, and sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Pair it with your favorite mains or enjoy it as a cozy solo bite—just don’t expect leftovers.