Description
Loaded Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish combining savory and creamy textures with a rich blend of cheddar cheese, bacon, and green chilies. This easy-to-make casserole blends classic cornbread with creamy corn and tangy sour cream, then topped with melted butter and cheese for a decadent finish. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion where comforting, hearty food is desired.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 box Cornbread Mix (Consider using homemade for an extra touch.)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt is a lighter substitute option.)
- 1 can Cream-Style Corn (Regular corn blended works too!)
- 1 can Green Chilies (Swap with jalapeños for more heat.)
- 2 whole Eggs (Essential for the casserole’s structure.)
- 1/2 cup Melted Butter (Olive oil is a healthier swap if desired.)
Add-Ins
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Reserve some for topping.)
- 1 cup Chopped Cooked Bacon (Turkey bacon is a lighter alternative.)
- 1 cup Diced Green Onions (Chives can be used instead.)
Seasonings
- Salt to taste (Essential seasoning for taste.)
- Pepper to taste (Essential seasoning for taste.)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Cornbread Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the box of cornbread mix with sour cream, cream-style corn, green chilies, eggs, and melted butter. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated to form a smooth batter.
- Add Cheese, Bacon, and Onions: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and diced green onions gently into the batter. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are balanced.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Pour Batter into Dish: Transfer the mixed batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle reserved shredded cheddar cheese on top for an appealing cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the casserole is set, golden on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into 8 equal portions. Serve warm as a hearty side dish or comfort main course.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- For extra spice, swap green chilies with jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Greek yogurt can replace sour cream to reduce fat content without losing creaminess.
- Ensure not to overbake to maintain moistness; check doneness with a toothpick.
- This casserole stores well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully.
