The Ultimate Ina Garten Corn Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Corn casserole embodies the heart of rustic comfort food with its irresistible blend of creamy textures and vibrant flavors.

Kitchens come alive when this golden-hued dish starts simmering in the oven.

Rich ingredients transform simple corn into a luxurious side that feels like a warm embrace.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this recipe elevates humble kernels into something spectacular.

The magic happens when sharp cheese melts into soft ricotta, creating a silky backdrop for sweet corn.

Each spoonful promises a delightful combination of crisp edges and tender center.

Summer gatherings and family dinners become memorable moments with this crowd-pleasing specialty.

Tips That Help the Corn Shine

• Maximize Corn Sweetness: Select ripe, in-season corn for the most vibrant and natural sweetness. Summer months offer the juiciest kernels with maximum flavor.
• Cheese Blending Trick: Whisk ricotta and cornmeal gently to prevent lumps. Smooth incorporation ensures a creamy, uniform texture throughout the casserole.
• Herb Chopping Secret: Use a sharp knife and rock the blade through basil leaves to release essential oils. Finely chopped herbs distribute more evenly and intensify the overall flavor profile.
• Baking Precision: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This settling time helps the dish set and makes serving cleaner and more attractive.
• Temperature Control: Allow ingredients like eggs and cheese to reach room temperature before mixing. This technique helps create a more consistent and smoother blend.

Storing Corn Casserole the Right Way

• Freezing Method: Divide corn casserole into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each portion in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place inside freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal texture. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Refrigeration Method: Cool casserole completely at room temperature before storing. Transfer to airtight glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to seal in freshness and prevent moisture absorption. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator to extend shelf life.
• Reheating Method: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore original creamy consistency and prevent potential texture changes during reheating.

Flavorful Takes on Corn Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Corn Burst: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a sprinkle of cumin to bring zesty Mexican-inspired flavors to the classic corn casserole. Replace basil with fresh cilantro for an extra authentic southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Corn Fusion: Swap basil for oregano and thyme, incorporate crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar, and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-style transformation that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Smoky Bacon Corn Comfort: Crisp and crumble bacon pieces into the mixture, use smoked cheddar cheese, and add a dash of smoked paprika to create a rich, indulgent version that brings deep, savory notes to the original corn casserole.
• Vegetable Garden Corn Medley: Mix in diced bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet corn kernels for a colorful, nutrient-packed variation that adds more texture and freshness to the classic dish.

Recap of Corn Casserole Favorites

Corn casserole emerges as a delightful culinary canvas where Ina Garten’s expertise shines through.

Creamy textures mingle with sweet corn kernels, creating a symphonic harmony of flavors.

Ricotta and cheddar cheese elevate this dish beyond ordinary side offerings.

Southern comfort meets gourmet sophistication in each carefully crafted bite.

Warm memories of family gatherings dance across palate landscapes.

Passionate cooks and casual diners alike will savor this irresistible recipe that whispers comfort and celebration – so share this delectable discovery, spread kitchen joy, and let your taste buds embark on a delicious adventure.

Why Corn Casserole Is Always a Hit

• Savor Creamy Corn Comfort: This casserole delivers a luxurious, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, combining sweet corn with rich dairy for an ultimate comfort food experience.
• Elevate Simple Ingredients: Transforms basic pantry staples like corn, eggs, and cheese into a gourmet side dish that looks and tastes far more sophisticated than its humble components.
• Master Easy Baking Technique: Uses a foolproof water bath method that ensures even cooking and prevents the casserole from drying out, making it nearly impossible to mess up for home cooks of any skill level.

Ingredients Behind Ina’s Corn Casserole

Main Components:

• Fresh Corn: Sweet and tender corn kernels that provide the primary flavor and texture of the casserole.
• Milk, Half-and-Half: Creamy liquids that help create a smooth, rich base for the casserole.
• Ricotta Cheese: Soft cheese that adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides a tangy, rich flavor to the dish.

• Eggs: Essential for structure and helping the casserole set properly.
• Cornmeal: Adds thickness and traditional corn pudding texture to the casserole.

• Onion: Provides a subtle aromatic base and depth of flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the corn and onion.
• Basil: Fresh herb that brings a light, aromatic touch to the casserole.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the casserole.
• Sugar: Balances the flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the corn.

How to Make Corn Casserole Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Warm up your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Generously grease an 8 to 10-cup baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sauté Corn and Onion

• Fresh corn kernels
• Chopped onions

Sauté over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes until ingredients become soft and fragrant. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Half-and-half

Blend until ingredients are perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

• Cornmeal
• Ricotta cheese

Stir until the mixture becomes silky and lump-free.

Step 6: Build Flavor Profile

• Fresh basil
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sautéed corn and onion mixture
• Grated cheddar cheese

Step 7: Bake with Water Bath

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top.

Place the dish inside a larger pan filled halfway with hot tap water.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes.

Serve warm as a comforting side dish that’ll make everyone smile.

Ina Garten Corn Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s corn casserole delivers creamy, comforting Southern-style goodness straight from the Barefoot Contessa’s kitchen. Rich with buttery corn kernels and a golden, crispy top, this dish promises to become a crowd-pleasing side that pulls everyone closer around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups fresh yellow corn kernels cut off the cob (6 to 8 ears)
• 4 extra-large eggs
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup (6 ounces) grated extra-sharp cheddar, plus extra to sprinkle on top

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• ¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup half-and-half

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 onion)
• ½ cup yellow cornmeal
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius), creating an optimal environment for baking the corn pudding.
2. Thoroughly coat an 8 to 10-cup (2 to 2.4 liters) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the pudding from adhering to the sides.
3. Melt unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, then add fresh corn kernels and finely chopped onions, sautéing for approximately 4 minutes until the vegetables become tender and slightly translucent.
4. Remove the corn and onion mixture from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes, preventing the eggs from scrambling when combined.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whisk whole eggs, whole milk, and half-and-half until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
6. Gradually incorporate cornmeal into the liquid ingredients, stirring continuously to eliminate any potential lumps.
7. Fold in ricotta cheese, ensuring a creamy and consistent texture throughout the mixture.
8. Add fresh chopped basil, granulated sugar, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, the sautéed corn and onion mixture, and grated cheddar cheese, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
9. Transfer the pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and sprinkling additional grated cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
10. Place the baking dish inside a larger pan and carefully fill the outer pan with hot tap water, creating a water bath that promotes even cooking.
11. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top achieves a golden-brown color and a knife inserted into the center emerges clean.
12. Remove from the oven and let the corn pudding rest for 5 minutes before serving warm, allowing the dish to set and intensify its flavors.

Notes

• Summer’s sweet corn bursts with flavor when sliced directly from the cob, bringing unmatched freshness to this dish.
• Whisking ingredients creates a silky smooth texture that guarantees every bite is perfectly blended and creamy.
• Finely chopped basil leaves distribute aromatic herbs evenly, infusing the casserole with bright, garden-fresh notes.
• Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking, helping ingredients settle and making slicing easier.
• Room temperature eggs and cheese blend more seamlessly, preventing lumps and ensuring a consistent mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 334 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg