As I was savoring the last bites of my grandmother’s Scalloped Corn, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. This delicious dish is a staple in Southern kitchens, especially around Thanksgiving, where comfort food reigns supreme. The creamy texture combined with sweet morsels creates a sumptuous side that elevates any festive meal. Not only is this recipe a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also a quick prep that can be made ahead of time, giving you the freedom to focus on the turkey and the family gathering. As we dive into the ultimate Southern Thanksgiving feast, I can’t wait to share my favorite classic recipes that embody warmth and tradition. Ready to bring a slice of Southern charm to your holiday table? Let’s get cooking!
Why Is Scalloped Corn So Irresistible?
Comforting flavors: This dish blends creamy richness with the natural sweetness of corn, creating a taste sensation that keeps guests coming back for more.
Easy to make ahead: Prepare this delightful side dish in advance, allowing you to concentrate on more complex recipes like the honey glazed ham or sweet potato casserole.
Hands-off baking: Once it’s in the oven, you can join your family without needing to hover at the stove.
Perfect for gatherings: Its hearty texture and flavor make it a standout choice on any Thanksgiving table, complementing everything from collard greens to pecan pie.
Scalloped Corn Ingredients
• A smooth blend of flavors awaits!
For the Corn Mixture
- Canned Corn – Use sweet whole kernel corn for that burst of flavor.
- Cream Style Corn – This adds a creamy base and enhances the overall texture.
- Butter – Richness is key; unsalted works best to control the seasoning.
- Milk – Full-fat milk ensures a decadent creaminess that complements the corn.
- Eggs – These bind the ingredients together, giving the dish a custard-like consistency.
For the Seasonings
- Sugar – Just a touch elevates the corn’s natural sweetness and balances flavors.
- Salt – Essential to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Black Pepper – Freshly cracked for a bit of warmth; adjust to your preference.
- Onion Powder – A hint of savoriness that rounds out the flavor profile.
Optional Topping
- Bread Crumbs – For a crunchy topping; mix with a little melted butter for extra flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sprinkling cheese on top adds a delightful richness and gooey texture.
This Scalloped Corn will surely impress your guests with its comforting qualities!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Scalloped Corn
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that golden, bubbling top on your scalloped corn. While the oven warms up, gather your mixing bowls and baking dish, ensuring everything is ready for assembly.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine both the canned corn and cream-style corn, creating a luscious base. Add in melted butter, milk, and eggs, stirring until everything is well blended. The mixture should appear smooth and a delightful yellow hue, ready to bring warmth to your Southern Thanksgiving feast.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in sugar, salt, black pepper, and onion powder to enhance the scalloped corn’s flavor. Ensure you mix thoroughly, so every sweet morsel captures the seasoning. Taste a small spoonful to adjust seasoning as needed, inviting that comforting flavor to shine through.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the prepared corn mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly for a uniform bake. This will help ensure that each scoop of scalloped corn has that perfect custard-like texture everyone loves.
Step 5: Add Optional Toppings
If desired, top your scalloped corn with breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for an added layer of flavor and crunch. The breadcrumbs will achieve a beautiful crisp topping, while the cheese turns gooey and melts into perfection as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake the Corn
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is a lovely golden brown. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, as this visual cue means your scalloped corn is achieving that delightful, inviting texture.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the scalloped corn from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This cooling time allows it to set up perfectly, making it easier to scoop. Serve it warm as a heartwarming side that will surely wow your guests during your Southern Thanksgiving feast!
Storage Tips for Scalloped Corn
Fridge: Store leftover scalloped corn in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This delicious dish retains its creamy texture when properly sealed and chilled.
Freezer: If you need to keep it longer, freeze scalloped corn in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for convenience!
Reheating: To reheat, place scalloped corn in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning while warming it through. Enjoy the comforting flavors as if it were freshly made!
Expert Tips for Scalloped Corn
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Use Quality Corn: Opt for sweet whole kernel corn and cream-style corn for the best flavor. Fresh or frozen corn can work too, but canned brings that classic comfort.
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Pre-Bake Butter: Melt the butter before adding to the mixture to ensure it blends smoothly, enhancing the creamy texture of the scalloped corn.
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Taste Before Baking: Always taste the seasoned corn mixture before it goes into the oven. Adjust salt and sugar as needed for a perfectly balanced flavor.
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Crispy Topping Tips: For an extra crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and a sprinkle of cheese. This adds texture and enhances the final presentation.
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Let it Rest: Allow the scalloped corn to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set properly and makes serving easier while enhancing the overall texture.
What to Serve with The Ultimate Southern Thanksgiving Feast
Transform your holiday gathering into a memorable feast with perfectly paired dishes that encompass the warmth and richness of Southern tradition.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture complements the honey glazed ham beautifully, making each bite an indulgent experience.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a crispy, caramelized element that balances the creaminess of dishes like scalloped corn and sweet potato casserole.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce cuts through the richness, balancing the sweetness of the ham and casseroles.
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Cornbread Muffins: Serve these fluffy muffins warm for the perfect side that meshes seamlessly with the cornbread dressing, adding a delightful crunch.
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Macaroni and Cheese: Its gooey, cheesy goodness offers a comforting contrast to savory sides, making it an irresistible choice for families.
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Collard Greens Salad: A fresh element, these greens bring a light bite to the table, while the bacon and vinegar dressing highlight Southern flavors.
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Sweet Tea: This classic beverage perfectly complements the savory notes of your feast, offering refreshment with its sweet and soothing profile.
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Pecan Pie: A sweet ending to your meal, this pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
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Chocolate Chess Pie: Serve alongside coffee for a deep, rich dessert that adds a touch of indulgence and warmth to the end of the meal.
Variations & Substitutions for Scalloped Corn
Unlock the magic of scalloped corn by exploring these delightful twists that will tantalize your taste buds!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk and coconut cream for traditional milk and butter for a creamy vegan option. This alternative brings a subtle sweetness and a whole new dimension to your dish.
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Cheesy Delight: Add sharp cheddar or Gruyère to the corn mixture to elevate the flavor profile. The rich, melted cheese forms a delightful crust that will have everyone talking about your scalloped corn.
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Spicy Twist: Incorporate jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick. The heat balances beautifully with the sweetness of the corn and gives a fresh twist that adventurous eaters will love.
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Herbed Flavor: Sprinkle in fresh herbs like thyme or chives for a refreshing taste. The herbs add an aromatic layer that pairs wonderfully with the creamy base, making your scalloped corn even more inviting.
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Protein Boost: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for a savory punch. Adding protein transforms the dish into a heartier side, perfect for a festive feast.
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Sweet Variation: Mix in caramelized onions or sautéed bell peppers for sweetness and depth. These veggies not only enhance the flavor but also add lovely color and texture.
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Gluten-Free: Replace bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or use cornflake crumbs for a crispy topping. This simple switch keeps everyone at the table happy and satisfied.
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Seasonal Flavors: During fall, consider adding pumpkin puree to the mix for a seasonal touch. The pumpkin adds creaminess and a hint of earthiness, making your dish perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Feel free to get creative and adapt these suggestions to fit your family’s tastes! You might just find a new favorite variation to accompany your delicious scalloped corn. Don’t forget to pair your meal with sides like Scalloped Sweet Potatoes for a comforting Thanksgiving feast that everyone will cherish.
Make Ahead Options
These Scalloped Corn dishes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the corn mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine the canned corn, cream-style corn, butter, milk, and eggs, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the creamy texture, it’s best to refrigerate the mixture, being careful not to let it sit at room temperature for too long. When you’re ready to serve, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, add your optional toppings like breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until golden brown. This way, you’ll save time and still enjoy all the delicious flavors of scalloped corn!
Scalloped Corn Recipe FAQs
What type of corn is best for scalloped corn?
I recommend using a combination of sweet whole kernel corn and cream-style corn for the best flavor and texture. Canned corn is perfect for that comforting, nostalgic taste, but you can also use fresh or frozen corn if you prefer. Just make sure to drain it well.
How do I store leftover scalloped corn?
Store leftover scalloped corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its creamy consistency and delicious flavors. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, just be sure to thaw it completely before reheating.
Can I make scalloped corn ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the corn mixture a day ahead — just assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, pop it into the oven; it may need an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time, but trust me, the flavors will meld beautifully!
What should I do if my scalloped corn is too watery?
If you find your scalloped corn is too watery, try adding a little more breadcrumbs or cheese to absorb the excess moisture. You could also bake it longer at 350°F (175°C) uncovered to allow steam to escape, helping to thicken the dish.
Is scalloped corn suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
For those lactose-intolerant, try using lactose-free milk and margarine in place of butter. Just keep an eye on the labels of canned corn for any added ingredients if you have allergies. Also, you can skip the cheese topping to keep it dairy-free.
Can I freeze scalloped corn?
Yes, you can certainly freeze scalloped corn! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, bake the frozen dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covering it with foil to avoid excessive browning.
Scalloped Corn: Creamy Comfort That Will Wow Your Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine canned corn and cream-style corn.
- Add melted butter, milk, and eggs; stir until well blended.
- Sprinkle in sugar, salt, black pepper, and onion powder; mix thoroughly.
- Grease a 2-quart baking dish and pour in the corn mixture.
- Top with breadcrumbs and cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake for 45 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
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