Loaded Cornbread Casserole – Southern Comfort in Every Bite Recipe
Loaded Cornbread Casserole is a comforting Southern dish that elevates traditional cornbread with creamy, cheesy, and savory ingredients. This hearty casserole blends cornbread mix with sour cream, cream-style corn, green chilies, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions for a rich and flavorful meal or side. It’s perfect for family dinners, BBQ feasts, or holiday gatherings, offering a cozy and indulgent experience in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly and thoroughly.
- Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cornbread mix, sour cream, cream-style corn, drained green chilies, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, diced green onions, eggs, and melted butter. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference and stir everything until well incorporated for a smooth batter.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or skillet to prevent sticking, then pour in the cornbread mixture. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. This will create a delicious, golden, cheesy crust as the casserole bakes.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow it to set properly. Then slice and enjoy warm as a main course or comforting side dish.
Notes
- For extra heat, substitute the green chilies with diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- Protein variations include adding cooked sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham for a different flavor profile.
- Enhance cheesiness by mixing in mozzarella or sprinkling Parmesan on top before baking.
- Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or frozen corn kernels to boost the vegetable content.
- For a subtle sweet-savory twist, add a tablespoon of honey to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes, optionally adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it moist.
Keywords: cornbread casserole, southern casserole, cheesy casserole, baked cornbread, comfort food, savory casserole, cornbread side dish
