Sweet Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole

This honey-glazed corn casserole transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The golden, slightly crisp top gives way to a moist, tender center that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

This casserole became my signature potluck contribution after bringing it to a neighborhood gathering last summer. Three different people asked for the recipe before the evening ended, and now it's requested at every family barbecue.

Ingredients

• Fresh corn kernels: adds natural sweetness and texture. Fresh is best when in season, but frozen works wonderfully too
• Creamed corn: creates moisture and richness throughout the casserole
• Sour cream: provides tanginess that balances the sweetness of honey and corn
• Shredded cheddar cheese: forms pockets of savory goodness. Use sharp cheddar for more flavor impact
• Honey: adds natural sweetness and creates that irresistible glaze. Local honey brings subtle floral notes
• Unsalted butter: creates richness and helps achieve that golden crust
• Cornmeal: provides structure and authentic corn flavor. Stone-ground cornmeal offers better texture
• Baking powder: ensures the casserole rises properly for a light texture
• Salt and pepper: enhances all flavors. Always use kosher salt for better distribution
• Garlic powder: adds subtle savory depth without overpowering
• Eggs: bind everything together for a cohesive casserole
• Chives or parsley: optional but adds fresh color and flavor contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients. Position the rack in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.

Create the Base Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the fresh corn kernels, creamed corn, sour cream, shredded cheese, honey, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly but gently to ensure even distribution of ingredients without breaking down the corn kernels. The mixture should look slightly lumpy but well integrated.

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk the cornmeal, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until perfectly combined. This prevents any pockets of baking powder or seasoning in the final dish.

Combine Wet and Dry Components:

Gradually add the dry mixture to your corn base, folding gently with a rubber spatula. Use a light hand to incorporate everything just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing will develop gluten and create a tough casserole.

Incorporate the Eggs:

Add the beaten eggs to the mixture and fold them in with gentle strokes. The eggs will help the casserole puff slightly while baking and create structure in the finished dish.

Transfer and Prepare for Baking:

Thoroughly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the dish and use your spatula to spread it evenly, paying special attention to the corners. A level surface ensures even baking.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for a golden brown surface and slight pulling away from the edges of the pan. The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle.

Rest and Serve:

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the casserole set up properly for cleaner slicing. Add fresh herbs just before bringing to the table for maximum visual impact.

Save

The honey is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its magic when I ran out of sugar one Thanksgiving and made this substitution out of necessity. The subtle floral notes and deeper sweetness completely transformed the dish, and I've never gone back to the original version.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for busy holiday meals because you can prepare it entirely the day before. Mix all ingredients according to the recipe, transfer to your baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. The flavors actually develop beautifully with a rest in the refrigerator.

Seasonal Variations

Summer brings the sweetest fresh corn, which elevates this casserole to spectacular heights. Cut kernels directly from the cob for the freshest flavor and natural sweetness. During winter months, good quality frozen corn makes a perfect substitute. For autumn gatherings, try adding 1/2 cup of roasted diced butternut squash and a pinch of cinnamon to create a seasonal twist that pairs beautifully with holiday meals. Spring versions shine with the addition of fresh herbs like dill and chives.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats, making it perfect alongside barbecue ribs, roasted chicken, or holiday ham. For a vegetarian meal, serve larger portions alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. It also makes a wonderful brunch dish when paired with fresh fruit and crispy bacon. During summer gatherings, serve it at room temperature alongside other potluck classics for a crowd-pleasing addition that works equally well with casual or elegant meals.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly in this casserole. Thaw the corn completely and drain any excess moisture before using. You'll need about 2 cups of thawed frozen corn to replace the fresh corn kernels in the recipe.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ Is there a substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream in this casserole. It provides similar tanginess and creaminess while reducing the fat content. Full-fat Greek yogurt works best for maintaining the rich texture.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be set and slightly pulling away from the sides of the baking dish.

→ Can I freeze leftover casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cut into portions and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.

→ What main dishes pair well with this corn casserole?

This versatile casserole pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef. It's also excellent alongside holiday turkey, ham, or as part of a barbecue spread. The sweet-savory flavor profile complements many main dishes.