Easy Jiffy Cornbread Casserole: The Ultimate Southern Side Dish
Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food: Jiffy Cornbread Casserole. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a creamy, buttery, and perfectly sweet sensation that captures the heart of Southern cooking with remarkable ease. While my Louisiana upbringing instilled in me the art of making cornbread from scratch, this incredibly quick version delivers all that rich, homemade flavor in half the time. It’s the ideal recipe for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or simply when you crave a taste of comforting nostalgia. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this versatile casserole earns a permanent spot in kitchens year-round.


If you love the simplicity of Jiffy, you’ll also adore my quick and easy Jiffy Cornbread Recipe.
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Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Jiffy Corn Casserole
Crafting this delicious Jiffy Corn Casserole requires a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the moist, flavorful, and irresistible texture that makes this dish a standout. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: This is the star of our speedy recipe, providing the foundational cornbread flavor and texture without the fuss of measuring multiple flours and leavening agents. It ensures a consistent, foolproof result every time, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Whole Kernel Corn: Beyond just adding corn flavor, the whole kernels contribute a delightful burst of sweetness and a satisfying textural contrast. It’s what truly distinguishes this from a simple cornbread, elevating it to a hearty “spoon bread” or corn pudding consistency. You can use canned (drained) or thawed frozen corn.
- Eggs: Eggs act as the primary binder in our casserole, holding all the ingredients together and giving the dish its structure. They also contribute to the overall richness and help create a beautifully golden crust.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient is a game-changer, infusing the casserole with incredible richness, a subtle tang, and most importantly, an unparalleled moistness. It prevents the cornbread from drying out, ensuring every bite is tender and creamy. For an extra rich casserole, opt for full-fat sour cream.
- Unsalted Butter, melted: Butter is essential for that classic, irresistible flavor and helps achieve a perfectly golden, slightly crisp edge on your casserole. Melting it ensures it fully incorporates into the batter, distributing its rich taste evenly.
- Milk: A standard ingredient in many baked goods, milk adds essential moisture to the batter, helping to create a smooth consistency and a tender crumb. Any type of milk, from whole to skim, will work, though whole milk will add more richness.
- Granulated Sugar or Sweetener: This is where you control the balance of sweet and savory. Depending on your preference and whether you’re serving it with a savory meal or as a sweet treat, you can adjust the amount or omit it entirely. Even without added sugar, the Jiffy mix provides a hint of sweetness.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Jiffy Corn Casserole
Making this Jiffy Corn Casserole is incredibly straightforward, perfect for any home cook looking for a delicious and easy side dish. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time. Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
- Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, grease your chosen baking vessel thoroughly with butter or a nonstick spray. A 12-inch cast iron skillet works wonderfully for a rustic presentation and a slightly crispier crust, while a 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for serving a crowd and easy slicing. Ensuring the dish is well-greased prevents sticking and helps the casserole achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix with your chosen amount of sugar or sweetener. Whisk them together until just blended. This step helps to evenly distribute the dry components before the wet ingredients are added.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Now, add the eggs, sour cream, milk, and melted butter to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spoon or spatula, stir everything together until just combined. The key here is not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and often lead to a more tender casserole. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher texture.
- Fold in the Corn: Gently fold in the drained whole kernel corn. Distribute the corn evenly throughout the batter without mashing it. This ensures that every bite of your casserole is packed with those delightful sweet corn kernels.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Bake the casserole uncovered for approximately 45-60 minutes. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven and the depth of your dish. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are beautifully golden brown and the center is set. To confirm doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready.
- Cool and Serve: While tempting to dive right in, allowing the casserole to cool completely before scooping or slicing is crucial for holding its shape. If you prefer neat, defined slices, patience is key. However, if you’re aiming for a more rustic, spoon bread (or corn pudding) texture, where a tender, creamy scoop is desired, serving it warm and slightly less set is perfectly acceptable and equally delicious!






The Complete Jiffy Corn Casserole Recipe
Brandi Crawford
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Equipment Essentials
- 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet
- 9×13 Baking Dish
Gather Your Ingredients
- 2 8.5 oz box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- ¼ cup sugar or sweetener Adjust to suit taste.
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter Melted; measured solid
- ¼-1/2 cup milk Any milk will work. I used whole milk.
- 2 15 oz cans of whole kernel corn Drained.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your chosen baking dish by greasing it generously with butter or a nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures easy removal and a beautiful crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix with your preferred amount of sugar or sweetener. Stir them together well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, laying the foundation for a perfectly balanced flavor.Ingredients: 2 8.5 oz box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, ¼ cup sugar or sweetener
- Add the wet ingredients: gently stir in the eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, and melted butter into the dry mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a slightly lumpy consistency is ideal and will result in a more tender and moist casserole.Ingredients: 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, ¼-1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs
- Carefully fold in the drained whole kernel corn. Distribute the corn evenly throughout the batter, ensuring every spoonful of the baked casserole will have a delightful burst of sweetness and texture.Ingredients: 2 15 oz cans of whole kernel corn
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is fully set. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your casserole is perfectly baked. The longer bake time will result in a firmer, sliceable casserole.
- For best results, allow the casserole to cool completely before attempting to scoop or slice. This cooling period helps the casserole set properly, preventing it from falling apart when served. If you’re aiming for a corn pudding or spoon bread texture, where a softer, creamier consistency is desired, serving it slightly warm is perfectly fine and often preferred!
Chef’s Notes for Best Results
When preparing this Jiffy Corn Casserole, a key decision is how you envision serving it. Whether you prefer neat squares from a baking dish or charming triangles from a cast iron skillet, the goal is always a satisfying portion. My grandmother often referred to the softer version as “spoonbread,” a creamy delight simply scooped onto a plate, and that’s a texture many adore.
If your preference leans towards clean, defined slices, allowing for a longer bake time, closer to the 60-minute mark, is essential. This extended baking helps the casserole firm up sufficiently to hold its shape beautifully. Conversely, if you’re like me and sometimes enjoy a super creamy, almost pudding-like consistency that’s easily spooned onto a plate, then a shorter bake time of around 45-50 minutes will achieve that wonderfully soft, falling-apart texture.
Regardless of your chosen method, both approaches guarantee a wonderfully moist and flavorful casserole. This recipe offers the flexibility to cater to your specific serving style and texture preference, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions
This Jiffy Cornbread Casserole recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these delicious variations and smart substitutions:
- Buttermilk instead of milk: For an extra tangy flavor and incredibly tender crumb, swap regular milk for buttermilk. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the leavening agents in the Jiffy mix, yielding a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Greek yogurt instead of sour cream: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative or just a slightly different tang, plain Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream. It will still provide creaminess and moisture, often with added protein.
- Honey instead of sugar: For a more natural sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor, replace granulated sugar with an equal amount of honey. This adds a lovely, nuanced sweetness that pairs beautifully with corn.
- Maple syrup instead of sugar: Similar to honey, pure maple syrup offers a distinct, warm sweetness that can elevate the casserole’s flavor profile, especially for a fall or winter dish.
- Almond milk instead of regular milk: To make the casserole dairy-free, simply use unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant-based milk) in place of cow’s milk. Ensure it’s plain to avoid altering the flavor profile.
- Gluten-free cornbread mix instead of Jiffy: For those with gluten sensitivities, many brands offer gluten-free cornbread mixes that can be used as a direct substitute for Jiffy. Always check package instructions for any slight variations in liquid requirements.
- Vegan butter instead of regular butter: To make the recipe fully vegan, use a good quality plant-based butter. This ensures the casserole remains rich and moist without any dairy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: A classic addition! Incorporate 1-2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the batter for a savory, cheesy twist. It melts beautifully into the casserole, adding a delightful gooey texture.
- Jalapeños: For a kick of heat, finely dice 1-2 fresh jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) and fold them into the batter. This is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Green onions: Add finely chopped green onions (scallions) to the batter for a mild onion flavor and a pop of color. They contribute a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Cooked crumbled bacon: For an undeniably savory and smoky element, stir in ½ to 1 cup of crispy cooked and crumbled bacon. It adds a delicious depth and textural crunch.
- Chopped fresh herbs: Experiment with finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, cilantro, or parsley. These can add a vibrant freshness and complexity to the casserole, depending on your pairing.
- Diced bell peppers: Add some finely diced red or green bell peppers for extra sweetness, a slight crunch, and a boost of color and vitamins.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg for sweet cornbread: If you’re aiming for a dessert-like corn casserole, add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. This turns it into a comforting, spiced treat.
Serving Suggestions: Casserole vs. Corn Pudding
How you serve this versatile Jiffy Corn Casserole can transform it from a structured side dish to a luxuriously creamy “spoonbread.” The first step is to consider your desired texture and presentation.
If you’re aiming for neat, individual portions, like squares from a baking dish or elegant triangles from a cast iron skillet, allow the casserole to cool completely after baking. This extended cooling period is crucial, as it gives the starches time to set and solidify, enabling clean cuts. Serving it this way makes it easy to handle and ideal for buffets or plated meals where presentation matters. I personally love a hearty “chunk” that holds its form, making it a satisfying addition to any plate.
However, if you’re seeking a softer, more indulgent experience, closer to what my granny would affectionately call “spoonbread” or corn pudding, then you can serve it slightly warm. For this creamier texture, you might even opt for the shorter end of the baking time (around 45-50 minutes) to keep it extra moist and tender, allowing it to be effortlessly spooned onto a plate. This almost custard-like consistency is incredibly comforting and melts in your mouth, making it a perfect accompaniment to saucy main dishes or stews.
Ultimately, both serving methods yield a moist and delicious casserole. The choice simply depends on whether you prioritize structured slices or a rich, creamy scoop. Either way, this Jiffy Cornbread Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for holiday planning or busy weeknights. You can mix all the ingredients together, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. For best results, allow the casserole to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven; this ensures more even baking.
Yes, frozen corn works wonderfully! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain it very well before adding it to your batter. Excess moisture from frozen corn can make your casserole watery and prevent it from setting properly. Pressing it with a paper towel can help remove extra liquid.
Certainly! If you prefer a less sweet or purely savory casserole, you can easily omit the granulated sugar. The Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix itself contains a slight sweetness, and the natural sugars in the corn will still provide a pleasant undertone, making for a delicious and balanced savory side.
To achieve an exceptionally creamy Jiffy Corn Casserole, focus on full-fat ingredients. Using full-fat sour cream and being generous with the melted butter are key. These rich components contribute significantly to the moist, velvety texture that many crave. You can also slightly under-bake it (closer to 45 minutes) if you desire a spoonbread-like consistency.
Yes, you can easily double this recipe, making it perfect for larger gatherings or meal prepping. If doubling, simply use a larger baking dish (e.g., a full sheet pan or two 9×13-inch dishes) and be prepared to extend the baking time. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick until the center is fully set and the edges are golden.
Absolutely! Making this casserole dairy-free is quite simple. You can swap in a good quality dairy-free sour cream, use plant-based butter (such as a vegan butter stick), and choose your favorite non-dairy milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. These substitutions will help you achieve a delicious dairy-free version without compromising flavor or texture.
Leftover Jiffy Corn Casserole should be stored in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. When properly stored, it will maintain its freshness and flavor for up to 4 days, making it great for enjoying throughout the week.
To reheat Jiffy Corn Casserole without it becoming dry, it’s best to warm it gently. For larger portions, place the casserole in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C), covered loosely with foil, until heated through. For individual slices, a microwave works well; place a damp paper towel over the slice before heating to help retain moisture.
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Once baked, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil (or place in an airtight freezer-safe container) and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Corn Casserole
Jiffy Corn Casserole is a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses, especially those with Southern and comfort food roots. Its creamy sweetness provides a perfect balance to savory proteins and other hearty sides. You can’t go wrong with classic Southern fried chicken, Southern fried catfish, Cajun roasted turkey, or other comforting dishes. For a complete meal, pair it with sides like collard greens with smoked turkey, and Southern candied sweet potatoes. It also pairs wonderfully with barbecue, grilled meats, or holiday feasts.
Explore More Cornbread Delights
If you love the comfort and versatility of cornbread, then you’re in for a treat! Cornbread is a cornerstone of Southern cuisine, offering endless variations from sweet to savory, fluffy to dense. Dive deeper into the world of this beloved staple with these additional recipes, each bringing its own unique flavor and texture to your table:
Southern Soul Food Cornbread Muffins
Soul Food Sweet Potato Cornbread
Southern Cornbread Recipe
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Keto Low Carb Cornbread
Chicken and Dressing
Southern Cornbread Casserole
