This Sweet Honey Corn Casserole is the perfect comforting side dish for holidays, family dinners, and easy weeknight meals. This recipe delivers a moist, tender, spoonable casserole made with corn kernels, creamed corn, cornbread mix, butter, sour cream, and a touch of honey for irresistible sweetness. Whether you’re serving it next to chili, roasted chicken, or a festive holiday spread, this casserole adds a warm, home-baked touch to any meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Sweet Honey Corn Casserole
This casserole has everything people love about classic corn pudding, but with even more comfort and sweetness from real honey. It’s incredibly easy—just mix everything in one bowl, pour it into a baking dish, and bake. No special tools, no complicated steps, and no fail-points. It works for potlucks, Thanksgiving tables, Sunday dinners, or any night you want a warm and cozy side. Kids love the sweetness, adults love the texture, and everyone goes back for seconds.
Ingredients for Sweet Honey Corn Casserole
Main Casserole Ingredients
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1 can (14.75 oz) creamed corn
- 1 can (15.25 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup honey (or up to ⅓ cup for extra sweetness)
- ½ cup sour cream
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Cornbread Mix: Any standard boxed cornbread mix works. If you need gluten-free, choose a GF cornbread mix in the same size.
- Sour Cream: Swap with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, higher-protein option without losing creaminess.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt, but salted butter works fine.
- Honey: You can use maple syrup instead for a slightly deeper, richer sweetness.
- Corn: Frozen corn may be used—just thaw and use about 1½ cups.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and egg. Add the sour cream and honey, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 3 – Add the Corn
Stir in the canned creamed corn and drained whole kernel corn until everything is fully combined.
Step 4 – Add the Cornbread Mix
Pour in the cornbread mix and gently fold until incorporated. Don’t overmix—just combine until no dry pockets remain.
Step 5 – Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Spread the top evenly with a spatula. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but slightly soft.
Step 6 – Cool & Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes to set. Serve warm. You can drizzle a little extra honey or melted butter on top if you want even more richness.
Delicious Sweet Honey Corn Casserole
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Sweet Honey Corn Casserole is a warm, cozy, spoonable side dish made with corn kernels, creamed corn, cornbread mix, sour cream, butter, and sweet honey. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1 can (14.75 oz) creamed corn
- 1 can (15.25 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup honey (or up to 1/3 cup for extra sweetness)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch or 2-quart baking dish.
- Whisk together melted butter and egg. Add sour cream and honey; mix until smooth.
- Stir in creamed corn and drained whole kernel corn.
- Add cornbread mix and gently fold until combined.
- Pour batter into the baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and set in the center.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra honey if desired.
Notes
Do not overmix after adding the cornbread mix. Check doneness starting at 45 minutes. Let the casserole rest before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix after adding the cornbread mix—too much mixing can make the casserole dense.
- Check early at the 45-minute mark. Ovens vary, and you want a soft, tender center.
- Use room temperature ingredients if possible; they combine more smoothly.
- Let it rest before cutting or scooping—this helps the casserole hold its shape.
- Double the recipe for a 9×13 pan; just increase baking time by about 10 minutes.
- Add a bit of salt if using unsalted butter—just ⅛ teaspoon enhances flavor.
Flavor Variations
Try one of these fun twists if you want to change things up:
1. Cheesy Honey Corn Casserole
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a creamy, savory version.
2. Spicy Honey Corn Casserole
Mix in 1–2 chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to balance the sweetness.
3. Herb-Infused Version
Add fresh chives, thyme, or parsley for a bright and aromatic finish.
4. Maple Corn Casserole
Replace the honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-sweet flavor.
5. Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
Add 4 oz softened cream cheese to make the casserole extra rich and custardy.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet Honey Corn Casserole pairs beautifully with:
- Chili, stew, or soup
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Holiday ham alternatives like roasted chicken thighs or turkey breast
- Grilled meats
- BBQ dinners
- Holiday spreads like Thanksgiving or Christmas
It also makes a great potluck side since it stays moist even as it cools.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
Freezing
- Freeze tightly wrapped slices or the entire casserole for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Rewarm in a low oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~215 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 340mg |
(Values are estimates and may vary based on the brands used.)
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FAQ About Sweet Honey Corn Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is very make-ahead-friendly. You can mix the entire batter, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking directly from the fridge, add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time. You can also fully bake the casserole, cool it, and reheat it for holidays or potlucks.
What if I don’t have honey?
You can replace honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a bit of brown sugar. Honey adds moisture and depth, so if you swap it, the casserole may taste slightly different—but still delicious. Maple syrup provides the closest flavor match, while brown sugar makes it more cornbread-like.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The edges should be golden brown and slightly crisp, while the center remains tender but set. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), it’s ready. Overbaking will make it dry, so begin checking at the 45-minute mark.
Can I make this without sour cream?
Absolutely. You can use plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that keeps the same creamy texture. Some home cooks even mix half cream cheese and half yogurt for an extra rich, pudding-like texture.
Is this casserole sweet or savory?
This recipe leans sweet because of the honey and creamed corn, but it’s balanced by the cornbread mix and sour cream. If you want a more savory version, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons, add shredded cheese, or include diced jalapeños.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Sweet Honey Corn Casserole is one of the easiest, coziest side dishes you can make. With simple ingredients, warm flavors, and a soft, spoonable texture, it has everything you want in a comfort-food casserole. Whether you’re preparing a holiday spread or just serving a warm weeknight meal, this casserole brings homemade sweetness to the table every time.For more inspiration, check out this Easy Healthy Chicken Soup Loaded With Veggies or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!