Deliciously Creamy Scalloped Corn Recipe: The Perfect Comfort Side Dish

Scalloped Corn is a delightful comfort food side dish that's a perfect blend of creamy corn, crunchy Ritz crackers, and optional cheddar cheese for extra richness. It’s one of those recipes that instantly brings warmth to the table with its golden, bubbling top and flavorful corn filling. Whether you're serving it during a family gathering or as a cozy weeknight side, this scalloped corn recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first discovered this recipe on Insanely Good Recipes, and I’m excited to share it with you! This dish is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you're craving something comforting and delicious. The crunch from the Ritz crackers and the savory flavor from melted butter and cheese (if you choose to add it) make this recipe stand out from the typical corn casserole.

Historically, scalloped dishes have been a popular choice in American cuisine since the 19th century, and "scalloped" typically refers to a baked dish with a breadcrumb or cracker topping. This particular scalloped corn recipe embodies the spirit of hearty, home-cooked goodness.

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cream-style corn
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• ½ cup butter, melted, divided
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray, then set it aside.
2. Mix the Corn Filling: In a large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, then stir in both the cream-style corn and the drained whole kernel corn. Add in 1½ cups of the crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), ¼ cup melted butter, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well combined.
3. Prepare the Casserole: Pour the corn mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining butter with the rest of the crushed crackers and Parmesan cheese (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the corn filling.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before serving hot.

Cooking Tips:

• Draining Corn Properly: Make sure to drain the whole kernel corn well to avoid a soggy casserole.
• For a Sweeter Twist: If you prefer a sweeter scalloped corn, you can add ½ to 1 tablespoon of sugar and skip the cheese.
• Topping Variations: While Ritz crackers are a classic choice, feel free to swap them for other options like saltines, Club crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips or French-fried onions for extra crunch and flavor.

Recipe Variations:

For those looking to tweak this recipe based on dietary needs, you can easily make it vegetarian by ensuring all the ingredients used are plant-based. If you want a lower-carb option, you could substitute the crackers with almond flour or ground flaxseeds for the topping.

This scalloped corn casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, like turkey or ham, making it an ideal holiday side. Alternatively, serve it alongside a fresh green salad to balance out the creamy richness.

So, if you’re looking for the best homemade scalloped corn recipe, this version is incredibly easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Be sure to share this recipe with friends and family, and follow me for more delicious recipes like this one.

Enjoy this tasty dish that has earned its place as a family classic!