Scalloped Corn Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s both creamy and delightfully crispy, then you’re going to fall head over heels for Scalloped Corn. This recipe blends the sweet, tender kernels of corn with a luscious custard-like base and a golden, buttery cracker topping, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast or just craving a cozy addition to your weekday dinner, Scalloped Corn delivers warmth and nostalgia with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are incredibly straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and crunch in this dish. Plus, most of them are pantry staples, making it an easy recipe to pull together whenever the craving hits.

• Cream-style corn (2 cans, 15 oz each): Provides that smooth, velvety base that makes every bite comforting and rich.
• Whole kernel sweet corn (1 can, drained): Adds texture and bursts of natural sweetness throughout the casserole.
• Large eggs (3, beaten): Acts as the binding agent to hold everything together with a custardy finish.
• Crushed Ritz crackers (1 ½ cups, divided): The secret to that irresistible crispy, buttery topping and some crunch inside.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup or 1 stick, melted, divided): Butter brings richness and helps the cracker topping brown beautifully.
• Paprika (½ teaspoon): A subtle smoky note that complements the sweet corn perfectly.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just enough warmth and balance.
• Chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh pop of color and mild herbal brightness to finish the dish.

How to Make Scalloped Corn

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s perfectly hot and ready. Then grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your scalloped corn won’t stick and will be easy to serve up in perfect portions.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Corn Base

In a large bowl, combine the cream-style corn, drained whole kernel sweet corn, beaten eggs, ¾ cup of the crushed Ritz crackers, and half of the melted butter. Stir it until everything is evenly incorporated. This mixture creates the luscious, satisfying texture that is at the heart of Scalloped Corn — creamy and substantial but still light enough to keep the dish from feeling heavy.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour your combined corn mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula so that the corn cooks uniformly and every bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures once baked.

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Topping

In a smaller bowl, mix the remaining ¾ cup of crushed Ritz crackers with the rest of the melted butter, along with paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well until the cracker crumbs are thoroughly coated with butter and spices. This topping is what transforms the casserole with a beautiful golden crunch and that addictive buttery flavor.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the corn mixture in your baking dish. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, keeping an eye out for a bubbling casserole with a deeply golden brown crust. This baking step melds all the incredible flavors together while creating that signature crispy topper we all crave in scalloped dishes.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the scalloped corn rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This brief rest period lets the dish set up so it’s easier to portion. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to complement the rich, buttery casserole.

How to Serve Scalloped Corn

Garnishes

While the classic Scalloped Corn recipe is delightful on its own, finishing it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only makes it visually appealing but also adds a subtle freshness that cuts through the buttery richness. For an extra touch, a light dusting of smoked paprika on top can amp up the depth of flavor.

Side Dishes

Scalloped Corn pairs beautifully with a variety of mains, especially roasted chicken, ham, or grilled steaks. It’s the perfect comforting side for holiday meals or family dinners, balancing savory proteins with its creamy sweetness and crunchy topping.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get fancy, try serving individual portions of scalloped corn in ramekins or small gratin dishes. It elevates the dish for dinner parties and makes it feel more special. You can also add a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese inside the mix or on top before baking for a cheesy twist that adds gooey indulgence alongside the classic cracker crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Scalloped Corn into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful as fresh.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Wrap the baked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through and bubbling again. You can remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the topping once more.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh corn kernels add a wonderful texture and sweetness. Just cook and slightly soften them before mixing, and consider reducing added liquid slightly since fresh corn tends to be juicier.

Is there a dairy-free version of Scalloped Corn?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy creamed corn or make your own cream-style corn with dairy-free milk and thickener. It won’t be quite the same, but it’s still delicious!

What can I use if I don’t have Ritz crackers?

Crunchy, buttery crackers like saltines or buttery bread crumbs work well as substitutes. Just crush them finely to mimic the texture and use the same quantity for the topping and mix-ins.

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Definitely! Grated cheddar or Parmesan folded into the mixture or sprinkled on top adds a rich, tangy bonus that complements the sweet corn beautifully.

How do I know when the Scalloped Corn is done baking?

It’s ready when the casserole is bubbling around the edges, and the cracker topping has turned a lovely golden brown. If it’s browned but not bubbling yet, give it a few more minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

Final Thoughts

Scalloped Corn is one of those joyfully simple dishes that never disappoints. Its blend of creamy sweetness and crunchy topping is pure comfort in every forkful. Whether you’re adding it to your holiday table or making it for a family dinner, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a timeless classic that warms the heart and pleases every palate.

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