Are you craving for an easy but tasty baked dish? If it is yes, then you are at the right point. A gluten-free healthy yummy crunchy cuisine is a dream of every person.

     Cornbread casserole is a recipe belonging to native Americans. They first grind corn kernels into powder and make bread with it. This recipe has the goodness of corn, dairy, and farm products. These products include butter, cheese, eggs, meat, and chicken.

A Short History of Cornbread Casserole

Cornbread Casserole is a Native American cuisine. Native Americans developed multiple recipes using corn. However, after being adopted by European settlers, the recipe became derivative of American Native culture. Therefore, today in this modern era, we find different types of cornbread recipes.

Here are some more facts about cornbread casserole

     This recipe is not only easy to make but also healthy and tasty. This dish can delight any food lover. Its golden color is attractive, and its creamy, tangy taste can change the mood. No one can ignore its warm and heartfelt appearance on the table.

      It could be a Thanksgiving party or a New Year’s Eve. But, even if it’s not a special occasion, cornbread casserole can steal the show. It’s golden brown and has a catchy aroma. 

     The easy-to-find ingredients, quick prep time, and hassle-free method bring a new level. Even kids can prepare it. A perfect combo of sweet and sour taste with crunchy corn kernels is a refreshment on a platter.

Best time to enjoy Cornbread Casserole

     There is no particular time for it. You can serve this recipe as an appetizer or in a main course. You can consume it as a snack at any time. Even one can easily enjoy it at bedtime too. You can store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for half a week. Before having it, do not forget to reheat the dish in the microwave.

Recipe essentials

       Before starting preparation, you must collect the required items properly mentioned below. These ingredients are easily available in the market.

(For serving 6 people)

  • Honey cornbread muffin mix – 1 cup (You can also use regular corn powder)
  • Whole kernel corn (drained)   – 1 can
  • Creamed corn – 1 can
  • Sour cream – ¼ cup
  • Melted butter – 6 tablespoons
  • Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup
  • Eggs –  2 whisked
  • Salt – As per taste
  • Milk – If required
  • Sugar (Optional)
  • Vanilla essence (If you wish to curb egg odor)

Preparation

Before starting cooking you must preheat your oven at 375 degrees. It may vary with different ovens.

  • Preheated oven.
  • Baking tray greased with butter or baking spray.
  • Mix all the ingredients mentioned above properly.
  • Spread the batter into the baking tray.
  • Bake it for 40-45 minutes.
  • After baking it properly, cut it into square pieces.

Nutrition Values

Cornbread casserole contains valuable nutrients which are a must in any healthy diet chart. Here are they –

  • Total Fat – 15 g
  • Cholesterol – 63 mg
  • Sodium – 334 mg
  • Carbohydrates – 21 g
  • Dietary Fiber – 1.9 g
  • Sugar – 6.2 g
  • Protein – 3.7 g
  • Vitamin D – 0.2 mcg
  • Calcium – 39 mg
  • Iron – 0.8 mg
  • Potassium – 111.4 mg 
  • Caffeine – 0 mg
  • Calories – 228 (Amount per serving)     

Side dishes for cornbread casserole

     A dish becomes more enjoyable with perfect side dishes. Here are some side dishes you can make and serve with it.

  • Chili.
  • Chicken with gravy.
  • Cheesy potatoes.
  • Traditional fried chicken.
  • Chili beans.
  • Meatloaf.
  • Any hearty soup. 
  • Beef stew.
  • Baked beans, pinto beans, black beans.
  • Barbeque meat.

Points to keep in mind

To make your dish easy and really enjoyable, you must remember and maintain these tips and follow it properly.

  • Corn kernels must be drained properly.
  • Check the cornbread casserole with a clean toothpick during baking. As baking time varies with ovens.
  • An ovenproof baking tray with a size of 7*11 or as needed.
  • Must grease the baking tray with butter or cooking spray.
  • Not to stir the batter too much. It may make it dry.
  • Once the color becomes golden brown, be alert.
  • Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate it.
  • If you bring it out from the refrigerator, you must reheat it in the microwave.
  • While spreading the batter in a baking tray make sure the absence of air bubbles.

Why use corn instead of all refined flour

Refined flour or maida has many bad impacts on your health. It can gain weight quickly, make you crave sweets, increase bad cholesterol, and mood swings, and give you high blood pressure. In short, maida leads you to obesity.

On the other hand, corn is free from preservatives and synthetic substances. It is a good source of minerals and amino acids. Fiber keeps the digestive system in good condition, which leads to good health.

Difference between cornbread casserole and corn casserole

In a corn casserole, you have to mix whole corn kernels and creamy corn along with cornbread, cheese, butter sour cream etc.

Risk factor in a cornbread casserole

Besides health benefits, there are some risks too. A person who prefers a low-carb diet may avoid it. Corn contains a high amount of carbohydrates.

Some varieties of cornbread casserole

Adding fish (tuna), ground meat, or chicken can bring variety to this recipe. Here are some variations:-

Cowboy Skillet Casserole – use ground beef. In this recipe, you have to prepare the meat separately with onion and spices as per requirement. Place the meat in a baking tray and spread the batter over it.

  • Corn dog Casserole – use hotdog
  • Barbecue Beef Casserole – use beef and barbecue sauce
  • Sweet Onion Broccoli Casserole – use sweet onion and broccoli
  • Mexican Cornbread Casserole – use beef, taco sauce, tomato
  • Sweet Potato Casserole – use sweet potato
  • Yellow Squash Casserole – use yellow squash
  • Creamy Carrot Casserole – carrot
  • Mashed Cauliflower Casserole – use cauliflower

Also, use seasonal vegetables and spices to make this recipe and add a new spark.

A Fit Corner

    A replacement in items may bring relief to health-conscious people. You can use ricotta cheese, zucchini cheese, tofu, etc. instead of cheddar cheese.   

Final Thoughts               

Finally, we can say cornbread casserole is very easy to make and really enjoyable. You can pin this recipe on your food chart. During preparation time, you can enjoy family time with your loved ones. A healthy recipe with less bad impact and is safe for kids and aged family members.