Get creative with this simple and comforting Scalloped Corn!
Corn has a rich history as one of the most beloved ingredients in American cuisine. From corn on the cob to cornbread, corn pudding, and even corn soup, Americans have found countless ways to enjoy this versatile staple. Corn is not as common in European cooking, which makes dishes like scalloped corn seem uniquely American—as American as apple pie, some might say. But this dish is as versatile as it is simple, and with a few tweaks, you can hint at other cultural influences, too.
One of the best parts about scalloped corn is that it’s easy to make, inexpensive, and perfect for beginning cooks or anyone craving a comforting side dish. This dish is also highly adaptable, offering endless opportunities for creativity. Try adding spices like turmeric, coriander, poultry seasoning, cumin, lemon pepper, or even curry seasoning, but keep it subtle (and not all together, obviously!). Start with just a quarter teaspoon of one seasoning to see what you like. You could even make a game out of it and challenge friends or family to guess the secret spice. This flexibility makes scalloped corn an excellent canvas for budding chefs to experiment and learn.
Is Scalloped Corn Healthy?
While corn often gets a mixed reputation in health discussions, it can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. Corn is a good source of fiber and also contains antioxidants. As a comfort food, scalloped corn nourishes the soul as much as the body, and that’s worth something, too. It’s often served alongside other dishes, so it’s typically just a side rather than the main dish, making it easier to fit into a well-rounded diet.
The recipe as written is vegetarian, and can easily be made dairy-free with a few simple swaps. Use plant-based butter and milk, and be sure to check that your creamed corn is vegan (some brands may use dairy). Generally, creamed corn contains corn, sugar, and salt, along with tapioca or modified food starch, which is usually corn-based.
What Can I add to Scalloped Corn?
Here’s where you can really make this dish your own! To dress up scalloped corn, try adding half a cup of crispy bacon or one cup of shredded cheese. A sharp cheddar pairs beautifully, adding a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn. Sweet red peppers are another great addition; they add both color and a bit of crunch without overpowering the corn. You could use an entire red pepper, cut into very thin strips or diced. You could even add all three—bacon, cheese, and red pepper—for a fully-loaded version. Another way to customize the dish is to switch up the type of cracker you use for the topping. Try crackers with different seasonings for extra flavor. Crushing them right in the sleeve keeps the crumbs contained, making it easy to sprinkle them over the casserole without much mess.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Scalloped corn can be prepared up to 1 day ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to serve (leave the cracker topping off until right before you bake). Once baked, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven uncovered to let the cracker topping crisp up again.
Serving Suggestions
Scalloped corn is such a versatile side and will enhance most main dishes. For an easy chicken or turkey dish, you might try Easy Air-Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs or Easy Turkey Meatloaf. A nice, colorful salad like Broccoli-Grape Salad complements both of these main dishes. And now you have all the food groups on your plate. Oh, wait—we’re missing the chocolate food group! Try these super easy and fudgy Eggless Brownies, and your meal is complete.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups saltine crackers crushed
- 30 ounces canned corn drained
- 15 ounces canned creamed corn
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- Stir in the whole milk and half of the crushed saltine crackers until well combined.
- Add the drained corn, creamed corn, melted butter, salt, and black pepper to the bowl, mixing thoroughly.
- Pour the corn mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed saltine crackers over the top of the corn mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
- Let the scalloped corn rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Can you prepare this ahead of time?
Hi Corina, These can be made up to a day ahead of time and then baked when needed. Hope helps!
Absolutely the best recipe. Easy to make and was a big hit.
So glad to hear this recipe was a hit! Thanks for reading.