Easy Scalloped Corn – This Easy Scalloped Corn is comfort food at its best—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top. With just a few simple ingredients like sweet corn, melty cheddar, and buttery cracker crumbs, this side dish feels homey and satisfying. It’s quick to prep, hands-off once it’s in the oven, and comes out looking (and tasting!) like you spent hours on it. Perfect for holiday dinners or whenever you want to bring a little extra comfort to the table.
The first time I made this, I was in a pinch for a side dish that was easy but had that cozy, homemade feel. I figured my family would appreciate something cheesy and warm, and I was right! As it baked, the house filled with that warm, buttery smell, and my husband couldn’t resist peeking in the oven. By the time I pulled it out, golden and bubbling, my little one was already at the table with a fork in hand! It’s now a regular request at our family dinners—and honestly, I love how simple it is to make.
What makes this Easy Scalloped Corn truly special?
This dish is everything you want in a side: creamy corn, rich cheese, and a buttery, crispy topping that makes each bite irresistible. It’s a little bit of a twist on traditional scalloped corn, but so much easier to pull together. You don’t need any fancy ingredients, and it’s perfect for pairing with just about any main dish. Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday meal or just serving it with weeknight chicken, this recipe brings that warm, feel-good vibe to any table. And trust me, everyone will be going back for seconds!
What You Need To Make This Easy Scalloped Corn Recipe?
Frozen Corn: Frozen corn keeps this recipe super easy and still tastes fresh. Just make sure it’s thawed so it mixes smoothly with everything else. If you’re lucky enough to have fresh corn, feel free to use that instead—just cook it first!
Half and Half: This gives the dish that creamy, rich texture without being as heavy as full cream. If you’re in the mood for extra indulgence, you could swap it for heavy cream, but half and half is a perfect balance here.
Eggs: These help hold everything together, giving the dish a lovely custard-like texture. Think of them as the glue that makes each scoop creamy and satisfying.
Sharp White Cheddar or Pepper Jack Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds that classic, tangy flavor, while pepper jack brings a hint of spice. Pick whichever suits your taste (or whoever you’re cooking for!). Either way, this cheese melts beautifully and adds a ton of flavor.
Butter Crackers (Ritz): These are the secret to that crispy, buttery topping. Ritz crackers add just the right amount of saltiness and crunch, and they really soak up the butter, giving you a golden crust. Feel free to use any buttery cracker, but Ritz is my go-to.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch! It might seem like an unusual addition, but nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that brings out the sweetness in the corn. You won’t really taste it outright, but it makes the whole dish a little cozier.
Steps To Make Easy Scalloped Corn:
Prep the Dish
First things first—set your oven to 325°F. Grab a little butter (about a tablespoon) and give your 13×9-inch baking dish a good coating. This is going to help keep everything from sticking and add a touch of extra richness. Once that’s done, set it aside.
Mix the Creamy Base
In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, sugar, salt, and a little sprinkle of nutmeg. Just whisk until it all comes together smoothly. This creamy mix is what’s going to give our corn that delicious, custardy texture!
Combine Everything
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Now for the main mix! In a medium bowl, add the thawed corn. Pour in your creamy mixture, then toss in 3/4 cup of the cheese and 1/2 cup of the crushed crackers. Give it all a good stir so everything is nicely combined and coated. Once it’s mixed, go ahead and pour it into your buttered baking dish.
Bake and Get the Topping Ready
Pop the dish in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the rest of the cracker crumbs. This buttery topping is going to take the dish over the top!
Top It Off and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, pull the dish out and sprinkle on the rest of the cheese and those buttery cracker crumbs. Slide it back into the oven for another 20-30 minutes, just until the top is golden and bubbly. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing by this point!
Let It Set and Serve
When it’s done, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes to cool and set a bit. Then it’s ready to serve! Grab a spoon, dish it up, and enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite.
Tip:
Here’s a little pro tip for making this Easy Scalloped Corn even better: after baking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, this wait time makes a difference! Letting it sit allows the creamy, cheesy sauce to thicken up a bit, so each scoop holds together perfectly. And if you’re all about that crunchy, golden topping, here’s a trick: mix the cracker crumbs with melted butter, then toast them in a pan for a minute or two before sprinkling on top for the final bake. This gives the crumbs a head start on crisping up, adding that extra crunch that takes each bite to the next level. These little steps are totally worth it and make the dish even more delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh or canned corn instead of frozen?
Yes, absolutely! Fresh corn adds a great flavor and texture if you have it—just make sure to cook it first before adding it to the dish. For canned corn, simply drain it well before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How do I make this recipe a bit spicier?
If you like a kick, try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped green chilies for a little heat that complements the sweetness of the corn.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dish up to the first baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s straight from the fridge. Add the cheese and cracker topping just before the final bake for that perfect golden crunch.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Scalloped Corn
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 package 32 ounces frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
- 1 1/2 c half and half
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 c sharp white cheddar or pepper jack cheese divided
- 1 sleeve butter crackers like Ritz, crushed and divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Take 1 tablespoon of butter and coat a 13x9-inch baking dish. Set it aside for now.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the half and half, eggs, sugar, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth.
- In a medium bowl, add the thawed corn. Pour in the half-and-half mixture, then add 3/4 cup of the cheese and 1/2 cup of the crushed crackers. Give it a good stir to combine everything, then pour the mixture into your buttered baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes. While it’s baking, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the rest of the cracker crumbs.
- After 30 minutes, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese and buttered crumbs over the top. Pop it back in the oven for another 20-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for about 5 minutes, then serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
