Jiffy Corn Casserole

This post is your one-stop guide to making the original Jiffy corn casserole recipe the 5-ingredient comfort food that every potluck, holiday, or weeknight dinner secretly craves. I’ll walk you through how to make it from scratch, swap-ins (like cream cheese or scratch-made cornbread mix), and share variations inspired by Paula Deen and even a lighter twist. Plus, I’ll show you how this cozy casserole plays nice with your favorite mains.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

• Jiffy corn casserole uses 5 pantry staples and bakes in under an hour.
• It’s a sweet-and-savory side that fits into any holiday or weeknight dinner.
• You can add cream cheese, cheddar, or jalapeños to switch it up.
• Perfect with roast chicken, grilled meats, or cozy casseroles.
• Ideal for potlucks just stir, bake, and serve.

The Story Behind This 5-Ingredient Jiffy Corn Casserole

What is Jiffy corn casserole and why does everyone love it?

Jiffy corn casserole is a warm, spoonable side dish made with creamed corn, whole kernel corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, and butter. That’s it five humble ingredients that, when mixed together, transform into a rich, tender, golden casserole that’s halfway between a corn pudding and a moist cornbread.

Now let me tell you this one hits different when life gets chaotic.

I first stumbled across this gem when I had two toddlers clinging to my legs and a fridge that looked more like a condiment museum than a dinner plan. I needed something that felt homemade, took five minutes of prep, and didn’t require a grocery run. That’s when a box of Jiffy cornbread mix saved the day.

That night, I stirred everything in one bowl, popped it in the oven, and crossed my fingers. What came out was golden, puffy, and smelled like comfort. My picky eaters? They devoured it. And just like that, this jiffy corn pudding recipe became a regular in our dinner rotation.

These days, I bring it to every family gathering because if I don’t, someone will ask, “Lora, where’s that corn thing you make?”

Why is it called a “5-ingredient Jiffy corn casserole”?

Because that’s the magic of it. You only need:

• 1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
• 1 can whole kernel corn
• 1 can creamed corn
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup melted butter

No eggs. No milk. No whisking or measuring flours. It’s dump, stir, bake and yes, it’s as easy & delicious as it sounds.

Want to jazz it up? Later in this post, I’ll show you how to make it taste like the jiffy corn casserole Paula Deen swears by, plus a version with cream cheese that practically melts on your tongue.

How Do You Cook a Jiffy Corn Casserole?

What’s the best way to bake Jiffy corn casserole?

The easiest way to cook Jiffy corn casserole is to combine all 5 ingredients in one bowl, pour into a greased baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes until the top is golden and set. No mixers, no stress just one bowl and one spoon.

This method has never failed me, even when I was juggling kids, a dog, and dinner in the same 15 minutes. That’s why I call it a busy-mom sidekick.

Step-by-Step: Easy Jiffy Corn Casserole Recipe

Here’s how I make it, straight from my Oregon kitchen:

Ingredients

• 1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (8.5 oz)
• 1 can whole kernel corn, drained (15 oz)
• 1 can cream-style corn (15 oz)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup melted butter (1 stick)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or medium casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, and melted butter.
3. Add the Jiffy cornbread mix and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if it looks a little lumpy.
4. Pour the mixture into your prepared dish.
5. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.
6. Let cool 5–10 minutes before serving—it firms up a bit as it cools.

Baking Tip from My Kitchen

If your oven runs hot or you’re using a shallow dish, check around 40 minutes. The edges should look golden and slightly crisp, but the center should not jiggle.

What makes this the best original Jiffy cornbread casserole recipe?

It’s simple. It’s versatile. It’s mom-tested, potluck-approved, and it goes with just about everything.

Plus, it pairs beautifully with hearty mains like my Marry Me Chicken Pasta or this creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. The corn adds sweetness, while the muffin mix gives it structure.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just tossing together a Tuesday night meal, this one’s a surefire winner.

How Many Ingredients Are in a Jiffy Corn Casserole?

How many ingredients do you really need for Jiffy corn casserole?

You only need five ingredients to make a classic Jiffy corn casserole. That’s what makes this recipe a true lifesaver for busy cooks and beginner bakers alike. Nothing fancy, nothing hard to find just everyday pantry and fridge staples.

Here’s your quick Jiffy casserole ingredient list:

What if you’re missing something? Here’s how to swap:

I’ve had moments when I thought I had sour cream, only to open the fridge and find an empty tub (thanks, kids). Here are my go-to substitutes that still deliver that easy & delicious texture we all love.

Homemade Jiffy Cornbread Mix (DIY Substitute)

If you’re out of the box (or avoiding processed mixes), just whisk this together:

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Stir it into your corn and sour cream mixture like you would with the boxed mix. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’s surprisingly close and my kids never noticed.

This dish also works beautifully next to creamy mains like Rotel Chicken Pasta or cozy sides like Macaroni and Cheese with Evaporated Milk. I love balancing the sweetness of the corn with something savory and cheesy on the plate.

What Are Variations of Corn Casserole Recipes?

What are some delicious twists on the classic Jiffy corn casserole?

The original 5-ingredient Jiffy corn casserole is perfect as-is but with a few tweaks, you can make it cheesier, spicier, or even heartier. These variations let you tailor the recipe for potlucks, picky eaters, or even a full meatless meal.

Below are my family’s favorites and a real-life review that’ll make you want to try every single one.

1. Cheesy Jiffy Corn Casserole

Add:

• 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
• Optional: ¼ tsp garlic powder or chopped green onions

Why I love it:
The cheese melts right into the batter and forms crispy golden edges. It’s a hit every time I bring it alongside Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta at church potlucks.

2. Jiffy Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Add:

• 4 oz softened cream cheese
• Reduce sour cream to ½ cup

Why it works:
This makes the casserole richer and slightly tangier. Think of it as a cross between Southern corn pudding and comfort food magic. It pairs beautifully with bold mains like Jerk Chicken Pasta.

3. Spicy Jalapeño Corn Casserole

Add:

• 1 small can diced jalapeños, drained
• ½ tsp smoked paprika or cayenne (optional)

Perfect for:
BBQs, game nights, or whenever you’re serving up Hot Cowgirl Casserole or Creamy Cowboy Casserole. It adds just enough heat to wake up the sweet corn.

4. Meaty Cornbread Casserole

Add:

• 1 cup cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or even bacon bits
• Optional: mix in a dash of chili powder or BBQ sauce

Try this when:
You want to turn your casserole into a full meal. This version works great as a hearty side or main with a light salad.

5. Make-Ahead Holiday Corn Casserole

Prep the full casserole mix the night before, store covered in the fridge, then bake fresh the next day. Just bring to room temp for 30 minutes before baking.

Pro tip:
This trick saved me on Thanksgiving when I had 4 dishes going and only one oven. I paired it with The Best Sweet Potato Casserole and it felt like a Southern feast.

Real Review: From a Reader in Georgia

“I made the cheesy version of this for a church dinner and had three people ask for the recipe before dessert hit the table. I didn’t change a thing except added a little chopped chive on top. My new go-to, thanks Lora!”
Michelle C., Savannah, GA

For creamy mains, serve it with Lemon Chicken Pasta (Dairy-Free) or Tuscan Chicken Casserole. It’s all about matching cozy with cozy.

How to Make Jiffy Corn Casserole from Scratch?

Can you make Jiffy corn casserole without the boxed mix?

Absolutely. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a homemade version that’s just as fluffy, golden, and easy & delicious as the original. Honestly, it might even be better. No one in my house noticed the difference and they’re brutally honest, especially my 9-year-old.

Homemade Corn Muffin Mix Recipe

Replace 1 box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix with:

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Tip: Mix it separately before combining with the wet ingredients so the leavening works properly.

From-Scratch Jiffy Corn Casserole

Ingredients:

• Homemade corn muffin mix (above)
• 1 can creamed corn (or DIY below)
• 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ½ cup melted butter

Instructions:
Same method as always mix, pour, bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes until golden and set.

Bonus: DIY Cream-Style Corn

If you’ve run out of creamed corn (I have more times than I can count), here’s a quick fix:

• Blend 1 can of corn (with liquid) with 1–2 tablespoons flour and 1 tablespoon sugar
• Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick

Stir this into your mix in place of store-bought creamed corn. It gives you the same creamy base with a little more control over sweetness.

Why Make It From Scratch?

• No preservatives or added ingredients
• Customizable sweetness and texture
• Perfect for clean-eating families or ingredient-aware cooks
• A great backup when you don’t want to run to the store

I’ve used this exact from-scratch version with Marry Me Chicken Pasta Without Heavy Cream for a dairy-sensitive friend, and it was a total hit. She even asked for the recipe.

Pair this cleaner version with something hearty but wholesome like Macaroni and Cheese or Chicken Broccoli and Cottage Cheese Casserole. It’s all about balance and comfort.

What Are Popular Side Dishes for Potlucks?

Why is Jiffy corn casserole a go-to potluck side?

Because it’s portable, budget-friendly, and always disappears first. You can make it ahead, bake it in a disposable pan, and serve it warm or at room temp. That’s potluck gold.
It’s also one of the few sides that pairs well with almost anything from grilled meats to pasta to hearty casseroles.

Top Potluck-Worthy Side Dishes

Here are the most-loved sides that always show up (and get scooped up) at my family’s Oregon potlucks and how corn casserole plays nice with them.

How to Pack and Serve Corn Casserole for a Potluck

• Bake it in a 9×13 foil pan if you’re serving a crowd.
• Wrap tightly with foil and a clean towel for transport.
• Keep warm with an insulated casserole carrier or a slow cooker on “warm.”

Make it ahead tip: You can prep the casserole mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. Just bring it to room temp before baking.

Potluck Pairing Tip

Corn casserole always balances out rich or spicy mains like Hot Cowgirl Casserole or even a pasta bake like Rotel Chicken Pasta. I usually bring both if I know I’ll have hungry teens or football fans at the table.

Real Life, Real Reviews + Your Jiffy Corn Casserole Questions Answered

What’s it like to make Jiffy corn casserole for the first time?

Let me take you back to last Thanksgiving. My oven was already booked with turkey, stuffing, and sweet potatoes. I needed one more dish that didn’t require any fancy timing or effort.

I threw together the original Jiffy corn casserole recipe in a mixing bowl with one hand while holding a fussy toddler on my hip. I didn’t even measure the sour cream perfectly.

Still… it came out golden, puffed, buttery, and unbelievably good.

My teenage niece, who claims she doesn’t like “mushy foods,” went back for seconds. My father-in-law (a meat-and-potatoes guy) said it reminded him of his mom’s Midwestern cooking. That’s the magic of this dish it brings people together around the table.

If you’re planning your meal, try pairing it with a cozy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Without Heavy Cream or balance it with the veggie-packed Chicken Broccoli and Cottage Cheese Casserole.

FAQ Section

Final Thoughts: Why Jiffy Corn Casserole Is Always the Right Choice

If there’s one recipe I always keep in my back pocket, it’s this one.

Jiffy corn casserole is more than just a side dish it’s the answer to “What can I make fast that everyone will love?” It’s reliable when life is messy, impressive when you need to bring something to a gathering, and easy enough that even your kids can help stir.

With just 5 ingredients, one bowl, and almost no cleanup, you get something rich, golden, and comfort-filled that works for holidays, weeknights, and everything in between.

Over the years, I’ve made it cheesy, spicy, meaty, and even from scratch when I ran out of the boxed mix. And every time? It delivered.

If you’ve never made this before, now’s your chance. And if you have? Try a twist. Add cheese. Add cream cheese. Or pair it with one of your new favorites like my Creamy Cowboy Casserole or Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

From my table to yours happy baking, mama. You’ve got this.