There’s something deeply comforting about a Honey Glazed Corn Casserole that reminds me of lazy Sunday afternoons in Mama Lou’s kitchen. I remember how the sweet aroma of honey melting into fresh corn would drift through the house, wrapping us all in a warm, cozy hug. It wasn’t just about the dish itself—it was about those moments with my sister Ouma, sneaking tastes before dinner, and the laughter we shared while Mama Lou stirred the pot, telling stories of her childhood. This casserole is more than a side dish; it’s a slice of family, tradition, and love baked into every golden bite.
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Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Corn Casserole
This Honey Glazed Corn Casserole is a celebration of sweet and savory flavors coming together in perfect harmony. If you crave dishes that feel like a warm embrace from your favorite people, then this recipe is for you. It’s creamy, subtly sweet from the honey, and has just the right balance of buttery richness and corn’s natural earthiness. Growing up, Mama Lou always said food was the language of love, and this casserole speaks volumes at our family table.
What makes it truly special is how it captures the essence of home—simple ingredients transformed with care and tradition. I love that it’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough to bring to holiday gatherings. Plus, it pairs beautifully with everything from roast chicken to grilled veggies. When Ouma and I make this together now, it’s not just about cooking; it’s about reconnecting with those cherished memories and making new ones, one spoonful at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Honey Glazed Corn Casserole
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, thaw and drain)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup honey (preferably wildflower or clover for a delicate sweetness)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a subtle tang
If you want to make it a bit lighter, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or use almond milk instead of whole milk. I’ve also swapped honey for maple syrup when we ran out; the flavor is a little different but still delicious and just as comforting.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: Approximately 280 per serving (based on 8 servings)
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 32 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 13 grams (mainly from honey and corn)
- Sodium: 320 milligrams
When Mama Lou watched her sodium intake, she’d often reduce the salt and rely more on the natural sweetness of the honey and corn to carry the flavor. It’s a good reminder that small tweaks can make this casserole work for everyone at your table.
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Sweet and Savory Delight Honey Glazed Corn Casserole Recipe to Try
Learn how to make delicious Honey Glazed Corn Casserole. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, thaw and drain)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup honey (preferably wildflower or clover for a delicate sweetness)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a subtle tang
If you want to make it a bit lighter, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or use almond milk instead of whole milk. I’ve also swapped honey for maple syrup when we ran out; the flavor is a little different but still delicious and just as comforting.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and honey. Stir gently until well blended, releasing that wonderful floral aroma that always takes me back to Mama Lou’s kitchen.
- Add the milk, sour cream, and beaten eggs to the honey-butter mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper. This step was always my favorite as a kid—I loved the dusty, sweet smell of the cornmeal.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the casserole to stay tender and soft.
- Gently fold in the corn kernels and, if using, the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese adds a lovely depth that Ouma swore by during our last holiday meal.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Mama Lou always said, “Make it look as good as it tastes,” which I believe adds to the magic of the meal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all those wonderful flavors to settle, just like the stories Mama Lou shared while the casserole baked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Steps to Create Your Honey Glazed Corn Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and honey. Stir gently until well blended, releasing that wonderful floral aroma that always takes me back to Mama Lou’s kitchen.
- Add the milk, sour cream, and beaten eggs to the honey-butter mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and pepper. This step was always my favorite as a kid—I loved the dusty, sweet smell of the cornmeal.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the casserole to stay tender and soft.
- Gently fold in the corn kernels and, if using, the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese adds a lovely depth that Ouma swore by during our last holiday meal.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Mama Lou always said, “Make it look as good as it tastes,” which I believe adds to the magic of the meal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows all those wonderful flavors to settle, just like the stories Mama Lou shared while the casserole baked.
Tips for Making the Best Honey Glazed Corn Casserole
One of the secrets Mama Lou taught me was to always use fresh corn when possible—there’s an undeniable brightness that frozen corn can’t quite match. But in a pinch, frozen works beautifully if you drain it well.
When stirring the honey into the butter, make sure the butter isn’t too hot or it can alter the honey’s flavor. I usually let the butter cool slightly before mixing, a little step that makes a big difference. Learn more: Hearty Homestyle Casserole: Savory Hamburger and Potato Delight
Don’t skip the resting time after baking. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, especially when Ouma and I are hungry after a long day, but patience pays off with a casserole that holds its shape and full flavor.
“Food made with love nourishes the soul, and this casserole is one of those soul-food recipes.”
Lastly, if you prefer a little crunch, sprinkle some crushed buttery crackers or toasted breadcrumbs on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for that extra texture Mama Lou would have been proud of.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Honey Glazed Corn Casserole is the perfect complement to many dishes. I often serve it alongside roast chicken or glazed ham during family dinners, where Ouma and I reminisce about our childhood feasts.
For a vegetarian twist, pair it with a hearty mushroom gravy or a fresh garden salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole’s sweetness. It also shines next to grilled pork chops or baked salmon, where the honey glaze echoes the caramelized edges of the meat.
And don’t forget the drinks—Mama Lou loved a crisp white wine or a sparkling lemonade that danced on the tongue and refreshed the palate after a rich bite of casserole.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers are a real treat—if you have any! Store your Honey Glazed Corn Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, cover it loosely with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
If you’re like me and Ouma, sometimes we reheat it in the microwave for a quick fix, but be mindful to do so in short bursts to keep it moist and avoid drying out the edges.
For longer storage, this casserole freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Honey Glazed Corn Casserole?
The main ingredients for Honey Glazed Corn Casserole include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
How long does it take to make Honey Glazed Corn Casserole?
The total time to make Honey Glazed Corn Casserole includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.
Can I make Honey Glazed Corn Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, Honey Glazed Corn Casserole can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.
What can I serve with Honey Glazed Corn Casserole?
Honey Glazed Corn Casserole pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.
Is Honey Glazed Corn Casserole suitable for special diets?
Depending on the ingredients used, Honey Glazed Corn Casserole may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
Making Honey Glazed Corn Casserole always brings me back to those precious moments with Mama Lou and Ouma—simple, joyful, and filled with love. It’s a dish that comforts the heart as much as it satisfies hunger, a beautiful reminder that the best food is the kind that carries stories and memories into every bite.
Whether you’re sharing it with family, serving it at a holiday table, or enjoying it solo on a quiet evening, this casserole is a little piece of home you can bake anytime. I hope it becomes a new tradition in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
