Introduction

Sweet Harmony Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole is a comforting side dish that combines tender corn, creamy cheese, and a glossy honey glaze with smoky undertones. This casserole balances rich and sweet flavors, finished with fresh herbs and crunchy pepitas for a delightful texture contrast.

A close-up view of a black baking dish filled with a baked corn casserole topped with a layer of melted golden and white cheese that is slightly browned in places, giving it a bubbly and crispy texture. Bright yellow corn kernels peek through the cheese layer, adding a pop of color and texture. Small pieces of green chives are scattered evenly across the top, providing a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy surface. The edges of the baking dish show a slight crust where the cheese has caramelized. The scene is set against a soft focus background with greenery, while the dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups fresh corn kernels
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
¼ cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh corn kernels, melted butter, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Season the corn mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let it rest for five minutes to allow flavors to meld and the cheese to soften.
Step 3: In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Heat over low heat, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the glaze is glossy and fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish. Spread the corn mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Using a pastry brush, drizzle the honey glaze evenly over the surface of the corn mixture, covering every corner.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is deep amber and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The casserole should be puffed and tender.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chopped fresh chives and toasted pepitas over the top for added flavor and crunch.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, substitute half the heavy cream with sour cream or cream cheese.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick.
Use frozen corn if fresh is not available, just thaw and drain well before mixing.
Swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
To make it vegetarian, ensure the cheese used is free from animal rennet.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, or microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. The glaze may soften when reheated but will remain delicious.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked corn casserole in a rectangular dark baking dish with handles. The dish has a golden-brown top layer of melted cheese that is bubbly and slightly crispy at the edges. Underneath the cheese, whole yellow corn kernels are visible in a creamy layer, giving a mix of yellow and white colors. The casserole is garnished with evenly sprinkled small green chopped chives on top. The baking dish is placed on a soft gray cloth with a green herb blurred in the background and a white marbled surface under everything. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours. Add the honey glaze and bake just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use canned corn for this recipe?

While fresh corn is preferred for its sweetness and texture, you can use canned corn. Drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which could make the casserole watery.

Sweet Harmony Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 62 reviews

Sweet Harmony Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole is a luscious and comforting baked dish that combines fresh, juicy corn kernels with a creamy base of butter, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. A glossy honey glaze infused with Dijon mustard and smoked paprika caramelizes beautifully on top, creating a sweet, slightly crisp crust. Finished with fresh chives and toasted pepitas, this casserole offers a delightful harmony of textures and flavors, perfect as a side dish for any meal.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Components

4 cups fresh corn kernels
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Honey-Glaze

⅓ cup honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Seasonings & Garnish

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
¼ cup toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh corn kernels, melted butter, heavy cream, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Toss gently until all the corn is evenly coated, ensuring richness and a silky texture.
Season the Mixture: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then let the mixture rest for five minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to begin melting slightly, helping the casserole set well during baking.
Make the Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the glaze becomes glossy and aromatic. Remove from heat and allow it to thicken slightly.
Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish and spread the corn mixture evenly inside, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Apply the Glaze: Using a pastry brush, drizzle the honey glaze over the entire surface of the corn mixture, ensuring even coverage for caramelization.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns a deep amber and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The casserole should be puffed and tender inside.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the finely chopped fresh chives and toasted pepitas over the top. The residual heat will release their fragrance and lightly toast the seeds, enhancing flavor and texture.

Notes

Use fresh corn for the best flavor and texture, but frozen thawed corn can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.
The honey glaze can be adjusted in sweetness by varying the honey quantity to personal taste.
For a nuttier flavor, try lightly toasting the pepitas before adding them to the casserole.
This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a standalone vegetarian side.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: corn casserole, honey glazed corn, sweet corn side dish, baked corn casserole, vegetarian side dish, honey glaze, cheddar cheese corn