Sweet Harmony Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
