Ina Garten’s Corn Casserole Recipe: Homey Comfort in Every Bite

Summers burst with golden corn flavor, and this Ina Garten corn casserole recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Rich, creamy textures mingle with sweet kernels in every delectable bite.

The dish celebrates fresh ingredients with remarkable simplicity.

Garten’s culinary expertise shines through each carefully balanced component.

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a tangy depth that will make mouths water instantly.

Baked until golden and bubbling, this casserole turns an ordinary side dish into something extraordinary.

You’ll want seconds before the first serving even hits the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Ina Garten Corn Casserole: What You’ll Need

• Butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor and helps prevent sticking during cooking.
• Corn: Brings sweet, fresh crunch and provides the signature texture of the casserole.
• Onion: Delivers subtle depth and aromatic sweetness to enhance overall flavor profile.

• Eggs: Create structure and help hold the casserole together with creamy consistency.
• Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to smooth, silky texture.
• Half-And-Half: Increases richness and provides luxurious, creamy mouthfeel.
• Ricotta Cheese: Introduces tender, light consistency and mild tangy undertone.
• Cornmeal: Gives hearty substance and traditional rustic character to the dish.

• Basil: Introduces fresh, herbal brightness and aromatic complexity.
• Sugar: Balances flavors and highlights natural sweetness of corn.
• Salt: Elevates and intensifies overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and gentle spiciness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, tangy flavor and creates golden, melty topping.

Tools to Use for Ina Garten Corn Casserole

• Large Saute Pan: For cooking corn and onions to perfection.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking eggs, milk, and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect tool for blending eggs, milk, and creating a smooth mixture.
• 8 to 10-Cup Baking Dish: Ideal for baking the corn casserole.
• Larger Baking Pan: Used for creating a water bath during baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Grater: To grate fresh cheddar cheese for topping.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for checking casserole doneness and serving.

Baking Steps for Ina Garten Corn Casserole

Corn Casserole Comfort

• Oven Preparation Kitchen warmth begins with preheating to 375 degrees, creating the perfect environment for our delicious dish.
• Baking Dish Ready a spacious baking vessel with a light butter coating to ensure smooth serving and easy cleanup.
• Corn and Onion Symphony gently sauté fresh corn kernels and sweet onions in a skillet, letting their flavors dance and soften under medium heat.
• Creamy Blend whisk together farm-fresh eggs, rich dairy, and smooth ricotta until the mixture transforms into a silky canvas for our casserole.
• Flavor Harmony fold in aromatic basil, subtle sugar, and seasonings, combining them with the golden corn mixture and sharp cheddar cheese for a mouthwatering medley.
• Water Bath Magic nestle the casserole dish into a larger pan filled with warm water, creating a gentle cooking environment that ensures even, tender results.
• Golden Finish bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center sets perfectly, signaling a comforting dish ready to be shared with loved ones.

Smart Tips for Ina Garten Corn Casserole

• Swap fresh corn for frozen or canned varieties to match seasonal availability and convenience.
• Add diced jalapeños or green chiles for a zesty kick that elevates the casserole's flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, gouda, or sharp white cheddar to create unique taste experiences.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Transform the dish into a complete meal by adding sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and texture.

How to Serve Ina Garten Corn Casserole

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy corn casserole.
• Complement with Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside juicy grilled chicken breasts or tender roasted pork tenderloin to add protein and enhance the meal's heartiness.
• Garnish with Herb Sprinkle: Top the casserole with fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving to add a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.
• Add Side of Crusty Bread: Include warm, rustic sourdough or artisan bread to help soak up the delicious cheesy corn mixture and complete the dining experience.

Storing Ina Garten Corn Casserole

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store any leftover corn casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish's delicious flavor and texture intact.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month, perfect for quick meal prep or unexpected guests.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore the entire dish's crispy top by heating in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes until completely heated through.
• Portion and Pack: Divide the casserole into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, maintaining its creamy consistency and fresh taste.

Mouthwatering Corn Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting Corn Casserole brings delightful simplicity to classic side dishes from American kitchens. Ina Garten’s creamy blend of corn, butter, and cheese creates a rich, satisfying accompaniment you’ll crave at family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 5 cups fresh yellow corn kernels (6 to 8 ears)
• 4 extra-large eggs
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 0.75 cup (6 oz) grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra to sprinkle on top)
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 onion)
• 0.5 cup yellow cornmeal
• 0.25 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 3 tbsps chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 0.75 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Set oven to 375°F (190°C), establishing the ideal thermal environment for the corn casserole.
2. Preparation: Generously grease a 8-10 cup baking dish to ensure effortless serving and prevent sticking.
3. Corn Sautéing: In a large sauté pan, melt butter over medium-high heat, then combine corn kernels and onions, cooking until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 4 minutes.
4. Liquid Integration: Whisk eggs, whole milk, and half-and-half in a spacious mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency, then gently fold in cornmeal to eliminate potential lumps.
5. Flavor Layering: Incorporate ricotta cheese, fresh basil, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, sautéed corn-onion mixture, and cheddar cheese, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed and create a harmonious blend.
6. Baking Technique: Pour mixture into prepared baking dish, top with additional cheddar cheese, place within a larger pan filled with hot tap water to create a water bath, which ensures uniform cooking and optimal texture.
7. Finishing: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the surface turns golden-brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, then allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor development and structural integrity.

Notes

• Kernel Selection Matters: Use fresh corn kernels for the most vibrant, sweet flavor – frozen or canned can work, but fresh delivers superior taste and texture.
• Prevent Egg Scrambling: Always cool sautéed ingredients before mixing with eggs to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency without unwanted egg chunks.
• Water Bath Technique: The hot water bath ensures even heat distribution, preventing burning and creating a tender, custard-like texture throughout the casserole.
• Cheese Customization: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles while maintaining the dish’s creamy essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg