If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s easy to whip up, rich in flavor, and downright comforting, this Loaded Cornbread Casserole is your ticket to dinner success. It’s got everything you love in one hearty bake: cheesy goodness, smoky bacon, sweet corn, a hint of spice from green chilies, and the tang of sour cream, all tucked into a golden-brown cornbread base. It’s the kind of dish that turns heads at potlucks and becomes a fast family favorite on weeknights.
This recipe is what happens when Southern comfort food meets bold flavor. Whether you’re serving it alongside BBQ ribs, roast chicken, or enjoying it as a standalone dish, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles (and second helpings).
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded Cornbread Casserole checks all the boxes:
- ✅ Quick & easy – Simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients
- ✅ One-bowl magic – Just mix, pour, and bake
- ✅ Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your taste
- ✅ Freezer-friendly – Make ahead or save leftovers
- ✅ Crowd-pleaser – Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or casual dinners
This is the kind of dish that looks rustic and cozy, but tastes like something your favorite Southern café would serve piping hot in a cast iron skillet.
🛒 Ingredients – The Comfort Kitchen Lineup
This casserole is bursting with personality—and it starts with simple, accessible ingredients that bring big flavor:
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🌶️ Want more heat? Swap the green chilies for diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
👩🍳 Directions – Simple Steps, Delicious Payoff
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s piping hot when the casserole goes in.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, stir together:
- Cornbread mix
- Sour cream
- Cream-style corn
- Green chilies
- Half of the cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Green onions
- Eggs
- Melted butter
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. This one-bowl step makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a skillet or baking dish (9×9-inch square or similar) and pour in the cornbread mixture. Smooth it out with a spatula for even baking.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This creates a gooey, golden crust you’ll want to dive right into.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
⏱️ Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
🍴 Serving Ideas
This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main course, but it also shines as a side. Here are a few ideas:
- With BBQ ribs or pulled pork for a Southern-style feast
- Alongside chili or soups for a comforting contrast
- With fried or roasted chicken for a weeknight win
- Add a side of tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness
- Top with sliced jalapeños and a dollop of sour cream for Tex-Mex flair
🔄 Storage & Reheating Tips
Store:
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months
Reheat:
- Warm in the microwave in 30-second bursts or
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes to maintain texture
💡 Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it moist.
🧀 Variations & Add-Ins
This casserole is incredibly flexible. Here’s how to change it up based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge:
Protein Swaps:
- Try cooked sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham
Cheese Choices:
- Use pepper jack for spice
- Add mozzarella for extra meltiness
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top for a salty crunch
Veggie Boosters:
- Stir in diced bell peppers or zucchini
- Add a handful of frozen corn kernels for extra pop
Sweet Touch:
- For a sweet-savory twist, add a tablespoon of honey to the mix
📝 Final Thoughts – Cornbread, Elevated
This Loaded Cornbread Casserole is what happens when traditional cornbread gets the deluxe treatment. It’s cheesy, rich, flavorful, and versatile—easy enough for a casual dinner but crowd-pleasing enough for holidays and gatherings.
Whether you serve it as a standalone dinner or a show-stopping side, it’s guaranteed to satisfy that craving for comfort food with a kick. So grab a skillet, pop open that cornbread mix, and get ready to enjoy a dish that everyone will request again and again.
Print🌽 Loaded Cornbread Casserole – Southern Comfort in Every Bite
This casserole is bursting with personality—and it starts with simple, accessible ingredients that bring big flavor:
Ingredients
-
1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
-
1 cup sour cream
-
1 can (15 oz) cream-style corn
-
1 can (4 oz) green chilies, drained
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
-
1/2 cup diced green onions
-
2 eggs
-
1/4 cup melted butter
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
🌶️ Want more heat? Swap the green chilies for diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s piping hot when the casserole goes in.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, stir together:
-
Cornbread mix
-
Sour cream
-
Cream-style corn
-
Green chilies
-
Half of the cheddar cheese
-
Bacon
-
Green onions
-
Eggs
-
Melted butter
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. This one-bowl step makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a skillet or baking dish (9×9-inch square or similar) and pour in the cornbread mixture. Smooth it out with a spatula for even baking.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This creates a gooey, golden crust you’ll want to dive right into.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Notes
⏱️ Quick Recipe Snapshot
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 30 minutes
-
Total Time: 40 minutes
-
Servings: 8
-
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving