This classic corn au gratin casserole transforms simple frozen corn into an extraordinary comfort food side dish that’s been delighting families for generations. Rich, creamy white sauce envelops tender corn kernels, while melted cheddar cheese and golden cracker crumbs create the perfect textural contrast. This recipe proves that the most memorable dishes often come from the simplest ingredients, elevated through traditional cooking techniques that create layers of flavor and satisfying crunch in every single bite.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The foundation of this casserole is a classic white sauce (béchamel) that coats each corn kernel with creamy richness. The two-layer cracker crumb technique creates both a stable base that prevents sticking and a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. Baking at moderate heat allows the flavors to meld while the cheese melts perfectly and the top achieves that signature au gratin golden-brown finish.
Why You Should Try This Tasty Corn Casserole
If you love corn, corn au gratin is a great way to serve it. This classic creamed corn au gratin recipe is easy to make and an instant crowd-pleaser. Perfect for gatherings any time of the year.
After making this dish just once, you’ll want to make this creamed corn recipe again and again – it’s a keeper. It’s great for the Thanksgiving holiday table and is perfect if you love make-ahead dishes.
There’s another bonus! Your kids will love this recipe for corn au gratin, and you can easily sneak in some extra veggies such as carrots, peas, or even the dreaded spinach!
Creamed Corn Au Gratin Recipe – Ingredients You Will Need
Straightforward ingredients are all that’s required to make this classic creamed corn au gratin. Here is your list:
- Butter – Creates the roux base for white sauce and adds richness throughout
- All-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce and provides structure for the creamy base
- Whole milk – Forms the liquid foundation of the smooth, creamy sauce
- Whole kernel corn – Provides sweet corn flavor and satisfying texture
- Cracker crumbs – Creates both base layer and golden topping for textural contrast
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – Melts beautifully and adds tangy richness
How to Make Creamed Corn Au Gratin
Nothing could be simpler than this easy corn au gratin recipe. Here are the easy steps:
- Make a white sauce with the flour, butter, and milk.
- Add the corn kernels, pour into a buttered baking dish, and sprinkle with cracker crumbs.
- Top with grated cheese and more cracker crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Sprinkle a little minced parsley over your cooked casserole for a pop of color.
The Easy Way to Make Toasted Cracker Crumbs
- Toast your choice of crackers, being careful not to let them burn.
- Place them in a zip-lock bag and seal the bag.
- Roll over the bag with a rolling pin, shaking the bag a few times as necessary to move the crackers around.
Easy Corn Au Gratin – Recipe Variations
Swap out the Cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack if you want a little heat. You could also mix your cheeses – add some parmesan or gruyere, for instance.
Also, for heat, you could add some red pepper flakes.
What to Serve With Corn Au Gratin
Classic creamed corn au gratin is a combination of sweet and savory flavors, giving you a side dish that goes well with both white and red meat. Think chicken and ham. And any corn dish pairs well with pork.
You could even serve it as a starter on small pieces of toast.
Try topping it with onion rings and crispy bacon.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Cover tightly and store for up to 5 days in the refrigerator
- Make-Ahead Method: Prepare thoroughly the night before, then reheat covered in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes until heated through
- Freezing Instructions: Cool completely after baking, wrap in multiple layers of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Options: Oven method preferred at 300°F for even heating, or microwave individual portions for quick serving
More Au Gratin Recipes
Favorite Corn Recipes
- Cajun Fried Corn
- Cheesy Creamed Corn
- Corn Chowder
- Corn Salsa
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Hamburger Corn Casserole
- Jiffy Corn Casserole
- Scalloped Corn
- Rudy’s Creamed Corn
Check out my easy casserole recipes and the best side dish recipes on CopyKat!
Corn Au Gratin Casserole (Easy Cheesy Comfort Food)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter plus 2 teaspoons for the casserole dish
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups whole corn
- 1/2 cup cracker crumbs divided use
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter a casserole dish.
- Combine the flour and 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan and cook, stirring, until the butter is melted and the flour is combined.
- Continue cooking for about 1 minute. Add the milk and stir continuously until the sauce thickens. Then add the corn and mix well.
- Sprinkle the prepared 2 quart casserole dish with half of the cracker crumbs. Add the corn mixture and top with the grated cheese followed by the remaining cracker crumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
How do I know what size of casserole dish to use for this recipe.
I love both corn and cheese it sounds very YUMMY!
Want to try it but not sure size dish will work for it??
You will use a 2-quart sized casserole dish.
Is it breadcrumbs? Or is it cracker crumbs? Or both?
She was explaining the French way they do not use cheese and they use bread crumbs
The whole post says cracker crumbs.
How to prepare and toast the crackers.
This recipe calls for 1/2 c white sauce, but does not provide with ingredients for white sauce
We know have our missing white sauce.