Family-Favorite Easy Corn Pudding Recipe
Corn Pudding is a family-favorite side dish recipe popular for any potluck or holiday meal. Creamy, savory, and sweet, and so easy to prepare, plus it’s made with basic pantry ingredients. You can stir everything together in minutes, then just pop it in the oven with the rest of the meal. But it is made without corn muffin mix, so it’s naturally gluten free. Whether it’s a weeknight meal, Sunday dinner, or a holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, you definitely need to put this easy corn pudding casserole on the menu!
This recipe was originally posted on December 18, 2012. Photos were updated on November 8, 2016.
This post is not about pretty photos of a beautiful dish, like this gorgeous Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with gorgeous pops of color from pomegranates and goat cheese. Nor is it about fresh, local ingredients, clean eating, unprocessed foods, like these Balsamic Roasted Vegetables.
It is about a corn casserole made with canned corn (yes, even the dreaded canned creamed corn) and white sugar and butter and seasoned salt. It’s creamy, sweet, savory, buttery, salty, and eggy.
It might not be healthy, but it is as much a part of my Thanksgiving dinner as the turkey and my annual serving of No-Crust Mini Pumpkin Pies. with a giant dollop of Cool Whip. Sorry not sorry.
And it is a centerpiece of our Christmas Eve and Easter meals as the ham, and, well my famous Honey Nut Baked Brie cheese.
I will literally forego almost any other dish on any holiday just to get my fill before it disappears.
And it always disappears. Corn Pudding, I can’t quit you.
Our Favorite Corn Pudding Casserole
This recipe is a little gift to my family. We have been working off of this little scrap of paper my mom clipped out of a magazine years ago. It was part of an ad for one of the ingredients. I can’t even attribute it to the exact source, because there are several brand names listed in the recipe. And I have not been able to find it online, despite many searches.
Now we have it forever preserved electronically, and I can just print it out every time I misplace my one single photocopy.
So now, it is also a gift to you, as well as everyone else who has ever requested this recipe. But now that I have sung its praises, you might want to know…
What is it?
Corn Pudding is a custard-like side dish recipe made canned corn kernels and creamed corn, eggs, sugar, corn starch, butter, and milk. It is seasoned with seasoning salt, dry mustard powder, and dried minced onions.
This all comes together in the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It is a rich and creamy dish, but it still holds its form when you scoop it out onto a plate.
It does differ from the traditional corn casserole recipe, which is light and fluffy, but has a thicker, more cornbread-like consistency from the addition of a boxed corn muffin mix. This corn pudding recipe is made without Jiffy muffin mix, making it naturally gluten free.
How to make corn pudding
This sweet corn casserole is super easy and totally delicious. It completes every holiday meal in our family, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, and sometimes even Easter. And it is always one of the favorite potluck dishes any time we bring it to a party. Everyone requests the recipe and now you can have it too!
Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full quantities and details.
But don’t skip my PRO TIPS below!
Ingredients
- Canned whole kernel corn – drained
- Canned creamed corn – do not drain. Be sure to use a brand that is gluten free, if needed.
- Eggs – liquid egg substitute can be used
- Sugar
- Corn starch
- Seasoning salt
- Dry mustard powder
- Dried minced onions
- Butter – I have used salted and unsalted, but prefer unsalted. Margarine can also be used, though the flavor is better with butter.
- Milk – I have used skim, 1%, and 2% milk and all work fine. I have not tried non-dairy milk.
Directions
- Combine the two kinds of corn and eggs in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, seasoned salt, dry mustard, and dried minced onion.
- Stir this mixture into the corn mixture.
- Add the milk and melted butter.
- Pour into a prepared baking dish.
- Bake for an hour, stirring once.
Brianne’s pro tips
- Yes, you do drain the canned corn kernels. You can also use frozen corn that has been thawed. Do not drain the creamed corn.
- Corn pudding can be baked in a 9×13 inch glass baking dish, a 3-quart ceramic casserole dish, or even aluminum pans if you want to make cleanup a breeze.
- You can double the batch when mixing it up, but divide the mixture between two baking dishes before putting it in the oven or it will not cook through in the center.
- If you want to save time cracking eggs (especially if you double the batch) or just want to cut back on the cholesterol, you can use a liquid egg substitute.
- This recipe has been made with skim, 1%, 2%, and whole milk. I have used margarine in place of the butter, but have not tried non-dairy milk.
- This is a pretty forgiving recipe and can bake at whatever temperature you have your oven on based on the other dishes you are making. You’ll just have to adjust the cooking time, baking it longer if your oven is lower, and checking it sooner if it is hotter than 400°F.
Frequently asked questions
Do you eat it hot or cold?
We typically eat it hot straight out of the oven. However, if your oven is very full on a holiday, know that you can bake this ahead and pop it back in the oven right before it is time to eat.
Some of my family members have been known to sneak a few cold bites right out of the fridge, though.
Can you make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it in advance. You can mix everything together and keep it covered in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight. Or you can bake it and then reheat it in the oven or microwave. It is pretty forgiving and can be reheated at pretty much any temperature your oven is set at from 350°F to 450°F. Just be sure to check on it and take it out once it is heated through.
Can you freeze it?
Since it is custard-based, I would not recommend freezing corn pudding. It is safe to eat when frozen and thawed, but it might end up with an undesirable texture.
Favorite holiday main dishes
All of these would pair perfectly with corn pudding casserole as a side dish:
- Savory Herb Rub Roasted Turkey from The Little Kitchen is a Thanksgiving classic.
- Cranberry Crusted Prime Rib is a Christmas centerpiece.
- Balsamic Rosemary Roast Chicken is always a Sunday supper classic.
- Crockpot Corned Beef makes St. Patrick’s Day dinner simple and tasty.
- Glazed Easter Ham from The Pioneer Woman will impress everyone.
- Best Chili Recipe with its kick of spice is a nice balance to the sweet flavor for any family gathering, maybe while watching football on New Year’s Day.
Favorite holiday gluten free side dishes
- Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Apple Cheddar Bacon Stuffing
- Lemon Green Beans and Mushrooms
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole from A Mind Full Mom is a great way to balance out the holiday indulgence.
- Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes from The Food Charlatan has an amazing buttery flavor.
Corn Pudding Recipe
I hope you’ll leave a comment and give it a FIVE STAR rating or share a review on Pinterest or photo on Instagram!
Tag me @cupcakekalechip and use #cupcakesandkalechips!
Corn Pudding
Ingredients
- 15 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
- 34 oz. creamed corn (two 17-oz. cans)
- 5 large eggs, lightly beaten, or 1 1/4 cups liquid egg substitute
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 cup milk – (I have used skim, 1%, and 2% and all have worked fine)
- 1/2 cup melted butter margarine, or vegetable oil spread (like Smart Balance)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Spray a 3 qt. casserole dish or 9×13 in. glass baking dish (or even disposable aluminum pan) with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the two kinds of corn and eggs.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, seasoned salt, dry mustard, and dried minced onion. Add this mixture to the corn mixture, and stir to combine.
- Stir in the milk and melted butter.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring once, or until set and lightly browned, but still soft.
Nutrition
Enjoy!
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Renee says
Halved recipe: 1 can whole kernel corn, 1/2 can creamed corn, 1/4 tsp. dry mustard,
1/2 tsp. dry minced onion, 3/4 tsp. Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, 1/4 c. sugar, 1/4 c. melted butter, 2 Tbls. corn starch, 2 1/2 large eggs, and 1/4 c . SOUR CREAM substituted for milk. Awesome! Baked 30 minutes at 400 degrees and stirred. Baked approximately 15 minutes more until set.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks for the tip about halving the recipe.
t2 says
I’m totally making this on the weekend – and adding diced jalapenos and cheddar cheese. I can’t wait, my mouth is watering already!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Oooh, let me know how that turns out!!
Pamela Medcalf says
Can you half this recipe for a smaller number of people?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I have not tried. Since it calls for 5 eggs and 1 can of corn, it might be a little hard to cut in half.
Aubree says
Can this be made and frozen a week before Thanksgiving and if so how would I reheat it?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hi Aubree. I have actually never tried freezing it. I don’t think the texture would turn out very well. You can mix it up a couple of days before and bake it the day of Thanksgiving or bake it right away then reheat the baked casserole. 15-20 minutes in the oven usually does the trick. The edges will get a little more browned, but I actually like it that way!
Donna says
Is the dry mustard a necessary ingredient?
I’ve never seen it in a corn pudding receipe.
Just asking.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I have never made it without it, so I honestly can’t say. I think the sharpness is a nice balance to the sweetness.
Peggy Love says
If you double this recipe, will it fit in one 9X13 or do you need a second 9X13?? Still cook for an hour or how long if doubled and in one dish??
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hi Peggy,
If you fill it to the very top, a 9 x 13-inch pan holds 12 cups (3 quarts) of batter. This recipe will fill it about 3/4 full. If you want to double the recipe, I suggest that you bake it in a 6-quart casserole dish. I like the glass type that you can take from the freezer and put right into the oven. This 8-quart casserole dish on Amazon (affiliate link) looks very well constructed and I love that it has a lid!
StephL says
Made this for Thanksgiving and my husband and I loved it. I wanted something that did not use a box of corn muffin mix as I didn’t want any cornbready texture. This came out so light and fluffy almost like a souffle. Will gladly make again and again, although I may try reducing the sugar a bit. I think it would also be great w green chiles and sharp cheese. Thanks for sharing!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the corn pudding! I love the texture of it as well. Green chiles and cheese sound like delicious additions to the recipe, too!
Karen says
Can’t find 17 oz. cans of cream corn. Most cans of cream corn and corn are 14.34 ozs. Can I use that size for this corn pudding recipe?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
You definitely can use a smaller size of creamed corn, Karen. I use two small 8oz sized cans.
Mary O'Meara says
But 2 8 0z cans is only half what the recipe calls for?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Sorry, I should have been more clear to use two 8 oz. cans in place of one of the 17 oz. cans for four of the small cans total.
Glenda C. Wheet says
Truly looking forward to making this! Corn Pudding is something we’ve never had on the table at Thanksgiving!! I had a version of this at a sweet little restaurant called The Whistlestop Cafe here in KY. I Loved it, though it was a little too sweet for my taste. I’m hoping that this recipe will be one I make every year from now on!! Thank You! Happy Thanksgiving to All❣️
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I hope you enjoyed the corn pudding and had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Glenda!
Sarah Levine says
I was going to ask a question, but then looked it up and found the answer for myself. I thought I’d pass along the knowledge…. I wondered if I could substitute potato starch for cornstarch. Evidently, potato starch doesn’t do well when cooked for a long period of time (as in this recipe). So… asked and answered – now I just need to make the dish!!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m glad you found an answer, Sarah. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Jessica O'Leary says
What is the best way to reheat this? I want to make it for thanksgiving but will need to make ahead as the turkey will be in the oven.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Jessica,
My suggestion is to cover the pan with aluminum foil and place it into the oven to reheat while your turkey is out resting. It should only take 20 minutes or so at 375.
Cathy says
So excited to see that this is a GF version! Have always loved corn pudding but didn’t know how to convert. Was going to use a GF cornbread mix but I like the sound of the better and the fact is tried and true!!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I hope you enjoy the recipe, Cathy! It’s now one of my favorite side dishes for the holidays.
Kassia says
We loved this!! Truly loved it!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the corn pudding, Kassia!
Sheila says
I’m trying this recipe for Christmas. I’m so tired of green bean casserole. I’m hoping that this is what my southern grandmother used to make. She called it spoon bread. I’ll let you know.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I hope you enjoy the recipe, Sheila. The consistency of this pudding is very much like spoon bread!
Alex Trout says
This is my grandma’s recipe and I had NO IDEA it was gluten-free! Thanks for the “V-8” moment just when I needed one!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so happy to help, Alex! V-8 moments are awesome, aren’t they? 😉
dianne says
I’m making this rignt now. I’m staring at the can of corn and all that liquid in it. You don’t mention draining the can of corn so I should just dump it all in? If anyone has the time to answer this that would be great.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so sorry that I didn’t get back to you sooner, Dianne. I hope that you drained the liquid from the corn and that the recipe turned out well for you.
dianne says
I’m sorry about my post. Your recipe does say to drain the corn–I read it several times and never saw it…my bad.
I did drain the corn. The corn pudding was good but I had to cook it quite a bit longer to get any browning on the top.
Aniko says
This dish is delicious. Love it
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so happy to hear that you like the recipe, Aniko!
Melissa W says
Have you tried cooking it in a crockpot instead? Thanks!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hi Melissa,
I haven’t tried making this in a slow cooker, but if you do, I would suggest cooking it on low power so that it doesn’t become rubbery. I can’t give you any idea of cooking time, however. Also, keep in mind that the pudding won’t brown on the top if you make it in a slow cooker.
C Steele says
I, too, have this original recipe cut out on glossy paper and carefully preserved as it’s been a MUST for every Thanksgiving since that McCormick’s ad came out. I was first introduced to this dish by a Southern friend who said it was traditional in South Carolina, and when I found this recipe, I was hooked. I moved recently and my recipes are still in storage, so I was SO happy to find this online. Many thanks for posting it.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so happy that you found the corn pudding recipe here. Nobody should have to go without this delicious side dish for Thanksgiving! 🙂
Julie Nicolay says
REALLY great dish! I love how the savoury ingredients add to the flavor as opposed to the usual sweet-only that corn pudding so often is (not that that’s a bad thing, hello!). This was a huge hit at an early Thanksgiving potluck last weekend, and I’ll be making it again for Thanksgiving Day with 24 friends, so will be making a triple batch (I’m smart enough to make enough so I can bring some home this time)! This recipe also makes it very easy to successfully add stuff like those bell peppers, scallions, or sweeter things like using canned condensed milk and/or sour cream, etc. But, as my mama always advised, and rightly so, make a recipe exactly as written first, THEN experiment!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so happy that you found a new recipe to love and make often, Julie! Happy Thanksgiving 🙂
bacarter says
My mother can’t eat whole kernel corn very well. Do you think I could use 3 cans of cream style corn, and maybe adjust the amount of eggs and/or milk? Thanks!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I haven’t tried it, but I’m inclined to think it would be very runny. I don’t think you’d need any extra milk, but I can’t say for sure.
dianne says
Something’s wrong. I’ve attempted to print this recipe 3 times. It prints on two pages, the first page is the ingredients and it is all messed up with symbols over the left side of the ingredients list. Could it be fixed –I’d love to have the recipe?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I apologize for the inconvenience, Dianne. I’ve corrected the issue and you should be able to print the recipe without a problem now.
dianne says
Thank you so much! I’m looking forward to making this for T-day.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I hope you enjoy the corn pudding as much as my family does, Dianne!
Ann from Kentucky says
Our family adds diced green peppers. At Christmas we add red and green peppers. Makes the dish more eye appealing and gives the dish more flavor.
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I love your addition of the peppers to the corn pudding, Ann. You are right… what a festive touch!
Kristen Chidsey says
Well, I want a big old scoop of this with some pie (with cool-whip of course!) and then round it out with my sweet potato casserole. The holidays are all about these comfort foods!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m right there with you, Kristen!
Luise says
Can you freeze it after it’s made and heat it up at a later date ?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Luise, I have not tried to freeze the corn pudding. I’d be inclined to think it won’t freeze well, but it can be mixed a day or two beforehand and either kept in the fridge before cooking, or bake it reheat when you’re ready to serve. It reheats nicely. In fact, I like reheating it in the oven to get the edges even more browned.
Alexandra says
Hey there! I was looking at the comments to see if someone asked this! In your opinion at what temp would you reheat this and how long?! Thank you, I pinned this a while ago but am starting to get all my Thanksgiving recipes sorted out. 🙂
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hi Alexandra –
I suggest reheating the corn pudding at 350 degrees F. Check it after 20 minutes and see if you think it needs additional time to heat all the way through. I hope you enjoy it!
Naomi says
How do you know when it’s heated “all the way through?”
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
If you’ve already baked it and you are just reheating it, it’ll just need to be as hot as you’d like to eat it. It’ll be bubbling a little.
Jerry says
Video says hEat at 350, recipe says 400. Which one ?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Oops, sorry! The recipe is correct – 400.
Vanessa Neal says
How many servings will this recipe yield?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Vanessa, of course, the size of an appetite may vary, but the corn pudding should easily serve 6 people, and up to 8 for smaller servings. Enjoy!
Mommawcheryl says
My mom made this from fresh corn from the garden along with a side of fresh green beans and a pan of cornbread. Sliced fresh tomatoes onions and cucumbers rounded out the meal. This was our meal just about every everyday in the summertime when the garden came in. She made a sweet not savory version. And used self rising flour instead of cornstarch. Also she melted the butter in an iron skillet and poured the mixed ingredients into the butter and baked at 450 along side of a skillet of cornbread. Oh yeah when the new potatoes got so big some were boiled in the beans too. We lived just about totally from our garden in the summer. Then pinto beans with a side of fried potatoes onions and cornbread in winter. And the hogs and beef we butchered
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
That sounds absolutely delicious! I hope you enjoy the recipe with your alterations.
Emily says
This is mccormicks recipe. I clipped this from a newspaper 35 or 40 years ago. It’s a holiday tradition for us. Been making it that long. Awesome yummy a little on the sweet side if that’s how you like it. We do in Kentucky! Happy Days Pal
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Oh wow, my mom clipped it, but she clipped off so much we didn’t know the source. Thanks!
Amelia says
Happy Thanksgiving!!! This was a home-run at our table today! Good thing I doubled the recipe: I brought home no leftovers!!!
Lisa Harden says
Hi can I cut this recipe in half? And can I make it ahead of time
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I have never cut it in half, so I’m not sure since it does call for 5 eggs. But you can definitely make it ahead. I’ve mixed it the night before and baked it the day I planned to serve it and baked in advance and reheated to serve. Both work fine.
Lisa says
I want to make this ahead of time. I have a 2 hour drive. If I keep it in a cooler with ice packs on the drive, do you think it will be ok to pop in the oven and bake once I get to my destination?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Lisa, I’m so sorry that I didn’t see your comment until now. I hope that you made and enjoyed the corn pudding!
Adie says
Making this for a Christmas dinner with the in-laws today. Looks yummy! Just wanted to confirm whether it’s 4 teaspoons or tablespoons of cornstarch? I’m guessing tablespoons but wanted to be absolutely sure 😉
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Yes, it is tablespoons.
Judy says
I would like to make this in a crockpot due to lack of oven space for our Christmas. Yes? No?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I have not tried it, but I always say I am going to. I thin it would work, but can’t confirm. If you do, let me know!
Renee DeClere says
Have you tried almond milk in this recipe? I was curious if it would affect taste or consistency.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I have not, actually. I think it would work, but I can’t confirm.
Mommawcheryl says
It is mainly the eggs & corn starch that make the custard so I imagine it should work
Angela says
Just came across this!
My family has been making this recipe for over 20 years!
It is seriously my FAVORITE food EVER!!!
Good to know others are enjoying it as well!
But I have to say the pictures really don’t to it justice…
It is that good!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I took these photos a few years ago right before my hubby was taking it to a work party. I have to try again, though I’m not sure they will be much better. Ugly bout good food 🙂
Laura says
I was pleasantly surprised/amazed to find this recipe on pinterest, this is a BIG favorite in our house…..I actually still have the original magazine clipping…it was a McCormick recipe featuring the Season-All Salt as TIP#354 (surprisingly they do not feature it on their website)…….one TIP that I would give is that when I DOUBLE the recipe, which I usually do, is to increase the cooking time to 1 1/2 hours, stirring 3 times (since there is more, it needs more time to firm)….the entire family would feel cheated if this was not included on our holiday table
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Haha, we typically double the recipe too!
arps says
Hi there! This sounds yummy, do you mind telling me what the consistency is on this? I noticed there was no flour or cornmeal, so was wondering if it’s runny? And approximately how many servings do you get from this recipe? Thanks!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It actually sets up when it baked from the eggs and cornstarch. It’s soft, but not runny.
Ashleigh says
What’s the rule on mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating until morning to cook? Yay or nay?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Totally fine! We do it all pretty much every year!
Joyel says
Corn pudding is my family’s tradition at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Your recipe is very close to mine; we don’t put sugar, cornstarch or mustard in mine, but pepper, a little flour, baking soda and crushed crackers on top (with the melted butter over it). A lot of people I meet have never heard of corn pudding.
Debi Recipes For My Boys says
Oh I love corn pudding! Thank you for sharing on Thursday’s Treasures sweetie! I’m featuring this on Week 67. Please get your featured on button when you stop by. <3 and hugs!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks so much! I am truly flattered. Just getting to respond now, but I did notice this earlier, and made sure to share your party on my Facebook page!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Ooooooooooh this looks G DOUBLE O D GOOOOOOD!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
You have no idea!
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious says
Gawd, I want that for BREAKFAST!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hmm, never thought of that, but sure! 🙂