cheesy Southern corn casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, melted butter, and cornbread mix. Stir until well combined.

Fold in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and season the mixture with salt and pepper.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish with chopped chives or green onions before serving to add a pop of color and flavor.

For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the mixture, or sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper for heat. If you’re a fan of bacon, try adding some crispy crumbled bacon to the mix for an extra layer of flavor. For a different cheese profile, you could swap the cheddar with Monterey Jack or a sharp white cheddar. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free cornbread mix instead of the traditional one. Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.