Sweet Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that blends tender corn kernels with a sweet, sticky honey glaze. The soft, creamy texture combined with the subtle crunch from the corn makes every bite a little celebration of flavors and textures. It’s a simple side that feels special enough for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
I love making this casserole when I want something easy but still a crowd-pleaser. The honey glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, giving it a gentle lift without overpowering the natural corn flavor. I often find myself sneaking a taste before it even hits the table—it’s that good! A little tip I’ve learned: letting it sit for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors settle and makes it even better.
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled veggies, but I’m just as happy eating it on its own with a fork. It reminds me of family gatherings where everyone reaches for seconds, and the honey glaze often leads to little smiles all around. If you enjoy simple dishes that feel like a warm hug, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Kernel and Cream-Style Corn: Using both gives this casserole that great texture — soft and creamy with little bursts of corn. If fresh corn is available, you can roast and cut kernels to use instead for a fresher twist.
Cornmeal: Yellow cornmeal adds a nice body and corn flavor. You can use white cornmeal or even a fine polenta if you prefer a smoother texture.
Sour Cream: This makes the casserole moist and rich. Greek yogurt can be a good substitute here if you want to lighten it up a bit.
Honey: The honey brings the signature sweet glaze. If you want a different flavor, maple syrup or agave nectar works well, but honey has that perfect balance of sweetness and taste.
Butter: Melted butter adds flavor and moisture. For a dairy-free version, try coconut oil or a mild olive oil, which also keeps the casserole tender.
How Do You Get That Perfect Honey Glaze on Top?
The honey glaze is what makes this casserole extra special, giving it a shiny, sweet finish. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Bake the casserole until the top is golden brown and set, about 45-50 minutes.
- Right after taking it out of the oven, brush the surface with honey while the casserole is still warm — this lets the honey melt and seep in a bit.
- Use a clean pastry brush or spoon the honey on evenly for a smooth glaze.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes so the glaze sets and won’t be too sticky or runny when serving.
Waiting those few minutes makes the glaze firm up just enough to add sweetness without any mess. This step is key to the casserole’s beautiful look and flavor punch!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking dish – I like this size because it’s perfect for even baking and easy to serve.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need one large bowl for blending the ingredients and a small bowl for the wet mixture.
- Whisk or spoon – helps combine ingredients smoothly, especially the wet mixture.
- Basting brush – makes brushing on the honey glaze quick and mess-free.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep everything precise for the perfect balance of flavors.
- Oven mitts – for safety when removing the hot casserole from the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Stir in diced jalapeños or chopped green chilies to add a little heat that pairs nicely with the sweet honey.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist that melts into the casserole.
- Add cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage to make it more savory and hearty.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving for a fresh touch.
Sweet Honey-Glazed Corn Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (14.75 oz) cream-style corn
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup honey (plus extra for glazing)
Time Needed:
This casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 45-50 minutes to bake. Add another 5-10 minutes for cooling and glazing before serving. So, in total, you’ll need about an hour from start to table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Preheat:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Corn and Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the drained whole kernel corn and cream-style corn. Add the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream, melted butter, beaten eggs, and 1/4 cup of honey until smooth and combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour the wet ingredients into the corn and dry ingredient mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined — don’t over-mix, or the casserole might become dense.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Add the Honey Glaze:
Right after you take the casserole out of the oven, brush the warm surface generously with extra honey. This glaze adds a beautiful shine and sweet taste. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes so the glaze sets and it’s just right to serve.
7. Garnish and Serve:
For a pretty finish, garnish with a fresh sprig of thyme or parsley if you like. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, moist, and honey-glazed delight!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Canned Corn?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen corn well before using to avoid extra moisture that can affect the casserole’s texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the texture moist and delicious.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the honey glaze right after baking for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a slightly tangier flavor and similar creaminess.
