Corn casserole is a classic Southern side dish that is commonly served alongside hearty main dishes like fried chicken, pot roast, or pork chops. With its sweet corn flavor and creamy, cheesy texture, corn casserole pairs well with a variety of savory sides. So what are the best side dish options to serve alongside corn casserole? Here are some quick answers to complementary sides that can round out a delicious meal:
Quick Answer:
– Buttery mashed potatoes – The rich, velvety potatoes contrast nicely with the sweet corn flavor.
– Steamed broccoli – The bright green veggie adds color and balances the heavy casserole.
– Baked mac and cheese – Another Southern classic that complements the corn casserole’s creaminess.
– Glazed carrots – The natural sweetness matches the sweet corn.
– Dinner rolls – Great for soaking up the cheesy deliciousness.
– Green bean casserole – Similar flavors like cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.
– Creamed spinach – The creamy texture pairs nicely and adds veggies.
– Fried okra – A crunchy, crispy texture to contrast the soft casserole.
– Cornbread – Soaks up sauce and gives more corn flavor.
– Coleslaw – A refreshing, creamy cabbage side.
The Best Starch Sides for Corn Casserole
One of the best ways to complement a rich and creamy corn casserole is by pairing it with a starchy side dish. Here are some of the top starch side picks to consider:
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a perfect match for corn casserole. The smooth, creamy potatoes complement the texture of the casserole beautifully. And the starchiness helps to cut through the richness. Choose butter-infused mashed potatoes for ultimate indulgence!
Mac and Cheese
For a double hit of cheesy comfort food, try baked mac and cheese as your side. The ooey-gooey mac and cheese provides a similar creaminess and cheese flavor as the casserole, allowing the two dishes to work in delicious harmony.
Rice Pilaf
A rice pilaf lends texture contrast and soaks up any extra delicious sauce. Opt for a cheesy risotto style to mirror the corn casserole. Or try a pilaf with veggies like peas and carrots to add color.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are sliced potatoes baked in a cream sauce, similar to a gratin. This dish provides an indulgent, creamy potato accompaniment for soaking up the casserole’s flavorful sauce.
Bread Stuffing
Bread stuffing or dressing provides a bready accompaniment to schop up the corn casserole’s irresistible sauce. Opt for a cornbread based stuffing to complement the sweet corn even more.
Cheesy Grits
Grits make for an excellent corn-centric side dish, especially when amped up with cheese! The smooth, luxurious texture pairs perfectly with every bite of creamy casserole.
Vegetable Sides to Lighten Up the Meal
Since corn casserole can be heavy and rich, adding a vegetable side dish helps to balance out the meal. Here are some lighter veggie sides to consider:
Green Beans
Fresh, crisp green beans – steamed, sautéed or roasted – make for a lighter accompaniment. Green beans have a touch of natural sweetness to complement the corn casserole.
Broccoli
Steamed or roasted broccoli florets add some green nutrition to your plate. The deep, earthy flavor balances the sweetness of the corn.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts roasted with garlic, olive oil and parmesan lend a rich, complex flavor that matches well with corn casserole. The crunchy texture contrasts nicely too.
Glazed Carrots
Sweet, glistening glazed carrots caramelize when roasted, offering crunchy bites along with natural sweetness to echo the corn flavor.
Creamed Spinach
Lightly cooked spinach in a creamy sauce makes for an indulgent veggie pairing. The earthiness cuts through the rich flavors.
Asparagus
Fresh, tender roasted asparagus spears offset the richness but match the homestyle comfort of corn casserole.
Timeless Classic Pairings
You can never go wrong pairing corn casserole with tried-and-true classic side dishes that have stood the test of time. These options make perfect additions for casserole night:
Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky baked beans offer quintessential BBQ flair and pair beautifully with corn casserole at any cookout.
Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw offers freshness and texture contrast. The creamy dressing pairs well with casserole too.
Potato Salad
Another BBQ classic – potato salad with a mayo or sour cream-based dressing complements corn casserole’s texture and flavor.
Corn on the Cob
You can’t go wrong with more corn! Grilled or boiled corn on the cob makes for a perfect match and gives that sweet corn essence.
Cornbread
Warm buttery cornbread baking alongside the casserole pulls the whole meal together. It soaks up the delicious sauce too.
Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits are a must-have alongside Southern comfort foods. Let them soak up all that cheesy deliciousness.
Crunchy, Crispy Sides
The soft, spoonable texture of corn casserole deserves a crunchy counterpart. These crispy sides provide contrasting crunch:
Fried Okra
Crispy breaded fried okra pods offer the ideal crunch factor to complement creamy corn casserole.
Onion Rings
Sweet, crispy battered onion rings make the perfect crunchy pairing for corn casserole.
French Fries
You can never go wrong with a side of fries! Golden, crispy fries lend that ideal balance of crunch.
Kale Chips
Baked kale chips sprinkled with sea salt or other seasonings make for a more nutritious crispy crunch.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Tart, fried green tomatoes offer a quintessential Southern crispy pairing for corn casserole.
Corn Fritters
For more corn! Corn fritters fry up crispy on the outside with sweet, corn-studded centers.
Salads for Freshness and Nutrition
Don’t forget to work some greens into your meal! Fresh salads complement rich corn casserole.
Garden Salad
A simple garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots works with just about any entree.
Wedge Salad
An iceberg lettuce wedge drizzled with creamy blue cheese dressing provides a classic steakhouse vibe.
Greek Salad
Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta and red onions lend Mediterranean flavor.
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce coated in creamy Caesar dressing offers richness to pair with corn casserole.
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli florets, raisins, shredded cheese make for a filling salad with corn casserole.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers slices in a sweet vinegar dressing lend freshness and crunch.
Putting it All Together
When choosing side dishes for corn casserole, aim for a balance of flavors, textures and nutrition. Here’s a sample balanced plate:
– Corn Casserole – The indulgent, creamy, cheesy centerpiece
– Mashed Potatoes – Classic starchy pairing to complement the casserole
– Green Beans – Fresh veggie for color and nutrition
– Biscuits – Flaky bread to soak up the delicious sauce
– Garden Salad – Mixed greens lend freshness and crunch
Pulling together a cohesive meal is easy with corn casserole as your base! Mix and match complementary sides depending on what you have on hand or what suits your tastes. The possibilities are endless for creating a satisfying, home-cooked meal.
Corn Casserole Side Dish Pairings
| Side Dish Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Starchy Sides | Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, rice pilaf, bread stuffing |
| Vegetable Sides | Green beans, broccoli, carrots, spinach |
| Classic Pairings | Baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, corn on the cob |
| Crunchy Sides | Fried okra, onion rings, french fries, kale chips |
| Fresh Salads | Garden salad, Caesar salad, Greek salad, cucumber salad |
Recipe: Creamy Corn Casserole
Looking for an amazing corn casserole recipe? Here is an easy one loaded with fresh sweet corn, cream, cheese and buttery breadcrumbs. This will become your new favorite side dish!
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 3 Tbsp butter
– 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups milk
– 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 Tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté corn, onion and bell pepper in butter until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Whisk in flour until absorbed, then slowly stir in milk. Bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour corn mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese.
6. In a small bowl, toss together panko crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole.
7. Bake 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
With its irresistible combination of sweet corn, rich cream and gooey cheese, corn casserole is a satisfying side dish for any occasion. Pairing it with complementary sides like mashed potatoes, fresh veggies and crunchy fried okra helps to round out the meal. Taking flavor profiles, textures and nutrition into account allows you to easily create a cohesive plate. So next time you whip up a warm corn casserole straight from the oven, refer to this guide for the perfect side dish pairings to complete the meal.