If You Have Cornmeal, Creamed Corn, Bacon, And Cheese, You Have The Start Of A Savory Cornbread Casserole

When you think of cornbread, you probably imagine it slathered with butter next to a bowl of chili or pot roast. But why not make cornbread the main event? With dishes like cornbread casserole, you get the sweet, crumbly taste of cornbread mixed with filling ingredients like bacon and cheese, turning it into a full-on dinner. That's exactly what Tasting Table's loaded cornbread casserole recipe accomplishes.

Our loaded cornbread casserole is moist, dense, and filling — with plenty of savory, rich flavor. After mixing the usual dry cornbread ingredients, like cornmeal, corn kernels, flour, baking soda, and salt, this recipe calls for wet ingredients like creamed corn, melted butter, milk, and sour cream to make it extra spongy. Bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese also infuse the batter with delicious salt and fat.

Once it's baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes, this casserole is soft on the inside and delightfully crisp and cheesy on the outside. It's the perfect cornbread recipe for family-style dinners at home.

If your family can't finish this casserole in one night, you can store it in the fridge for around five days. It makes for delicious leftovers: Just reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven for a quick lunch or dinner. Overall, its taste and texture should remain intact.

A few choice toppings could spice up the casserole too. Serve it with more cheese and bacon bits, or add a dollop of rich sour cream. Sprinkle some thinly sliced green onion on top for peppery freshness or hot sauce for a little kick. Of course, a pat of butter is always welcome to moisten the cornbread even more. And as far as meal pairings go? We think it would taste fantastic with one of our delicious chili recipes or country-style pork ribs for a Southern-inspired meal.