Gluten-Free Bacon and Corn Casserole

Prep: 10 minCook: 50 min8 servingsmediumAmerican
Bacon and Corn Casserole with Cheddar and Cornbread Mix

A hearty Southern-style casserole combining sweet and creamy corn with savory bacon and melted cheddar cheese. The cornbread mix creates a tender, slightly sweet base that contrasts beautifully with the salty bacon. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings when you need a comforting side dish that feeds a crowd. This version stands out for its simple assembly and satisfying combination of textures from creamy corn to crispy bacon bits.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 14 ¾ oz sweet corn, canned
  • 14 ¾ oz cream-style corn, canned
  • 1 cup sour cream
    Greek yogurt1:1dairy-lighter

    slight tang difference

    Full guide →
  • cup butter, unsalted and melted
  • 6 ½ oz cornbread mix
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
    turkey bacon1:1lower-fat

    less smoky flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
    Mexican cheese blend1:1variety

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and prepare baking dish with nonstick cooking spray

  2. 2

    Mix sweet corn, cream-style corn, sour cream, and melted butter in medium bowl

  3. 3

    Add cornbread mix and stir until combined

  4. 4

    Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish

  5. 5

    Bake until golden brown

  6. 6

    Remove from oven and top with bacon and cheese

  7. 7

    Return to oven until cheese melts

  8. 8

    Remove and serve

Tips

Tip 1

Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling to prevent soggy pieces in the finished casserole.

Tip 2

Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to firm up before serving for cleaner slices.

Tip 3

Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar cheese for more complex flavor depth.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container

Make Ahead

Assemble casserole up to 1 day ahead, add bacon and cheese before final baking

Serve With

Serve warm as side dish with grilled meats or roasted chicken

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overbake the base or it will become dry and crumbly

Watch

Add bacon and cheese only at the end to prevent burning

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

sour cream
Greek yogurt1:1dairy-lighter

slight tang difference

Full guide →

General Alternatives

cheddar cheese
Mexican cheese blend1:1variety

different flavor profile

Full guide →
bacon
turkey bacon1:1lower-fat

less smoky flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?

Yes, use about 3 cups fresh corn kernels but you may need to cook slightly longer since fresh corn has less moisture than canned.

What if I don't have cornbread mix?

Substitute with 1/2 cup cornmeal plus 1/2 cup flour and 1 tablespoon sugar, though texture will be slightly different.

How long will leftovers keep?

Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months, though texture may be slightly less creamy after freezing.