The famous Cracker Barrel corn casserole recipe is a simple mix of corn muffin mix, creamed corn, whole-kernel corn, melted butter, and sour cream. This combination—often called a Jiffy corn mix recipe—creates a rich, creamy corn casserole with that unmistakable custardy texture. It’s an ideal holiday side dish that’s easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.
Some dishes are so comforting, so perfectly old-fashioned, that folks will spend years trying to recreate them at home. And when we’re talking about Cracker Barrel, nothing inspires more “I just have to make this at home!” energy than their corn casserole—creamy, buttery, tender, and almost pudding-like.
If you’ve been hunting for the definitive cracker barrel corn casserole recipe, you’ve just found it. This is the best Cracker Barrel copycat version, built on the classic Jiffy corn mix recipe you already know and love, with a few key tricks to nail that signature custardy texture.
The Four Foundational Ingredients: The Jiffy Corn Mix Recipe
At the heart of this Cracker Barrel-style casserole are four simple ingredients—no fuss, no frills, just pure comfort.
1. Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
This little blue box does a lot of heavy lifting. It adds structure while keeping the casserole soft and slightly sweet.
2. Whole-Kernel Corn
This brings juicy pops of texture throughout the dish.
3. Creamed Corn
The hero behind the creamy spoonbread-like feel. It adds moisture, richness, and sweetness.
4. Melted Butter
For flavor, tenderness, and that classic buttery Southern warmth.
Together, these create the base of the classic creamy corn casserole loved at Cracker Barrel.
Achieving the Signature Custardy Texture and Creaminess
Here’s where the magic happens: sour cream.
It’s the ingredient that transforms this from simple corn bread mix into a silky, custard-style bake. Sour cream prevents the casserole from drying out and adds that unmistakable tangy richness.
If you don’t have sour cream:
- Plain Greek yogurt works beautifully
- A splash of milk adds moisture but less creaminess
But if you want the true Cracker Barrel vibe, sour cream is the golden ticket.
Essential Baking Tips for the Perfect Easy Corn Bake
To get that soft, barely-set center:
- Use a 9×13 baking dish for an evenly thick layer
- Bake at 350°F
- Pull it from the oven when the edges are set but the middle still jiggles slightly
- Do not overbake—too much time in the oven turns creamy into crumbly
This is the key to the real custardy texture.
The Full Recipe: Cracker Barrel Corn Casserole Copycat
Below is the complete, detailed table you requested.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Jiffy corn muffin mix | 1 box (8.5 oz) |
| Whole-kernel corn (drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Creamed corn | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Melted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Salt | ¼ tsp (optional) |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Optional mix-ins | 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 minced jalapeño, ¼ cup diced scallions |
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
| 1 | Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish. |
| 2 | In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sour cream, creamed corn, and whole-kernel corn. Stir until smooth. |
| 3 | Add the Jiffy corn muffin mix and fold gently until just combined—do not overmix. |
| 4 | Season with salt and pepper; add optional cheese or jalapeños if desired. |
| 5 | Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top. |
| 6 | Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a soft, custard-like jiggle. |
| 7 | Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to help the texture settle. |
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FAQ: Your Most Common Corn Casserole Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix everything together, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
2. What if I don’t have Jiffy mix?
You can use a homemade substitute of cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt — but Jiffy gives the closest Cracker Barrel copycat texture.
3. Can I add cheese to the creamy corn casserole?
Oh yes! Cheddar melts beautifully into the batter and creates a richer, more decadent version.
4. How do I avoid a dry casserole?
Don’t overbake, and be sure the sour cream is included — it’s key to the custardy texture.
Conclusion: Comfort Food at Its Easiest
The beauty of this cracker barrel corn casserole recipe is its simplicity. A handful of pantry staples, one bowl, and about an hour later you’ve got a creamy, golden, comforting holiday side dish that brings people straight back for seconds.
Make it once, and it will be in your rotation forever.
Bake this definitive version today — and enjoy every warm, buttery spoonful.
