Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Corn Casserole

In the world of down-home, heartwarming cooking, few voices carry as much sweet, Southern authority as Dolly Parton’s. Beyond the glamour and the hits, Dolly is a self-proclaimed country cook at heart, often sharing recipes that are as straightforward and joyful as her music. Among her most beloved culinary contributions is this legendary 5-Ingredient Corn Casserole. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a piece of easy Southern comfort food history. Perfectly straddling the line between a cornbread and a creamy corn pudding, this dump-and-bake casserole requires minimal effort for maximum payoff. It’s the answer for busy weeknights, a guaranteed potluck winner, and a testament to Dolly’s philosophy that the best things in life—and in the kitchen—don’t have to be complicated. Let’s make a dish that’s as welcoming and delightful as Dolly herself.

Why This Dolly Parton Recipe Will Steal the Show

· Unbeatable Simplicity: Five pantry-staple ingredients, one bowl, zero fancy techniques.
· The Perfect Texture: A magical bake that creates a golden, crispy top over a rich, creamy, and moist interior.
· Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Equally at home next to holiday ham, weeknight chili, or backyard BBQ.
· Make-Ahead Marvel: Assemble it ahead and bake when needed, or reheat leftovers beautifully.
· Pure Nostalgia: One bite transports you to a cozy, comforting kitchen filled with warmth and good times.

The Story Behind the Recipe: Dolly’s Down-Home Roots

While Dolly Parton now reigns as a global icon, her roots in the smoky mountains of Tennessee are the bedrock of her identity—and her cooking. Recipes like this corn casserole embody the “scratch where you stand” ingenuity of Appalachian and Southern home cooking. It’s a dish born from resourcefulness, using shelf-stable and affordable ingredients to create something nourishing and celebratory for large families. This casserole echoes the kind of food served at church suppers, family reunions, and Sunday dinners after church—communal, hearty, and made with love. When Dolly shares a recipe like this, it’s a sharing of her heritage, a simple yet profound gift of comfort.

The Holy Quintet: Ingredients & Why They Work

The genius is in the combination. Each component plays a critical role in creating the final texture and flavor.

1 (15 oz) can Whole Kernel Corn, undrained: The liquid from the can is essential for moisture. The whole kernels provide sweet, juicy pops of texture.

1 (15 oz) can Creamed Corn: This is the secret sauce. It creates the luxurious, creamy base that sets this apart from dry cornbread.

1 (8.5 oz) box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: The iconic heart of the recipe. This mix provides the structure, the cornmeal flavor, and the perfect amount of sweetness and leavening. (It’s the “Dolly” of the ingredients—small but mighty!)

1 cup Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness that cuts the sweetness and creates an incredibly tender, moist crumb.

½ cup (1 stick) Butter, melted: Butter is the binder and the source of that irresistible, rich flavor and golden top.

The Optional Sixth Ingredient: Many home cooks, including Dolly herself sometimes, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese folded into the batter for an extra layer of gooey, savory goodness.

Your Simple Kitchen Toolkit

· One large mixing bowl
· A whisk or sturdy spatula
· A 9×9 inch or 2-quart baking dish (glass or ceramic is ideal)
· Measuring cups
· Can opener

Step-by-Step Instructions: Dump, Stir, Bake, Revel

This process is as easy as the lyrics to “Jolene.” Here’s how to achieve casserole perfection:

Step 1: Prep and Preheat. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures easy serving later.

Step 2: The Grand “Dump & Mix.” In your large bowl, combine the ENTIRE contents of both cans of corn (do not drain the whole kernel corn!). Add the entire box of Jiffy mix, the sour cream, and the melted butter. Stir with a spatula until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine—overmixing can lead to a tough texture.

Step 3: (Optional) Cheesy Swirl. If using, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection. Pour the thick, creamy batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is a deep, golden brown, and the center is set (a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean, not wet).

Step 5: The Crucial Rest. This is the hardest part! Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to fully set, making it easier to slice and serving it at the perfect temperature.

Dolly’s Pro Tips for the Best Corn Casserole

· Jiffy is Key: The specific balance of sweetness in Jiffy mix is part of the recipe’s DNA. Substitutions change the flavor profile.
· Don’t Overbake: The center should still have a slight jiggle when you pull it out; residual heat will continue to cook it.
· Texture Preference: For a more pudding-like consistency, bake closer to 45 minutes. For a firmer, more cornbread-like slice, aim for 55 minutes.
· Test for Doneness: Look for pulling away from the sides of the dish and a uniformly golden-brown top.

Flavor Variations: Make It Your Own Song

While the original is perfect, you can add a verse of your own:

· Spicy Southwest: Add a diced jalapeño and 1/2 tsp cumin to the batter. Top with pepper jack cheese.
· Herb Garden: Stir in 2 tbsp of fresh chopped chives or parsley.
· Savory Bacon: Fold in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky punch.
· Festive Fiesta: Mix in a 4 oz can of diced green chiles.

What to Serve with Your Southern Corn Casserole

This dish is the ultimate supporting act. Pair it with:

· Weeknight Favorites: A big pot of chili, pulled pork sandwiches, or baked BBQ chicken.
· Holiday Feasts: Glazed ham, roasted turkey, or fried chicken for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
· Summer BBQ: Brisket, grilled sausages, or hamburgers and hot dogs.
· Simple Pairing: A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Storing, Reheating, and Making Ahead

· Make-Ahead: Assemble the batter in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
· Storing Leftovers: Cover with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
· Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For larger amounts, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. A quick broil can re-crisp the top.

Dietary Considerations & Substitutions

· Vegetarian: The base recipe is vegetarian. Ensure no meat-based additives are in your cornbread mix.
· Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free cornbread mix in place of Jiffy.
· Lighter Option: You can use light sour cream, though the texture may be slightly less rich.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen or fresh corn instead of canned?
A:For canned whole kernel corn, you can substitute 1.5 cups of frozen (thawed) or fresh cooked corn plus 1/4 cup of liquid (water or milk). The creamed corn is harder to replace; it’s a unique product for this recipe.

Q: My casserole is still wet in the middle after an hour. What happened?
A:Oven temperatures can vary. Ensure your oven is fully preheated and use an oven thermometer for accuracy. Cover the top with foil to prevent over-browning and continue baking until set.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A:Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch dish. The baking time may increase by 10-15 minutes.

Q: What’s the difference between this and “corn pudding”?
A:Corn pudding is often egg-based and more custardy. This casserole, thanks to the corn muffin mix, has a heartier, bread-like structure with a creamy interior.

More Easy, Famous Copycat Recipes to Try

If you love this taste of celebrity kitchen magic, try these:

· Oprah’s Favorite Turkey Chili
· Ina Garten’s Engagement Roast Chicken
· Ree Drummond’s Cinnamon Rolls
· John Wayne Casserole

Final Chorus: A Simple Dish for a Joyful Table

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Corn Casserole is more than a recipe; it’s a lesson in joy. It proves that you don’t need complexity to create something that brings people together with a smile. It’s food that hugs you from the inside—warm, sweet, savory, and profoundly satisfying. In the spirit of Dolly herself, it’s about using what you have to spread a little light, love, and deliciousness. So, preheat that oven, gather your five simple ingredients, and get ready for a standing ovation at the dinner table.

Now, who’s ready for seconds?

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