Grandma’s Corn Pudding – The Ultimate Comfort Classic
There’s something undeniably special about old-fashioned family recipes—those dishes that show up on every holiday table, every gathering, and every Sunday dinner. Grandma’s Corn Pudding is one of those timeless classics. It’s creamy, soft, gently sweet, and perfectly savory, striking a balance that no modern recipe ever seems to match. When you bake Grandma’s Corn Pudding, your kitchen fills with that warm, nostalgic aroma that instantly reminds you of childhood meals, family laughter, and the comforting simplicity of homemade food. This dish has been passed down for generations because it just works, delivering a texture that is somewhere between cornbread, casserole, and custard.
Whether you’re serving Thanksgiving dinner, hosting friends, or simply craving a warm, cozy side dish, Grandma’s Corn Pudding fits every moment. It’s easy to prepare, requires simple pantry staples, and always earns a spot on the table. With its golden crust, creamy interior, and rich buttery flavor, it’s the kind of recipe your guests will request again and again. This article will guide you through everything you need to know—from the science behind why this recipe works, to expert tricks, serving ideas, and step-by-step instructions that guarantee success every time you make Grandma’s Corn Pudding.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of Grandma’s Corn Pudding is in its simplicity. While the ingredient list is short, each element plays a vital role in creating that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1. Two Types of Corn Create Perfect Texture
Using both whole kernel corn and creamed corn ensures a combination of different consistencies. The whole kernels provide pops of sweetness, while the creamed corn contributes moisture and softens the pudding. This is one of the key reasons Grandma’s Corn Pudding has such a silky, spoonable texture.
2. Sour Cream Adds Creaminess and Tang
The sour cream provides richness that keeps the pudding incredibly tender without becoming dense. It also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the corn.
3. Butter Creates Flavor and Moisture
Melted butter infuses the mixture with savory depth and prevents dryness. Because Grandma’s Corn Pudding contains Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, the butter helps soften the mix and ensures it bakes evenly.
4. Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix Gives It Structure
One box of Jiffy transforms the mixture from a simple custard into a cohesive pudding-style casserole. It thickens the batter, adds a gentle sweetness, and creates a golden, slightly crisp top. Without it, Grandma’s Corn Pudding wouldn’t achieve its signature texture.
5. Eggs Bind the Pudding
The two eggs set the structure of the pudding once baked, preventing the dish from becoming runny while still remaining soft.
6. Optional Sugar Enhances Classic Sweetness
Corn pudding traditionally leans sweet, and adding sugar brings out the natural sugars in the corn. Whether or not you choose to include it, Grandma’s Corn Pudding remains delicious, but sugar takes it closer to its old-fashioned Southern roots.
Together, these ingredients create a reliable and balanced combination that explains why Grandma’s Corn Pudding has survived for generations in American kitchens.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
To make Grandma’s Corn Pudding, you only need everyday ingredients that are easy to find in any U.S. grocery store. Here’s everything required:
Core Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
Adds texture and slight crunch.
1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
Creates moisture, sweetness, and a creamy base.
1 cup sour cream
Provides richness and softness.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For flavor and moisture.
2 large eggs
Essential for structure.
1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
The backbone of Grandma’s Corn Pudding.
Seasonings & Optional Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar (optional for sweeter pudding)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Recommended Add-Ins
Shredded cheddar cheese (before baking)
Chopped chives or green onions
Crumbled bacon (for a savory version)
A pinch of nutmeg for a vintage twist
If you stick to the classic ingredients, you’ll get the true nostalgic flavor of Grandma’s Corn Pudding, but the recipe is extremely flexible.
How to Make Grandma’s Corn Pudding (Step-by-Step)
Making Grandma’s Corn Pudding is simple, fast, and beginner-friendly. Here’s the full walkthrough:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the pudding bakes through evenly without drying out. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a deep casserole dish.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Whole kernel corn
Creamed corn
Sour cream
Melted butter
Eggs
Jiffy mix
Sugar (optional)
Salt
Pepper
Stir everything until it’s fully blended. The mixture will be loose, and that’s good—this is what creates the creamy texture associated with classic Grandma’s Corn Pudding.
3. Pour into the Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it cooks evenly.
4. Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes. The top should become golden brown, with slightly crispy edges and a soft center.
The pudding is done when:
A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
The center no longer jiggles loosely.
The edges are lightly caramelized.
5. Cool Before Serving
Let Grandma’s Corn Pudding cool for about 10 minutes. This allows it to set properly while remaining warm and creamy.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
To make sure Grandma’s Corn Pudding turns out perfect every time, use these expert tips:
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Gently stir the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing activates the gluten in the Jiffy mix, resulting in a denser pudding.
2. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Cold eggs or sour cream can cause uneven baking.
3. Melt the Butter Fully
If the butter cools too long and solidifies, the pudding will not blend correctly and may bake unevenly.
4. Test for Doneness Properly
Because Grandma’s Corn Pudding is soft, it can be tricky to judge when it’s ready. Insert a toothpick into the center—once it comes out clean, it’s done.
5. Add Cheese for a Savory Version
Mix about 1/2 cup shredded cheddar into the batter. This gives the pudding a richer, more casserole-like flavor.
6. Make It Ahead
You can prepare Grandma’s Corn Pudding the night before:
Mix ingredients
Pour into baking dish
Cover and refrigerate
Bake the next day, adding 5–10 extra minutes.
7. Reheat Without Drying
Warm leftovers at 300°F for 15–20 minutes. Heating at a lower temperature keeps the pudding from becoming tough.
8. Customize Sweetness
If you’re serving the pudding with savory dishes, omit the sugar. For holidays, adding sugar makes Grandma’s Corn Pudding more traditional and dessert-like.
9. Let the Top Brown
The golden crust gives a deeper flavor and adds contrast to the soft custard-like inside.
10. Avoid Using Low-Fat Sour Cream
It won’t give the pudding the rich, smooth texture that defines Grandma’s Corn Pudding.
How to Serve Grandma’s Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is incredibly versatile, which is why it shows up at both family dinners and holiday feasts. Here’s how to serve it:
Serve warm, directly from the baking dish
Slice into squares or scoop with a spoon
Drizzle with melted butter for extra richness
Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color
Serve with savory meats for balance
The warmth and creaminess of Grandma’s Corn Pudding make it a comforting complement to almost any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Here are excellent ideas for serving Grandma’s Corn Pudding at its best:
Pair with Main Dishes
Roast chicken
Honey-glazed ham
Turkey (ideal for Thanksgiving)
BBQ ribs
Pork chops
Meatloaf
Serve Alongside Other Sides
Mashed potatoes
Green bean casserole
Roasted vegetables
Collard greens
Mac and cheese
Occasions Where It Shines
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Potlucks
Church gatherings
BBQs
Weeknight dinners
Grandma’s Corn Pudding is the kind of dish that fits into any menu, making it a true American comfort classic.
Time Required
Here’s the full breakdown:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 55–65 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning a holiday feast, Grandma’s Corn Pudding fits perfectly into any schedule.
Final Thoughts on Grandma’s Corn Pudding
There’s a reason the name Grandma’s Corn Pudding appears again and again—it’s a recipe that people cherish, pass down, and look forward to every year. From its creamy middle to its lightly caramelized edges, it represents everything comforting about home cooking. This simple yet unforgettable dish embodies warmth, tradition, and the timeless flavors of American comfort food. Whether you’re preparing a quiet family meal or hosting a big gathering, Grandma’s Corn Pudding is guaranteed to bring smiles and second helpings.