Irresistible Southern-Style Cornbread Casserole

Irresistible Southern-Style Cornbread Casserole: A Holiday Side Dish MasterpieceThis recipe is inspired by the golden-brown, crusty, and comforting dish in the image—a classic cornbread casserole, often known as corn pudding or spoon bread. It’s the perfect savory side dish, balancing sweet corn kernels with a moist, buttery cornbread base and a wonderfully crisp, golden topping. IngredientsFOR THE CORNBREAD CASSEROLE BASE:1 (15-ounce) Can Whole Kernel Corn: Drained.Tip: Use fire-roasted corn for an extra smoky flavor layer.1 (15-ounce) Can Cream-Style Corn: Do not drain.1 (8-ounce) Package Cornbread Mix (Jiffy is popular): Alternatively, use 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.1 Cup Sour Cream: Or plain Greek yogurt for a richer, tangier flavor and moist texture.1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter: Melted and slightly cooled.1 Large Egg: Lightly beaten.1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Optional, for a gooey, cheesy texture inside.1/2 Tsp Salt and 1/4 Tsp Black PepperFOR THE GOLDEN TOPPING (CRUST):1 Tbsp Melted Butter: For brushing.1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme or Chives: Finely chopped (as seen in the image).1/4 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs: Optional, but highly recommended for an extra-crispy, photogenic crust.Step-by-Step Instructions1. PREPARATION AND PREHEATINGPreheat Oven: Preheat your oven to $175^\circ\text{C}$ ($350^\circ\text{F}$).Prepare Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (or similarly sized) baking dish. The rectangular shape in the image is typically 9×13.2. MIX THE WET INGREDIENTSCombine: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and the lightly beaten egg until well combined.Add Dairy: Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until the mixture is smooth.3. INCORPORATE THE CORN AND DRY INGREDIENTSAdd Corn: Gently stir in both the drained whole kernel corn and the undrained cream-style corn.Add Mix: Pour in the cornbread mix (or the homemade cornmeal/flour mixture). Stir just until the dry ingredients are fully moistened and there are no large pockets of dry mix. Do not overmix; overmixing will develop the gluten and result in a tough, less tender casserole.Season and Cheese: Stir in the salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese (if using).