Old-Fashioned Scalloped Corn: A Creamy, Comforting Classic

Scalloped corn is a dish that evokes memories of cozy family dinners, potlucks, and holiday feasts. It’s a simple yet satisfying side dish, a true comfort food classic that has stood the test of time. This recipe takes you back to basics, recreating the old-fashioned scalloped corn that your grandmother might have made, with its creamy texture, sweet corn flavor, and golden, bubbly topping.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simple Ingredients:** This recipe uses readily available ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator. No fancy or hard-to-find items are needed. This ensures ease of preparation and affordability.
* **Creamy Texture:** The combination of milk, cream (or half-and-half), and eggs creates a luxuriously creamy and decadent base for the corn. This texture is essential to the comforting nature of the dish.
* **Sweet Corn Flavor:** The star of the show is, of course, the corn. Using good-quality corn, whether fresh, frozen, or canned, will significantly impact the flavor. The sweetness of the corn is what makes this dish so appealing.
* **Golden, Bubbly Topping:** The buttery cracker topping provides a delightful contrast to the creamy corn filling. It adds a textural element and a touch of savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn.
* **Adaptable:** This recipe is easily adaptable to suit your preferences and dietary needs. You can adjust the sweetness, add different spices, or use alternative ingredients to make it your own.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Corn:** 4 cups of fresh, frozen, or canned corn. If using fresh corn, you’ll need about 6-8 ears, depending on their size. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely before using. Canned corn should be drained well.
* **Milk:** 1 cup of whole milk. You can substitute with 2% milk or even unsweetened almond milk for a lighter option, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
* **Heavy Cream (or Half-and-Half):** 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. Heavy cream will result in a richer and creamier dish, while half-and-half will make it slightly lighter. You can use whole milk for a lighter but less rich version. The richness is what gives this dish its comfort food quality.
* **Eggs:** 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. The eggs help to bind the mixture together and contribute to the creamy texture.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided. Two tablespoons will be melted into the corn mixture, and the remaining two tablespoons will be used for the cracker topping.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. The flour helps to thicken the corn mixture and prevent it from being too watery.
* **Sugar:** 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, or to taste. The amount of sugar you need will depend on the sweetness of the corn you’re using. Taste the corn before adding the sugar and adjust accordingly. It accentuates the natural sweetness of the corn.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste. Pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the dish.
* **Crackers:** 1 1/2 cups of crushed crackers (such as Ritz, saltines, or club crackers). Ritz crackers are a popular choice for their buttery flavor and slightly sweet taste. Saltines provide a more savory option. Club crackers offer a good balance between buttery and savory.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Diced onion, chopped bell pepper, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere), fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or thyme).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch baking dish:** This size dish is perfect for a standard batch of scalloped corn. You can use a slightly smaller or larger dish, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
* **Mixing bowls:** For preparing the corn mixture and the cracker topping.
* **Whisk:** For whisking together the eggs, milk, and cream.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measuring of the ingredients.
* **Skillet or saucepan:** For melting the butter and sautéing any optional vegetables.
* **Crusher or food processor**: For crushing the crackers. A rolling pin and a zip-top bag also work.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Corn Mixture:**

* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* If using fresh corn, shuck the corn and cut the kernels off the cob. You should have about 4 cups of corn kernels.
* In a large bowl, combine the corn, milk, heavy cream (or half-and-half), eggs, melted butter, flour, sugar (to taste), salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
* If you’re adding any optional vegetables, such as diced onion or chopped bell pepper, sauté them in a skillet with a little butter until softened before adding them to the corn mixture. This will enhance their flavor and texture. Allow them to cool slightly before incorporating them into the wet ingredients.

**2. Prepare the Cracker Topping:**

* In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers and the remaining melted butter. Mix well until the crackers are evenly coated with butter. This will create a crispy and golden topping.
* If you want to add a touch of flavor to the cracker topping, you can mix in a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.

**3. Assemble and Bake:**

* Pour the corn mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
* Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the corn mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the corn mixture with the cracker topping.
* If you’re adding any shredded cheese, sprinkle it over the cracker topping. This will add a cheesy and melty layer to the top of the dish.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly and the corn mixture is set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check it periodically. A knife inserted into the center of the dish should come out clean.
* Let the scalloped corn cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to set up slightly and prevent it from being too runny.

## Tips for the Best Scalloped Corn

* **Use Good-Quality Corn:** The quality of the corn will greatly affect the flavor of the dish. If possible, use fresh, sweet corn. Frozen corn is a good substitute if fresh corn is not available. Canned corn should be your last resort, as it tends to be less flavorful.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the scalloped corn can result in a dry and rubbery texture. Bake it just until the topping is golden brown and bubbly and the corn mixture is set.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** The amount of sugar you need will depend on the sweetness of the corn you’re using. Taste the corn before adding the sugar and adjust accordingly. Some people prefer a sweeter scalloped corn, while others prefer a less sweet version. You can even use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
* **Add Some Spice:** If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the corn mixture. You can also add some diced jalapenos for a more pronounced kick.
* **Get Creative with the Topping:** While cracker crumbs are the traditional topping for scalloped corn, you can experiment with other toppings. Try using bread crumbs, crushed potato chips, or even crumbled cornbread. You can also add some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy topping.
* **Make it Ahead:** Scalloped corn can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Just add the cracker topping before baking. This is a great option if you’re preparing a large meal and want to get some of the dishes done in advance.
* **Reheat it Properly**: Reheat leftover scalloped corn in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crispy. Cover with foil to prevent burning and maintain moisture.

## Variations on the Classic Recipe

* **Cheesy Scalloped Corn:** Add shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or Gruyere cheese to the corn mixture or sprinkle it over the cracker topping.
* **Bacon Scalloped Corn:** Add crumbled bacon to the corn mixture for a smoky and savory flavor.
* **Vegetarian Scalloped Corn:** Omit the bacon and add other vegetables, such as diced zucchini, chopped mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
* **Spicy Scalloped Corn:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the corn mixture.
* **Corn and Shrimp Scallop:** Adding shrimp to the mix makes this a full one-dish meal.
* **Corn and Crab Scallop:** Similar to the shrimp version but using crabmeat.

## Serving Suggestions

Scalloped corn is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Chicken or Turkey:** Scalloped corn is a classic side dish for roasted poultry, especially during holiday meals.
* **Ham:** The sweetness of the scalloped corn complements the saltiness of ham.
* **Pork Chops:** Scalloped corn adds a touch of sweetness to savory pork chops.
* **Beef Roast:** A creamy side like scalloped corn balances the richness of a beef roast.
* **Grilled Fish:** Scalloped corn provides a comforting contrast to grilled fish.
* **Vegetarian Mains:** Serve alongside lentil loaf, vegetarian pot pie, or other hearty vegetarian dishes.

Scalloped corn is also a great addition to potlucks, picnics, and other gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to be a hit.

## Make it a Meal!

While scalloped corn is typically served as a side dish, you can easily turn it into a main course by adding some protein. Here are a few ideas:

* **Add Cooked Chicken or Turkey:** Dice cooked chicken or turkey and add it to the corn mixture before baking. This is a great way to use up leftover poultry.
* **Add Cooked Ham:** Dice cooked ham and add it to the corn mixture for a savory and satisfying meal.
* **Add Cooked Sausage:** Brown some sausage and add it to the corn mixture for a hearty and flavorful dish. Italian sausage, chorizo, or breakfast sausage would all work well.
* **Add Shrimp or Crab:** Add cooked shrimp or crabmeat to the corn mixture for a seafood-inspired meal.
* **Add Black Beans and Corn:** For a vegetarian option, add black beans and more corn to create a Southwest-inspired casserole.

## How to Store Leftovers

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover scalloped corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crispy. Cover with foil to prevent burning and maintain moisture.
* **Freeze:** Scalloped corn can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the scalloped corn cool completely. Then, cut it into individual portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 250-350 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 8-15g
* Cholesterol: 75-125mg
* Sodium: 300-500mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 8-12g
* Protein: 5-8g

**Note:** This is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

## Conclusion

Old-fashioned scalloped corn is a timeless classic that is sure to please. It’s a simple, comforting, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. With its creamy texture, sweet corn flavor, and golden, bubbly topping, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of nostalgia!

Enjoy this creamy, comforting, and delicious dish! This recipe will surely become a family favorite.