Description
This Savory Baked Corn Pudding with Cheddar and Herbs is a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring sweet corn combined with sharp cheddar, fresh herbs, and a hint of paprika, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a perfect accompaniment for holiday meals or family dinners, offering a creamy texture with a cheesy, savory bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
- 2 cups milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup cornbread mix
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for a bit of kick)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similarly sized oven-safe dish to ensure the pudding doesn’t stick.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Cornbread Mix: Stir in the cornbread mix gently just until combined. It is important not to overmix; having a few lumps in the batter is perfectly fine for texture.
- Incorporate Corn, Herbs, and Cheese: Fold in the corn kernels, chopped chives, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Then, gently fold in the grated sharp cheddar cheese to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The pudding is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps the pudding to set for easier slicing and improved texture.
Notes
- Use fresh corn for the best flavor, but frozen corn that has been fully thawed works well too.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the cornbread mix to avoid a dense texture.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch more paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
- Make sure to let the pudding cool slightly to avoid it falling apart while serving.
