The Southern Illinois Corn Casserole is a beloved dish that has been passed down through generations in the heart of the Midwest. This creamy and hearty casserole is a staple at family gatherings and potlucks, and for good reason. The combination of corn, cream, and cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. In this article, we will dive into the history of this traditional recipe and share the steps to create your own delicious Southern Illinois Corn Casserole.
If you're looking for a delicious and easy side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, look no further than this Southern Corn Casserole. Made with creamy corn, cheddar cheese, and buttery crackers, this casserole is the perfect blend of savory and sweet. Plus, it's incredibly simple to make and will be a hit with your family and friends.
This Southern Baked Corn Casserole is another great option to serve alongside your beer can chicken. It's a classic Southern dish that is rich and creamy, with a touch of sweetness from the corn. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
For a Southern twist on a classic side dish, try this Southern Fried Corn. Fresh corn is cut off the cob and fried in a cast iron skillet with butter, bacon, and seasonings. The result is a flavorful and indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Southern Ghoulash
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper
Southern Ghoulash is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for serving alongside your beer can chicken. This dish is made with ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and spices, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
This Southern Skillet Corn is a simple and delicious side dish that is full of flavor. Fresh corn is sautéed in a cast iron skillet with butter and spices, resulting in a dish that is both sweet and savory. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete Southern meal.
For a unique and tasty side dish, try these Southern Hoecakes. Cornmeal and flour are combined with milk, eggs, and spices to create a thick batter that is fried to golden perfection. These hoecakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
This Sunday Dinner Southern Corn Pudding is a classic Southern side dish that is perfect for any occasion. Corn, milk, eggs, and a touch of sugar are combined and baked to create a creamy and delicious pudding. It's a great way to use up any leftover corn from your beer can chicken meal.
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Southern Fried Corn Cakes (Gluten Free Option)
Main Ingredients: Corn, Corn Meal, Flour, Baking Powder, Chopped Chives
If you're looking for a gluten-free option to serve alongside your beer can chicken, try these Southern Fried Corn Cakes. Cornmeal, flour, and spices are mixed with corn and fried to create crispy and flavorful cakes. They're a great alternative to traditional cornbread and will add a Southern flair to your meal.
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Southern Sausage & Cornbread Balls
Main Ingredients: Cornbread Mix, Cheddar Cheese, Corn, Green Onion, Salt
For a unique and delicious side dish, try these Southern Sausage & Cornbread Balls. Cornbread, sausage, and spices are combined and shaped into balls before being baked to perfection. These savory balls are the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken, and can also be served as an appetizer.
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Louisiana Crab Boil
Main Ingredients: Blue Crabs, Crawfish, Crab Boil, Lemons, Lemon Juice
If you're a fan of spicy seafood, you'll love this Louisiana Crab Boil. Corn, potatoes, sausage, and crab are boiled together in a flavorful broth, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Serve it up in a big pot and let your guests dig in.
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Southern Corn Pudding
Main Ingredients: Cornbread Mix, Cream Cheese, Butter, Egg, Salt, Black
This Southern Corn Pudding is a staple in many Southern households, and for good reason. Corn, eggs, butter, and seasonings are baked together to create a rich and creamy dish. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken, and can also be served as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Jiffy Corn Casserole
Main Ingredients: Cornbread Mix, Corn, Creamed Corn, Large Eggs, Sour
If you're short on time but still want a delicious side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try this Jiffy Corn Casserole. This dish is made with just a few ingredients, including cornbread mix, creamed corn, and sour cream. It's quick and easy to make, but still full of flavor.
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Southern Cheddar Corn Muffins
Main Ingredients: Gluten Free Flour, Corn Meal, Baking Powder, Baking
For a tasty twist on traditional cornbread, try these Southern Cheddar Corn Muffins. Cornbread mix is combined with cheddar cheese, corn, and spices to create a delicious and cheesy muffin. These make a great side dish for your beer can chicken, or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack.
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Southern Style Corn Chowder
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Finely Chopped Onions, Carrots, Chopped Celery
This Southern Style Corn Chowder is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cooler weather. Potatoes, corn, bacon, and seasonings are cooked together to create a thick and creamy soup. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a complete Southern meal.
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Corn Casserole
Main Ingredients: Corn, Cream Style Corn, Bread Mix, Melted Butter
Corn Casserole is a classic Southern dish that is often served at potlucks and family gatherings. Cornbread mix, corn, and sour cream are combined and baked to create a rich and flavorful casserole. It's a great option to serve alongside your beer can chicken to round out your meal.
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Southern Panzanella
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Red Onion, Corn, Heirloom Tomatoes
If you're looking for a light and refreshing side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try this Southern Panzanella. Chunks of cornbread are tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing, creating a delicious and flavorful salad that is perfect for summer.
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Southern Garden Succotash
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Garlic, Yellow Onion, Red Bell Peppers, Medium
This Southern Garden Succotash is a colorful and nutritious side dish that is perfect for serving with your beer can chicken. Corn, lima beans, and other vegetables are cooked together with a touch of butter and seasoning to create a flavorful and healthy dish. It's a great way to add some veggies to your meal.
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Southern Corn Salsa
Main Ingredients: Corn, Avocado, Sweet Onion, Red Onion, Jalapenos
Add some spice to your beer can chicken meal with this Southern Corn Salsa. Corn, tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, and spices are combined to create a fresh and flavorful salsa. Serve it alongside your chicken for a burst of flavor and some added crunch.
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Oven-Fried Southern Chicken With Sweet Honey Bourbon...
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken, Buttermilk, Corn, Panko
This Oven-Fried Southern Chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, but still packs a ton of flavor. Chicken is coated in a mixture of corn flakes and spices, then baked in the oven until crispy and golden. Serve it with a side of sweet honey bourbon sauce for a Southern twist on a classic dish.
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Southern Pork Chop Dinner
Main Ingredients: Pork Chops, Corn Starch, Paprika, Bacon, Collard
If you're looking for a heartier side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try this Southern Pork Chop Dinner. Pork chops are cooked in a skillet with potatoes, onions, and corn, resulting in a flavorful and filling meal. It's a great option for a cozy and comforting dinner with family and friends.
The Origin of Southern Illinois Corn Casserole
The origins of the Southern Illinois Corn Casserole can be traced back to the early settlers of the region. With an abundance of corn fields, corn became a staple ingredient in many dishes, including this casserole. As time went on, families would add their own twists and variations to the recipe, making each casserole unique and special.
The Ingredients
The key ingredients in this casserole are corn, cream, and cheese. Using fresh, locally sourced corn will give the dish a sweet and robust flavor. Some families also add in other ingredients such as bacon, onions, or bell peppers to add an extra layer of flavor. The type of cheese used can also vary, with cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan being popular choices.
The Preparation
To make the perfect Southern Illinois Corn Casserole, you will need to first preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, mix together the corn, cream, and cheese in a large bowl. Add in any additional ingredients of your choice, such as bacon or onions. Then, pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
The Cooking Process
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Make sure to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid any burns.
The Perfect Side Dish
The Southern Illinois Corn Casserole is the perfect side dish for any occasion. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even on its own as a tasty snack. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient and delicious option for busy weeknights.
In Conclusion
The Southern Illinois Corn Casserole is a simple yet flavorful dish that has stood the test of time. Its rich history and versatility make it a popular choice for any meal. So next time you're looking for a comforting and delicious dish, give this recipe a try and taste a piece of Southern Illinois tradition.
