The Best Corn Pudding

Sweet, Fluffy & Perfect for the Holidays

Corn pudding is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that feels like home with every bite. It’s warm, soft, slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with any holiday spread — especially Thanksgiving. This is the kind of recipe that makes everyone ask, “Who brought the corn pudding?”

I love this recipe because it’s simple, dependable, and unbelievably delicious. With buttery edges, a creamy center, and that perfect soufflé-like jiggle, this corn pudding is always one of the first dishes to disappear from the table. It also comes together in minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Corn Pudding

• Creamy and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness

• Made with pantry staples — and you can use a boxed mix or make your own cornbread mix at home

• Holiday-worthy but easy enough for a Sunday dinner

• A perfect side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup softened butter

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup milk

• 1 can whole-kernel corn (drained)

• 1 can cream-style corn

• Pinch of salt

Cornbread Mix (Choose One)

Option 1: Boxed Cornbread Mix– One standard package (like Jiffy)

Option 2: Homemade Cornbread Mix

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornmeal

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

How to Make Corn Pudding

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F. If you want the fluffiest, lightest texture, place a pan of boiling water on the bottom rack — the steam gives the pudding a gentle soufflé-like lift.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, mix softened butter and sugar until smooth and combined.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the sour cream, eggs, milk, whole corn, and cream-style corn. Stir until well mixed.

4. Add the Cornbread Mix

Stir in your cornbread mix (boxed or homemade). Mix until everything is evenly combined, but don’t overmix — a few lumps are fine.

5. Bake

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake at 325°F for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden, the edges are set, and the center still has a slight wiggle.

6. Let It Rest

Allow your corn pudding to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up while staying incredibly soft inside.

Tips for the Fluffiest Corn Pudding

• Use the steam bath trick: Place a pan filled with boiling water on a lower rack to create a warm, moist oven environment — it keeps the pudding extra soft and airy.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gentle mixing after adding the dry ingredients keeps the texture tender.

• Let it slightly jiggle: The center should wobble a bit when you take it out — that’s how you know it’s perfect.

• Use room-temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter.

A Must-Have Holiday Side Dish

This corn pudding is one of those recipes that instantly makes the meal feel special. It’s warm, cozy, sweet, and nostalgic — everything a Thanksgiving or Christmas table needs. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, this one will always be a crowd-pleaser.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Happy holiday cooking! 🍽️🌽✨

Lauren Morgan

-The Weeknight Homemaker