Vegan Corn Casserole

When the craving for a hearty, comfort-food dish hits, this vegan corn casserole is the perfect solution! With its vibrant flavors and rich, creamy texture, it’s always a crowd-pleaser at any dining table. Serve it at Thanksgiving or Christmas alongside other classics!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Effortless to make: With just 10 minutes of prep work, this vegan corn casserole requires very little effort but pays off big time with flavor!
• Versatile serving options: You can enjoy this casserole as a side dish or main. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, it’s incredibly comforting and satisfying!
• Nutritional boost: With the addition of nutritional yeast, you’re not only getting a savory, cheesy flavor but also a host of essential vitamins and minerals.

What is a vegan corn casserole?

A corn casserole sits somewhere between cornbread, creamed corn, and soufflé, making it a classic holiday side dish. This vegan corn casserole is my plant-based take on traditional recipes, made without any dairy or eggs!

Instead, I use oat milk, aquafaba (chickpea brine), and vegan butter to achieve a perfectly creamy, tender consistency. Sweet corn gives the dish its characteristic sweetness, while the addition of jalapeños adds a contrasting spicy kick you won’t be able to get enough of!

I’ve also included nutritional yeast to impart a cheesy flavor and lots of garlic to round out the sweetness. This vegan corn casserole recipe is perfect for family dinners, holiday occasions, or whenever you need some feel-good food!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Vegan butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor. If you're out, you can also use refined coconut oil, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
• Aquafaba: This is the liquid from a can of chickpeas and acts as a perfect egg substitute in this vegan corn casserole recipe. If you cook your own from scratch, store them in the cooking water to make your own aquafaba.
• Oat milk: Provides a thick, creamy consistency and relatively neutral flavor. Feel free to use almond, soy, or cashew milk depending on your preference.
• All-purpose flour: Helps to bind and give structure to the casserole. If you're allergic or sensitive to gluten, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should also work.
• Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory, rich ingredients. For a healthier alternative, try coconut sugar or date sugar.
• Nutritional yeast: This gives the casserole a cheesy flavor without the need for actual cheese. If you can’t find any, simply omit it and add a little extra garlic powder.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth and savoriness. Onion powder will also work.
• Salt & pepper: Enhances the other ingredients and adds a slight kick.
• Sweet corn: I personally use whole-kernel canned corn, but frozen corn kernels can be used if canned isn't available. You can also use half whole and half creamed corn.
• Jalapeño: Imparts a spicy kick! For a milder option, try poblano or Anaheim peppers. If you love spice, add a few extra jalapeños or throw in some serrano peppers.

How to make a vegan corn casserole

• Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients until smooth. This mixture forms the creamy base of your casserole, providing a lot of flavor!

• Step 2: Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until no lumps remain. This ensures a smooth batter, which is key to the perfect casserole.

• Step 3: Stir in the sweet corn and jalapeños to the batter. If you’re adding other mix-ins, you can incorporate them at this point as well.

• Step 4: Once combined, pour your mixture into a baking dish. As it bakes, the top will become slightly browned and caramelized, which is a sign of good things to come.

• Step 5: After baking, give your vegan corn casserole some time to cool. This not only makes it easier to serve but allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What to serve with a vegan corn casserole

This vegan corn casserole recipe makes the perfect addition to any holiday table! Pair it with other side dishes and wintery mains like these:

• Green salad: A fresh strawberry goat cheese salad with a tangy vinaigrette contrasts the creamy casserole perfectly.
• Roasted veggies: Think Brussels sprouts, mini hasselback potatoes, or miso garlic green beans.
• Bread: Add a side of semolina bread to soak up the crumbs.
• Vegan protein: Pair it with tofu steaks or a vegan roast for a balanced meal.
• Dessert: Serve it before a holiday dessert, like pumpkin pie or vegan carrot pie.

Storage & Reheating

If you end up with leftover vegan corn casserole, here’s how to best store and reheat it:

• Fridge: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container or with a tight-fitting lid on the casserole dish for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place the leftover casserole in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 350F until heated through. If it’s coming from the freezer, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight first.
• Prep ahead: You can prepare the batter a day in advance, add it to the casserole dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, bring the dish out to room temperature for 30 minutes, then pop it in the oven.

Variations

• Extra savory: Add vegan bacon bits and green onions to the batter before baking.
• Cheesy: Add some vegan shredded cheese on top before baking your casserole.
• Herb infused: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, cilantro, or thyme.
• Sweet: Increase the sugar slightly and omit the jalapeños for a sweeter take.

Top tips

• Mixing: Don't overmix the batter to prevent a dense casserole texture.
• Check for doneness: The center should be set, while the edges are golden.
• Cooling: Let the casserole rest before serving, which helps the center set.
• Serving: Serve this vegan corn casserole warm for the best flavor and texture.

FAQ

More side dishes

Looking for more side dishes like this vegan corn casserole recipe? Here are some of my favorites:

• Vegan Couscous Salad: Refreshing flavors and colorful mix-ins.
• Dairy-Free Coleslaw: Crunchy veggies tossed in a rich, creamy, and tangy dressing. 
• Mango Cucumber Salad: Sweet, crunchy, and refreshing salad.
• Vegan Bean Salad: A simple salad made from a medley of flavors, textures, and colors.