Cheesy Corn & Tomatillo Pudding Casserole Recipe

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This crowd-pleasing Cheesy Corn & Tomatillo Pudding Casserole Recipe is the perfect side dish for summer BBQs or gatherings.  Full of sweet corn kernels combined with tangy tomatillos, this is summer comfort food at it's best.

Cheesy Corn & Tomatillo Pudding Casserole has a creamy texture inside and a golden brown crust.  Pierce the crunchy top of the casserole to get to the tender corn pudding.

History of corn pudding

Indigenous cultures can be credited with the development of corn pudding.  The cultivation of corn can be traced back to Native American tribes which considered it a sacred crop.  Tribes developed their own versions of corn pudding, which was often prepared for special occasions or feasts.

European settlers added richness to corn pudding with the addition of dairy to regional recipes.  Gaining popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, corn pudding is now a family favorite and a great side dish often served for holiday dinners.

Why make this delicious recipe

This easy corn pudding recipe has the perfect balance between savory and sweet.  Tomatillos add a unique tart and tangy flavor that partners well with the summer sweet corn kernels.  This is a great potluck dish that will get rave reviews.

What are tomatillos?

Also known as Mexican husk tomatoes, tomatillos are sometimes confused with green tomatoes.  They are a completely different fruit with a papery husk covering a bright green fruit.  The flavor is distinctly acidic with a bright tangy taste.

Mozzarella cheese.

The addition of mozzarella cheese creates a gooey and indulgent texture and a mild creaminess to the corn pudding casserole.  Mozzarella cheese also adds some structure to the pudding by acting as a binding agent.

Ingredients

Corn - Fresh whole corn cut off the cob tastes best but you can also use frozen or canned whole kernel corn.  If using frozen corn, defrost it first.   Make sure to drain both the defrosted or canned corn.

Tomatillos - Make sure the tomatillos are firm with a bright green color.  The husks should be dry and intact.

Dry Ingredients - Flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper are combined and add structure to the pudding.

Green Onions - Green onions add a fresh flavor and some extra color to the corn pudding.

Unsalted  Butter - Butter enhances the recipe in a few different ways.  It coats the corn kernels, adding richness and moisture.  It also acts as a flavor enhancer by complementing the natural sweetness of the corn.

Mayonnaise - Mayonnaise adds creaminess, richness, and a little tang to the flavor.

Eggs - Eggs have a very important role in the recipe.  They act as a binding agent to create a cohesive corn pudding.  As the eggs coagulate when baking, the pudding sets and solidifies.  Eggs also act as a leavening agent which gives the corn pudding a rise during baking which creates a light and airy texture.

Mozzarella Cheese - It's ooey, gooey, and indulgent.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Work

1. Preheat oven to 425°. 
2. Take the eggs out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. 
3. Melt the unsalted butter. Set aside to cool.
4. Coat the sides and bottom of a baking dish with 1 teaspoon of melted butter.

Prepare Tomatillos

• Remove the husks from the tomatillos. Rinse the tomatillos to remove the sticky residue.
• Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
• Cut the tomatillos in half. Place them on the prepared sheet pan, cut side down.

• Place the sheet pan in the oven. Roast the tomatillos for 15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes, flip the tomatillos over to roast the finish roasting. Remove from the oven after 10 additional minutes.

• When cool, rough chop the tomatillos.

Prepare Corn Pudding

• While the tomatillos are roasting combine the dry ingredients - all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
• Add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the corn to the pan. Let the corn brown, stirring often. This will take about 15 minutes.
• Take the corn off the stove after 15 minutes.

• Cut 6 green onions into thin slices.
• In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, melted butter, and the eggs together.  Make sure the eggs are completely combined.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until any lumps have been removed.
• Stir the cooled corn and scallions into the batter.

• Gently fold the tomatillos into the batter. Don't be too aggressive. The tomatillos should be in pieces in the batter.

• Add 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese to the bowl.
• Pour the corn pudding mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.

• Place the casserole dish on a sheet pan and put in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. The top of the casserole should be dark golden brown.

• There may be a slight wiggle in the center of the pudding when you take the corn casserole out of the oven. As it cools, the pudding will continue to set because of carry- over cooking.

Substitutions

Are there variations to the recipe?  Of course -

• Add smoked ham for a heartier pudding casserole.
• You substitute with different types of cheese.  Try sharp cheddar cheese , pepper jack, or Monterey Jack.
• Add some jalapenos or Fresno chile slices for a hit of spice.
• Add some fresh herbs such as minced chives.

FAQs

• If the top of the casserole is getting too brown and the casserole has not finished baking, cover the top with a piece of aluminum foil.
• Don't use cream-style corn.  It will add too much liquid to the recipe.
• The corn pudding casserole can stay are room temperature for 2 hours.
• To store the casserole, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate.

Easy Recipe

This is a simple recipe that delivers a ton of  flavor and is a great accompaniment to anything grilled.   The creamy corn and the roasted tomatillos are a flavorful pair of ingredients in this delicious side dish.  And it is irresistibly cheesy!

As you indulge in your first bite of Cheesy Corn & Tomatillo Pudding Casserole Recipe,  the flavors will have you craving more.

Are you grilling?  Here is another side that works great for summer BBQs -

https://tenpoundcakecompany.com/caesar-oven-roasted-potato-salad/

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