To create this delectable Scalloped Corn Casserole, you’ll need a collection of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its accessibility and the way these humble components come together to create something extraordinary. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Frozen Corn (4 cups): Frozen corn provides a sweet and fresh flavor that’s perfect for this casserole. You can use white, yellow, or a mix of both for visual appeal and a slightly varied taste. Ensure it’s thawed before starting to prevent excess liquid in your casserole.
• Butter (½ cup, unsalted): Butter is crucial for richness and flavor. It’s used both to sauté the onions and in the creamy sauce, adding a luxurious mouthfeel and buttery notes to the dish. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium, finely diced): Onion forms the aromatic base of the casserole. Sautéing it in butter softens its sharpness and brings out a subtle sweetness that complements the corn beautifully. Finely dicing ensures it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the casserole.
• All-Purpose Flour (⅓ cup): Flour acts as the thickening agent for the creamy sauce. It creates a smooth, velvety texture when combined with milk and cream, preventing the casserole from being too runny.
• Milk (2 cups): Milk forms the liquid base of the sauce, contributing to its creamy consistency. Whole milk will provide the richest flavor, but 2% milk can also be used for a slightly lighter option.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Heavy cream elevates the sauce to a decadent level. It adds richness, depth, and a luxurious texture that makes this casserole truly indulgent. For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, but heavy cream is highly recommended for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): A touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and balances the savory flavors of the other ingredients. It adds a subtle sweetness that isn’t overpowering but perfectly rounds out the taste profile.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Salt is essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. It balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
• Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice that complements the creamy corn beautifully. It provides a gentle counterpoint to the sweetness and richness of the dish.
• Dried Thyme (½ teaspoon): Thyme adds a subtle herbaceous note that enhances the savory flavors of the casserole. Its earthy aroma and slightly peppery taste pair perfectly with corn and cheese.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Cheddar cheese is the star of the cheesy topping. It melts beautifully and provides a sharp, savory flavor that complements the sweet corn and creamy sauce. Sharp cheddar is recommended for a more pronounced cheese flavor, but mild or medium cheddar can also be used depending on your preference.
• Crushed Ritz Crackers (1 cup): Ritz crackers create a buttery, slightly salty, and crispy topping that adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy casserole. They bake to a golden brown and provide a satisfying crunch. You can also use other buttery crackers if Ritz are not available.
• Melted Butter (2 tablespoons, for topping): Melted butter is drizzled over the crushed Ritz cracker topping, adding extra richness, flavor, and helping the crackers to brown beautifully in the oven.