Shoepeg Corn Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Introduction: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Casserole

If you’ve never had the pleasure of trying Shoepeg Corn Casserole then you’re going to be in for a delight. The creamy and delicious recipe is an iconic Southern classic that’s loved by its delicious flavors and simple cooking. Shoepeg corn can be described as a more sweet and smaller version of corn. It provides a soft, tender flavor to the casserole and makes it a perfect accompaniment for every celebration, including holidays or families gatherings.

If you’re planning to bring food for a potluck dinner, making Thanksgiving dinner or seeking a tasty side to a meal on the go, Shoepeg Corn Casserole will always be a big hit. Its best feature? The recipe is made with only two ingredients however the result is delicious, creamy and cheese-y dish that’s sure to make everyone want to come back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It is easy to make using only a few ingredients.
• A crowd-pleaser that can be paired with virtually all main dishes.
• Make-ahead compatible which means that you can prepare it ahead of time.
• Multi-purpose–you are able to add more bacon, veggies and even change the ingredients to meet your needs.

What is Shoepeg Corn?

Before we begin how to make it, could be asking yourself what Shoepeg corn is. It is a distinct kind of white corn that has smaller kernels, and a more sweet flavor than regular yellow corn. The softness and sweetness of it makes it a perfect choice for casseroles as well as salads. It has a delicate texture that is distinctive. If you are unable to find the shoepeg corn you want, you could replace it with regular sweet corn. However, its texture may be different.

Ingredients for Shoepeg Corn Casserole

This is everything you’ll will need to prepare this traditional dish:

• 
  2 cans shoepeg corn (15 oz each), drained
  
• 1 can of cream of soup made from mushrooms (10.5 Oz) – Adds creaminess to the dish.
• 1 can of cream from celery soup (10.5 OZ) – Another layer of delicious creamy yummy goodness.
• 1/2 cup of sour cream for the added flavor and tang.
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese It has a bit of intensity to balance the sweetness of corn.
• 1/4 Cup butter melting to give the casserole an intense flavor.
• 1/2 cup chopped onion adds a subtle and savory taste.
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper for a touch of crunch and color.
• 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers These add flavor to the casserole a creamy, crunch topping.

Optional Add-ins:

• Bacon pieces to add taste.
• Chop jalapenos If you’re looking for a little spice.
• Pimentos cut in dice for extra colour and sweetness.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

For this dish it will require the following ingredients:

• A 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• The spatula or spoon
• A pot (for sauteing peppers and onions)
• Cups to measure cups

Step-by-Step Directions for Shoepeg Corn Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175degC). Grease the 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick or butter.

Step 2: Saute the Vegetables

In a large skillet in which you melt butter, heat it over moderate temperature. Then add the chopped onion and the green bell pepper. Cook until tender, around 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In the large mixing bowl put together the rinsed shoepeg corn and cream of mushroom soup cream of celery soup cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, as well as the sauteed onions and bell pepper mixture. Stir everything until it is all blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Place the corn in the baking dish that you prepared, and then spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle broken Ritz crackers for that wonderful crunch topping.

Step 5: Bake

Cook the dish in a baking pan for about 30 to 35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly on the edges and the top has turned golden and brown.

Step 6: Serve

Take the casserole out of the oven, and allow it to sit for about a minute prior to serving. It’s best enjoyed warm but you can have it chilled.

Tips for Success

• Remove the Corn Make sure that you drain the canned shoepeg corn properly to avoid the creation of a watery dish.
• Modify the vegetables You are free to change or add with the vegetables. A red bell pepper, mushrooms, and zucchini are all good choices.
• Crispy Topper If you like crispy toppings then you could broil the dish for about a couple of minutes after, however, be careful to ensure that the crackers don’t get burned.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Shoepeg Corn Casserole

If you want to add some spice you can add jalapenos diced to the mixture and substitute pepperjack cheese instead of cheddar.

Bacon and Cheese Version

Who doesn’t love bacon? Incorporate bacon cooked and crumbled into the corn to give it a rich, spicy taste. Additionally, you can add cheese for a softer creamy texture.

Vegetarian Twist

If you’d like to prepare an entirely vegetarian recipe substitute the soups made with cream of mushroom and of celery soups to vegan versions. You can also incorporate more veggies such as chopped peas, carrots, or diced carrots.

How to Store Leftover Shoepeg Corn Casserole

In the Refrigerator

Remaining food items can be stored in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up 3-4 days. Warm in the microwave or oven prior to serving.

In the Freezer

It is possible to freeze the Shoepeg Corn Casserole up to three months. Cool it completely prior to placing it into an oven-safe dish for freezing. For reheating, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator after which bake it at 350 degrees until it is warm.