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Crispy Loaded Cornbread Casserole Recipe – Easy Sausage & Cheese Bake

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This crispy loaded cornbread casserole combines savory sausage, gooey cheese, and sweet corn in a golden, comforting bake. Perfect for potlucks, brunch, or cozy family dinners, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground pork sausage (hot or mild)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal (medium grind)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup canned sweet corn, drained (or fresh/frozen corn kernels)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground sausage and break it up with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. Stir in diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for another 3–4 minutes until softened. Drain any excess fat.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until smooth. If using milk + lemon juice, let it sit for 5 minutes before mixing in.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in drained corn kernels.
  6. Spread the cooked sausage and veggie mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese on top.
  7. Pour the cornbread batter over the sausage/cheese layer and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the batter. Scatter green onions on top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and edges are crispy. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean.
  10. Let casserole cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, topped with sour cream or extra green onions if desired.

Notes

For extra crispy edges, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end. Use turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version. Substitute gluten-free flour and dairy-free cheese/milk for dietary needs. Let the casserole rest before slicing for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cornbread casserole, sausage bake, cheese casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, potluck recipe, brunch casserole, loaded cornbread, family meal