Hey y'all! If you love buttery, savory bakes with an aromatic twist, this Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole is going to knock your socks off. It's golden, ultra-moist, and brings a gourmet kick to the classic cornbread casserole thanks to nutty brown butter and earthy fresh sage. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, spicing up Sunday dinner, or in need of a crowd-pleasing potluck side, this recipe delivers rich flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole
- The combination of brown butter and sage creates an irresistible, nutty aroma and savory depth.
- Super moist texture—never dry or crumbly—with each bite bursting with flavor.
- Easy prep and minimal fuss: everything comes together in one bowl and one casserole dish.
- Perfect for holiday meals, comforting weeknight dinners, or as a hearty potluck side.
- The recipe is easily adaptable with swaps and additions to suit every taste.
Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 10-12 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (8.5 oz) box corn muffin mix (like Jiffy or similar)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
How to Make Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch casserole dish or a deep 8x8-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Make Brown Butter with Sage
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the chopped sage leaves. Continue cooking and swirling until the butter foams and turns a toasty golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 3-4 minutes). Immediately pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl to prevent burning. Learn more about browning butter here.
Step 3: Mix the Cornbread Batter
Add drained corn, cream-style corn, eggs, sour cream, milk, and sugar to the brown butter and sage. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Stir in the corn muffin mix, salt, pepper, and cheese (if using). Mix just until combined—don't overmix to keep the casserole tender.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden and set in the center (a little jiggle is okay; it will firm as it cools).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let your Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the layers of flavor!
Notes for Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole
- Fresh sage delivers best results, but you can substitute with 1 tablespoon dried sage in a pinch.
- For extra moisture, fold in an extra ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt. See why Greek yogurt is a great baking swap.
- Test doneness by inserting a toothpick—moist crumbs are perfect, but you don’t want it wet in the center.
Variations on Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole
- Spicy Jalapeño: Stir in 1-2 finely diced jalapeños and swap cheddar for pepper jack.
- Bacon & Chive: Add 4 slices cooked, crumbled bacon and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives to the batter.
- Vegetarian Delight: Mix in 1 cup sautéed spinach and roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrients.
Required Equipment for Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole
- 9x9-inch casserole dish (or 8x8 deep pan)
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Oven mitts
Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole Storage Instructions
- Cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through.
Serving & Pairing Ideas for Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole
- Pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, braised chicken, or BBQ pulled pork.
- Serve alongside hearty soups like chili or vegetable stew for a comforting meal.
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the rich casserole flavors.
Pro Tips for Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole
- Let the browned butter cool for 1-2 minutes before mixing to prevent scrambling the eggs.
- Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding preserves that soft, custardy texture. See more cornbread tips here.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a delicious, savory finish.
Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole FAQ
- Can I make Brown Butter & Sage Cornbread Casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can bake it a day ahead, cool, cover, and reheat before serving for convenience.
- Can I freeze this cornbread casserole?
- Yes! Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- What if I don’t have corn muffin mix?
- You can use your favorite homemade cornbread mix; just add the same amount (about 1 ½ cups) as the boxed version.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup canned creamed corn
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and nutty, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped sage.
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3In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
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4In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. Add the brown butter and sage mixture, then the creamed corn. Stir until well mixed.
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5Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
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6Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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