Corn Pudding City BBQ Recipe is more than a comforting side dish—it’s a modern heirloom born at the crossroads of Southern charm and American BBQ culture. With just the right balance of sweet corn, creamy richness, and golden edges, this version, popularized by the beloved chain City Barbeque, has carved out a place on family tables, potluck spreads, and, of course, Thanksgiving menus.
Unlike traditional cornbread, this isn’t meant to be fluffy or crumbly. Instead, it’s dense and pudding-like, enriched with pantry staples and a few smart shortcuts. Whether you’re looking for a slow cooker corn pudding, a corn pudding recipe with Jiffy mix, or the best ever corn pudding twist, this guide takes you through the delicious layers of this versatile dish, from historical roots to creative variations.
Let’s rewind a bit first.
Table of Contents
Corn Pudding City BBQ Recipe: A Rich Southern Classic with a Crowd-Pleasing Twist
This Southern-style corn pudding is rich, creamy, and inspired by the beloved City BBQ side dish. Perfect for holidays, cookouts, or any comfort food feast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking or Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons sugar for extra sweetness
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a BBQ touch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13” baking dish or slow cooker insert.
- In a large bowl, combine Jiffy mix, whole corn, creamed corn, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix.
- Pour mixture into prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Oven method: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Slow cooker method: Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours until set.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
Notes
For extra texture, stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or crispy bacon bits.
Make it vegetarian-friendly by skipping bacon or using plant-based sour cream.
Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
A Dish Born in the Heart of the South
The roots of corn pudding stretch deep into the soil of early American culinary history. Native American tribes were the first to cultivate and cook with corn (maize), and they passed down recipes made with fresh or dried corn, often mixed with fat or milk, and slowly baked over stone hearths. The concept of a “pudding” in colonial kitchens was more about texture than flavor: dense, moist, and rich. Corn puddings evolved alongside bread puddings and rice puddings, functioning as both main dishes and starchy sides.
As American foodways developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, corn pudding became particularly beloved in the South, where corn was both abundant and affordable. Plantation cooks and home cooks alike would combine creamed corn with milk, butter, eggs, and sometimes sugar for a savory-sweet custard that baked up into golden comfort.
By the 20th century, brands like Jiffy revolutionized pantry baking by offering affordable cornbread mixes that many families began to incorporate into their corn puddings, simplifying preparation and boosting consistency. These boxed mixes made the dish even more accessible and adaptable, a quality that endures to this day.
The Rise of BBQ Chain Culture and City Barbeque’s Influence
Fast forward to the 1990s and early 2000s, when BBQ joints across America began scaling into casual-dining chains. City Barbeque, which opened in 1999 in Ohio, stood out for its commitment to scratch-made sides and slow-smoked meats. Their take on corn pudding wasn’t just an afterthought; it was a star.
City BBQ’s corn pudding quickly became a fan favorite for its ultra-creamy texture, rich corn flavor, and golden top layer that practically begged for a fork crack. It mirrored everything a good Southern casserole should be: easy, indulgent, and deeply nostalgic. Online copycat recipes exploded in popularity, with food bloggers and home cooks searching for ways to recreate them at home.
Why It’s So Loved: The Magic of Texture and Flavor
Corn pudding walks a beautiful line between sweet and savory, dense and airy. It’s this dual nature that makes it such a hit. While some versions lean dessert-like, the City BBQ version maintains a delicate sweetness balanced by the earthy flavor of whole kernel and creamed corn.
Its custard base, built on eggs, milk, and sour cream, gives it structure without drying it out. Add melted butter and Jiffy cornbread mix, and you’ve got a symphony of flavor in every bite. The top sets into a lightly crisped crust, while the interior remains creamy and soft, perfect for pairing with BBQ ribs, brisket, or even holiday ham.
Ingredients Breakdown (And Why Each One Matters)
- Corn: A combo of creamed corn and canned or frozen corn gives this pudding the right balance of texture and moisture.
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: Adds body and mild sweetness. You can also explore versions with homemade cornbread mix for less sugar.
- Sour Cream: Brings tang and a luscious, custard-like finish.
- Eggs: Essential for binding; they create that golden, set pudding center.
- Butter: Adds richness, enhances browning, and ensures moistness.
- Optional Cheese: Some versions add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra indulgence.
Slow Cooker Corn Pudding: Set It and Forget It
One of the best things about this dish is its adaptability. A slow cooker corn pudding variation is perfect for holidays and parties. Simply combine the ingredients, pour them into a greased crockpot, and cook on low for 3-4 hours until set. You’ll free up oven space while keeping your side warm and perfectly cooked.
This method works especially well with recipes that call for extra eggs or cheese, ingredients that benefit from gentle, even heat. The result? An extra creamy interior with minimal effort.
Variations Worth Trying
- Corn Pudding with Cornbread Mix – Replace Jiffy with any boxed or homemade cornbread mix. Opt for buttermilk cornbread if you want tangy depth.
- Corn Pudding Sour Cream Twist, Mix in a flavored sour cream (like chipotle or jalapeño) for a bold BBQ twist.
- Cheesy Corn Pudding – Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack and serve it bubbling hot.
- Green Chile Corn Pudding: Add canned green chiles for a Southwestern flair.
- Bacon-Topped Corn Pudding – Top with crispy bacon bits before baking for smoky texture.
Corn Pudding for Thanksgiving (and Beyond)
Though rooted in BBQ culture, corn pudding has become a staple on Thanksgiving tables. It’s a make-ahead dream and provides creamy contrast to turkey and stuffing. Best of all, it travels well, making it a perfect potluck side.
It’s a standout on a holiday menu that also includes classics like crab cakes with Old Bay donkey sauce or potato soup.
For dessert? Try a light option like Dubai chocolate strawberries to balance the richness.
FAQs: Corn Pudding City BBQ Recipe
1. What is corn pudding, and how is it different from cornbread?
Corn pudding is a creamy, custard-like side dish made primarily from canned or fresh corn, eggs, butter, and often Jiffy corn muffin mix. Unlike cornbread, which is firm and bread-like, corn pudding is soft, moist, and spoonable. Think of it as the comforting, savory cousin to a soufflé or bread pudding, ideal for BBQs and holiday dinners.
2. Is the corn pudding from City Barbeque sweet or savory?
The corn pudding at City BBQ leans slightly sweet but is balanced by the richness of butter and the tang of sour cream. It’s the perfect sweet-savory hybrid to pair with smoky meats like brisket or pulled pork. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce or omit added sugar.
3. Can I make corn pudding in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cooker corn pudding is a game-changer for busy holiday cooks. Mix the ingredients as usual, pour into a greased slow cooker, and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for about 2 hours. It sets beautifully and stays warm until ready to serve.
4. What’s the best corn pudding recipe with Jiffy mix?
The best-ever corn pudding recipe with Jiffy mix includes a can of creamed corn, whole kernel corn, sour cream, and eggs. This combination gives it a rich, custardy texture with the right hint of sweetness and fluff from the corn muffin mix.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze corn pudding for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat: Bake at 300°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating for the best texture.
Pro tip: Reheat it alongside chicken pot pie casserole or brisket sandwich leftovers.
Make It Healthier (Without Losing Flavor)
- Low-fat Greek yogurt can replace sour cream.
- Olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- Egg substitutes like flax eggs or egg whites can reduce cholesterol.
Final Thoughts: A Classic Reinvented
The corn pudding City BBQ recipe is proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. A dish that started in cast-iron pots over open flames now graces modern tables through slow cookers, holiday feasts, and cozy weeknights.
Whether you serve it alongside birria tacos or save it for Thanksgiving, this casserole brings warmth, history, and unmatched comfort. With pantry staples and a dash of creativity, corn pudding may just become your most-requested dish.
If you’re curious about the rich backstory of this Southern staple — how corn pudding traveled from humble hearths to backyard BBQ legends — we’ve published a special deep-dive over on Medium.
📖 Want the Full Backstory?
Explore the cultural roots and Southern heritage of corn pudding — from 1800s kitchens to modern BBQ tables. We’ve published a deep dive on Medium with all the delicious history.
Read Full Article on Medium