Elevate your comfort food game with this delectable recipe for hominy casserole. This dish takes the humble hominy and transforms it into a creamy, cheesy delight that will have everyone around the dinner table asking for seconds.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a piping-hot casserole that serves 10, making it the perfect dish to prepare for potlucks, family dinners or meal-prepping for the week ahead.
What is hominy?
Hominy is made from dried field corn kernels that undergo a process known as nixtamalization, where the corn kernels are soaked in lye or lime solutions. This causes the kernels to swell and soften, while also removing the hull and germ, making them more digestible.
Hominy is a commonly used ingredient in Mexican dishes like pozole; it’s also used to make masa, the naturally gluten-free flour used for corn tortillas and tamales. In the American South, you’ll find hominy used in side dishes, stews and casseroles like this one.
Ingredients for Hominy Casserole
- Onion:Â Chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole.
- Garlic:Â Minced garlic provides a pungent aroma to the dish.
- Sour cream: A cup of sour cream makes up the tangy base of this hominy casserole and binds all the ingredients together.
- Cheddar cheese:Â Shredded cheddar cheese adds a complex flavor and gives this casserole a cheesy, gooey texture once it’s out of the oven.
- Milk: Whole milk helps to thin the casserole and ensure that it bakes with a smooth consistency.
- Green chiles:Â A can of chopped green chiles adds mild heat and gives this casserole a distinctive Southwestern flavor.
- Cumin:Â Ground cumin introduces an earthy spice that complements the other ingredients.
- Hominy:Â The star of this casserole is golden hominy, providing a hearty texture and characteristic corn flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Saute the onion and garlic
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small skillet, saute the chopped onion in oil over medium heat until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Editor’s Tip: Stirring the minced garlic constantly will prevent it from burning as it cooks.
Step 2: Combine the ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked onion and garlic, sour cream, half the cheese, the milk, chopped green chiles and ground cumin. Gently fold in the drained hominy until it’s evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble and bake the casserole
Evenly spread the hominy mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until it’s heated through and starts to get bubbly around the edges.
Step 4: Add the cheese topping
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar over the top. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving.
Editor’s Tip: For an extra crispy topping, put the casserole back into the oven on broil for two to three minutes.
Hominy Casserole Variations
- Make it spicy: Add freshly roasted hatch chiles or a dash of hot sauce to give this hominy casserole an added kick.
- Add some protein: Stir in shredded chicken, crumbled sausage or smoky bacon for a heartier dish. Or keep things vegetarian by using chopped mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Use Greek yogurt: If you’re out of sour cream, swap it for a cup of Greek yogurt instead—it’s also better for your health.
- Keep things vegetarian-friendly: Add chopped bell peppers and black beans for more texture and flavor if you make this hominy casserole sans the meat.
How to Store Hominy Casserole
This hominy casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Divide leftovers into smaller portions and store them in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can you freeze hominy casserole?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this hominy casserole. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container; making one- or two-person portions will help it freeze faster. Store it in the freezer for up to three months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can you make hominy casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble this hominy casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Hominy Casserole Tips
What can you serve with hominy casserole?
This hominy casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables or rotisserie-style chicken. It’s also delicious with buttery cornbread or warm tortillas.
How do you reheat hominy casserole?
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can also reheat individual portions of this hominy and green chile casserole in the microwave.
Can you add other vegetables to hominy casserole?
The more vegetables the merrier! This hominy casserole recipe can also include chopped bell peppers—use red or yellow to add more color—sweet corn or diced tomatoes to enhance its flavor and texture.
Can you use white hominy instead of golden?
Yes, you can easily use white hominy in place of golden in this hominy casserole. While the flavor difference will be minimal, golden hominy tends to lend a slightly sweeter taste to the casserole.
