Name: The Most Decadent, Easy Cornbread Casserole Ever, Skinnyfied!
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 large onions, chopped (about 3½ cups); ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance Light; 4 egg whites; 1 egg, I love Eggland’s Best eggs; 2 tablespoons fat-free or reduced-fat milk; 1 (1-LB) package Marie Callender’s Original Corn Bread Mix; 2 (14.5 oz) cans cream-style corn; 1 cup fat-free sour cream (½ pint); ½ cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese

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What a yummy alternative to stuffing for your Thanksgiving meal!

I’ve tasted many cornbread casseroles in my day and this one wins hands down…It's super rich and loaded with flavor. This makes a wonderful side dish for turkey, chicken, or beef, including BBQ chicken, hamburger patties, chili, or even a vegetarian meal. Plus a yummy side for turkey The original full-fat recipe has ingredients such as sour cream, butter, and 2 entire cups of cheese. This skinny makeover uses similar ingredients but reduced or fat-free versions. I found that using only ½ cup of reduced-fat cheddar cheese provides plenty of flavor. Each skinny slice has 205 calories and 5 grams of fat.

cornbread-casserole-photo | Skinny Kitchen

Why You'll Love The Most Decadent, Easy Cornbread Casserole Ever, Skinnyfied!

This casserole is the perfect comfort food, reimagined for health-conscious eaters. It's a delightful blend of classic flavors, featuring a moist, buttery cornbread base topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Despite its indulgence, this recipe is surprisingly low-calorie and packed with whole grains. It's a guilt-free treat that's easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you're craving a cozy, comforting meal or a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, this Skinnyfied Cornbread Casserole is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients For The Most Decadent, Easy Cornbread Casserole Ever, Skinnyfied!

Onions: This versatile vegetable is a culinary workhorse, known for its ability to add depth of flavor to a wide array of dishes. Onions are a rich source of antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation. Their versatility shines in everything from savory soups and stews to sweet caramelized confections.
Reduced-fat Butter or Smart Balance Light: These healthier alternatives to traditional butter offer a similar taste and texture, but with fewer calories and saturated fat. They're perfect for those seeking to reduce their fat intake without sacrificing flavor. Whether you're sautéing vegetables, baking a cake, or spreading on toast, these spreads are a delicious and nutritious choice.
Egg Whites: A protein powerhouse, egg whites are low in calories and fat, making them an ideal ingredient for weight-conscious individuals. They can be used in a variety of recipes, from fluffy omelets to light and airy soufflés.
Whole Eggs: A nutrient-dense food, whole eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They're essential for building and repairing tissues, and they also support brain health. Whether you're scrambling them for breakfast, adding them to a cake batter, or using them in a creamy custard, whole eggs are a versatile and nutritious ingredient.
Fat-free or Reduced-fat Milk: These lower-calorie dairy alternatives are perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of milk without the extra fat and calories. They can be used in cooking, baking, and drinking. Whether you're sipping a glass of cold milk, adding it to your coffee, or using it as an ingredient in your favorite recipes, these milks offer a delicious and healthy option.
Marie Callender’s Original Corn Bread Mix: A convenient pre-made mix that saves time and effort in the kitchen. This mix is a great option for busy individuals who want to enjoy a delicious homemade cornbread. It's perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend brunches, or any occasion where you want a quick and easy side dish.
Cream-style Corn: A versatile canned corn product that adds a creamy texture and sweet flavor to dishes. It's perfect for soups, casseroles, and other recipes. Whether you're making a classic corn chowder, a hearty chili, or a sweet cornbread pudding, cream-style corn is a delicious and convenient ingredient.
Fat-free Sour Cream: A lower-calorie alternative to regular sour cream, this dairy product adds tanginess and richness to dishes. It's a great option for those who want to reduce their fat intake. Whether you're topping a baked potato, adding it to a dip, or using it as a sauce, fat-free sour cream is a delicious and healthy choice.
Reduced-fat Cheddar Cheese: A lower-calorie cheese that provides a sharp, savory flavor and a creamy texture. It's a great way to add flavor and protein to your meals. Whether you're shredding it on nachos, grating it over pasta, or melting it on a grilled cheese sandwich, reduced-fat cheddar cheese is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy cheese without all the calories.

Crafting the Perfect Cornbread Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature ensures a golden-brown, perfectly cooked casserole.
Prep Your Pan: Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Creating the Base:

Sauté Your Onions: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped onions and butter. Microwave on high for 4 minutes, or until the onions soften. This simple step adds a depth of flavor to the casserole.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together egg whites, a whole egg, and milk. This mixture acts as a binding agent, ensuring a moist and fluffy texture.
Combine Wet and Dry: Stir in cornbread mix and cream-style corn into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
Layer Your Casserole: Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the cooked onions and their liquid over the batter.

Topping It Off:

Add a Creamy Layer: Dollop sour cream over the onions. Don't worry about complete coverage; the sour cream will create delightful pockets of flavor.
Sprinkle with Cheese: Finish by evenly sprinkling reduced-fat cheddar cheese over the sour cream.

Baking to Perfection:

Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before cutting into 16 squares. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole:

Make Ahead: This casserole is a great meal prep option. Prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and reheat later.
Freeze for Later: Freeze this casserole for future enjoyment. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer.
Customize Your Casserole: Experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or herbs to create unique flavor combinations. Consider adding jalapeños for a spicy kick or bell peppers for extra sweetness.

By following these steps and incorporating these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying cornbread casserole that's perfect for any occasion.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Food Facts
The origin of cornbread is as old as corn itself. In America, we’ve known about and eaten cornbread since the arrival of the Europeans. The native Americans learned early on how to dry and grind corn into meals, which is the main ingredient in cornbread.

Serving Tips
This casserole makes a wonderful side dish to serve with any barbecue. It’s also yummy served with meatloaf, ham, turkey, chicken, beef, pork, or even a bowl of chili. I really love serving it as a side dish for my recipe for, Skinny Steak Fajitas.

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 7-Blue
WW SmartPoints 7-Green

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 slice
205 calories, 5g fat, 1g sat. fat, 13g chol, 7g protein, 32g carbs, 3g fiber, 447mg sodium, 13g sugar