📖 Instructions

1. Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is perfectly hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. Also, grab your trusty 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it generously with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. You want to make sure nothing sticks to the sides!
2. First things first, let's get those corn cans open. Drain the whole kernel corn *really* well. Like, shake 'em a bit to get all that liquid out. The creamed corn, of course, you'll keep as is. Set both aside for a moment.
3. In a large mixing bowl, the biggest one you've got is probably best, melt your unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave in short bursts or gently on the stovetop. Once it’s liquid gold, whisk in the large egg and the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and beautifully combined. No lumpy bits allowed!
4. Now for the good stuff! Gently fold in your well-drained whole kernel corn, the creamy dream of the cream-style corn, and the entire box of Jiffy corn muffin mix. The key here is to mix until *just* combined. You don't want to overmix it; that can make your casserole a bit tough. A few small lumps from the cornbread mix are perfectly fine.
5. Pour this delightful mixture into your prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. If you're using optional shredded cheddar cheese, this is the moment to sprinkle it evenly over the top. This will give you an extra layer of savory flavor and a gorgeous golden crust.
6. Carefully transfer your baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45-60 minutes. How do you know when it’s done? The casserole should be golden brown on top, and if you gently jiggle the dish, the center should look set, not wobbly. For extra certainty, a knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
7. Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven. Resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes. This little rest allows the casserole to set up completely and makes for much cleaner serving. Serve warm and bask in the deliciousness!
8. **Chef's Tip**: For an extra crispy, buttery topping, crush about a cup of Ritz crackers and mix them with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this over the casserole during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Absolutely divine!