📖 Instructions

1. Prep Your Pan and Oven: First things first, grab your trusty 9x13 inch baking dish. Give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray, or lightly grease it with butter. This small step is super important to prevent sticking and make serving a breeze. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). We want that oven nice and hot when the casserole goes in!
2. Drain the Corn, But Not Too Much: Pop open your cans of whole kernel corn. Drain one can *completely*, getting rid of as much liquid as possible. For the other can, only drain it *partially*, leaving a little bit of that starchy goodness behind. This subtle trick helps achieve that lovely custardy texture we’re aiming for. Don't drain too much, or you'll miss out on that special something!
3. Mix the Dry Stuff: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the corn muffin mix and the granulated sugar. Use a whisk to make sure it's all nicely blended. You don't want any lumps of mix later on, do you? This sets the stage for a smooth batter, which is essential for our creamy center.
4. Introduce the Wet Ingredients: Now, to that dry mixture, add your melted unsalted butter, sour cream, and the two cans of corn (one fully drained, one partially drained, remember?). Oh, and don't forget the creamed corn – that's a key player for our smooth center! Gently fold everything together with a spatula. Don't overmix; we just want it combined. Overmixing can make the final casserole tough, and we're going for tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
5. Pour and Bake: Pour your perfectly mixed casserole batter into your prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Pop it into your preheated oven, right in the center rack.
6. Baking Time and The Jiggle Test: Bake for about 45-60 minutes. Now, here's the secret to that perfect custard center: you're looking for the edges to be golden brown and set, but the center should still have a slight, delicate jiggle when you gently shake the pan. It's similar to how you'd check a cheesecake! If it’s too jiggly, give it another 5-10 minutes. Every oven is a little different, so trust your eyes and the jiggle. If it looks dry, it's probably overbaked a bit. But hey, we all learn as we go!
7. Rest and Serve: Once it passes the jiggle test, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial; it allows the custard to fully set and makes for cleaner slices. Plus, it’ll be a little too hot to enjoy straight from the oven anyway. Patience, my friend, is a virtue here.
8. Enjoy! Scoop out generous portions and serve warm. It’s wonderful on its own or alongside your favorite main course. Get ready for some serious comfort food bliss! It's so good, you might even find yourself wanting a second helping, I know I always do!