Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Hominy Casserole is a cheesy and creamy recipe, which is made with savory bacon and tender hominy. It’s the perfect comfort food side dish, a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s ready in about an hour.
Pioneer Woman Hominy Casserole Ingredients
A simple, classic combination for a satisfying and unique side dish.
- Butter, for greasing the pan
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (30-ounce) can hominy, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup half-and-half
- Hot sauce, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
How To Make Pioneer Woman Hominy Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly flavorful and easy casserole.
- Prep Oven and Cook Bacon: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Butter an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan. In a large skillet, fry the chopped bacon over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, cook the chopped onion and bell pepper for 6 to 8 minutes, until they are softened and just starting to brown.
- Combine the Casserole: To the skillet with the vegetables, stir in the drained and rinsed hominy, the half-and-half, and a few dashes of hot sauce. When the mixture is bubbling, turn off the heat. Stir in the crispy bacon and about half of the total Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Bake and Serve: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Top with the remaining cheese and the breadcrumbs. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly creamy hominy casserole.
- What is hominy? Hominy is made from whole corn kernels that have been soaked in an alkaline solution in a process called nixtamalization. This process softens the outer hulls and gives the corn a unique, puffy, and slightly chewy texture with a distinct corn flavor. It’s a staple in Mexican cuisine.
- How to get the most flavor? Don’t discard the bacon fat! Sautéing the onions and peppers in the rendered bacon drippings is a key step that infuses the entire casserole with a deep, savory, smoky flavor.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead side dish. You can assemble the entire casserole (but wait to add the breadcrumb topping), cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add the breadcrumb topping and you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Can I customize this casserole? Absolutely. For a spicier version, add some chopped jalapeños along with the onion and pepper. You can also use a different cheese blend, like a Colby Jack or a pepper jack.
What To Serve With Hominy Casserole
The perfect main courses to pair with this rich and comforting side.
This creamy, cheesy casserole is a classic Southwestern-style side dish. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Pork chops or a roasted pork loin
- A simple seared steak
- As part of a larger potluck or holiday spread
How To Store Hominy Casserole
Keeping your leftovers delicious.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crispy again. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.
Pioneer Woman Hominy Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 25 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté the vegetables in 2-3 tablespoons of butter or olive oil instead. You might want to add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dish to mimic the smoky flavor of the bacon.
What kind of breadcrumbs are best?
You can use plain, Italian-style, or panko breadcrumbs for the topping. For an extra crispy crust, toss the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling them over the cheese.
Can I use a different kind of soup instead of half-and-half?
While this recipe uses half-and-half for a simple creaminess, you could substitute it with a can of condensed cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different, but also classic, casserole flavor and texture.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Squash Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Taco Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Hominy Casserole Recipe
Description
A rich, creamy, and cheesy hominy casserole loaded with crispy bacon, sautéed peppers and onions, and finished with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. The ultimate Southern comfort food side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a square baking dish.
- In a large skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the onion and bell pepper in the bacon fat until soft, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in the hominy, half-and-half, and hot sauce. When bubbling, turn off the heat.
- Stir in the crispy bacon and about half of the total shredded cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Top with the remaining cheese and the breadcrumbs.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eSautéing the vegetables in the rendered bacon fat is the secret to a deep, savory flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a perfect make-ahead casserole; assemble it (without the breadcrumbs) and refrigerate, then add the topping just before baking.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor an extra crispy topping, toss the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling them on.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eHominy provides a unique, chewy texture and corn flavor that makes this casserole special.u003c/liu003e
