This hominy casserole recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any meal. If you’re new to hominy, like I was before discovering Ree’s recipe on the Food Network, you’re in for a treat! Hominy, made from dried corn kernels, has a unique texture and a taste reminiscent of homemade corn tortillas. This recipe takes those wonderful flavors and turns them into a simple yet satisfying casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. I’ve made a few personal touches, like using brown sugar bacon and extra cheese, to elevate this already fantastic dish.
Browning sugar bacon in a pan for Pioneer Woman's Hominy Casserole recipe
Brown Sugar Bacon: A Sweet & Savory Twist
Before diving into the casserole, let’s talk about the brown sugar bacon. This simple addition takes regular bacon to a whole new level. The brown sugar caramelizes as the bacon cooks, creating a delicious sweet and savory flavor that complements the hominy perfectly.
Easy Brown Sugar Bacon Recipe:
- Lay bacon slices in a skillet.
- Generously sprinkle brown sugar over the bacon.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, then flip bacon to the brown sugar side.
- Continue cooking, turning occasionally, until bacon is caramelized and cooked to your liking. Watch carefully to prevent burning the sugar.
Pioneer Woman Hominy Casserole: Ranch-Style Comfort Food
Now, for the main event – the hominy casserole! This recipe is incredibly easy to throw together and delivers big on flavor. It’s a fantastic side dish or a comforting vegetarian main course if you omit the bacon.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Hominy Casserole recipe: bacon, onion, red bell pepper, and canned hominy
Ingredients:
- Butter, for greasing the pan
- 8 slices bacon, chopped (or omit for vegetarian)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- One 30-ounce can hominy, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup half-and-half
- Hot sauce, to taste
- ½ cup grated Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: ½ cup breadcrumbs (I skipped these and added extra cheese!)
Sautéing diced onions and red bell peppers for hominy casserole
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish with butter.
- If using bacon, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, reserving some bacon grease in the skillet. (Or cook brown sugar bacon as described above).
- In the same skillet with bacon grease (or butter), sauté chopped onion and red bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Adding hominy and half-and-half to the skillet to prepare Pioneer Woman's casserole
- Add drained and rinsed hominy to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in half-and-half and hot sauce to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and cooked bacon (if using).
Hominy casserole in a baking dish topped with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese before baking
- Pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Deliciously baked Pioneer Woman Hominy Casserole, golden brown and bubbly
Tips and Variations
- Cheese Lovers Rejoice: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Pepper jack would add a spicy kick, or try a blend of cheddar and Swiss like I did for a richer flavor.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of chili powder or paprika adds a nice depth of flavor and color.
- Herbaceous Notes: Freshly chopped cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top after baking would brighten up the dish.
- Make it a Meal: Add cooked shredded chicken or ground beef to make it a heartier main course casserole.
This Pioneer Woman hominy casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy, adaptable, and utterly delicious. Enjoy!
