PENNY'S HOMINY CASSEROLE
- WineCheeseScallops
- Sep 10
- 5 min read
Sometimes the best recipes are the ones passed down from family kitchens—and Penny’s Hominy Casserole is exactly that kind of dish. Creamy, cheesy, and just a little bit spicy, this casserole turns humble hominy into something irresistible. The combination of sour cream, green chilies, chili powder, and cheddar cheese creates a warm, comforting flavor profile that pairs beautifully with just about anything.
It’s quick to prepare, baked until bubbly, and makes the perfect side dish for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays. Whether you serve it alongside tacos, grilled meats, or roasted chicken, this casserole is hearty enough to steal the spotlight on the table.
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Hominy
Hominy is dried corn that’s been treated with an alkali in a process called nixtamalization, which gives it a distinct flavor and chewy texture. It’s a staple in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, often used in posole soups and stews. In this casserole, hominy adds heartiness and a unique flavor that sets it apart from a typical potato or pasta bake.
Green Chilies
Canned diced green chilies are mild yet flavorful, bringing a subtle smokiness and just the right amount of heat. They’re commonly used in Southwestern and Tex-Mex cooking and add depth without overpowering the dish. Paired with chili powder and cheddar cheese, they round out the casserole with a gentle kick.
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Recipe Origin / Inspiration
This casserole comes from the spirit of family cooking—Penny’s recipe is the kind of dish you can imagine being served at a holiday table or Sunday dinner. It was a recipe given to Tara in the 90's when she was first leaning to cook and is still a favorite today. While hominy is often reserved for soups or traditional Mexican dishes, here it gets a creamy, cheesy makeover that feels both nostalgic and comforting.
The flavors are inspired by Southwestern cuisine but simplified into a bake-anytime dish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly—a true family classic that deserves a spot in your side dish rotation.
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Tips, Serving Suggestions, or Storage Advice
Use yellow, white, or a mix of both hominy for variety in color and texture.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or increase the chili powder.
Swap cheddar with pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
Add cooked chorizo, ground beef, or shredded chicken to turn it into a main dish.
Serve as a side with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled steak.
This casserole pairs beautifully with barbecue—think ribs or pulled pork.
Fresh cilantro garnish adds a pop of color and brightness.
Make it ahead: assemble up to a day in advance and bake just before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.
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Unique Recipe Qualities | PENNY'S HOMINY CASSEROLE
A family recipe with nostalgic comfort.
Highlights hominy, a unique ingredient not often used in casseroles.
Quick to prepare—ready in about 30 minutes.
Creamy, cheesy, and lightly spiced.
Flexible—easily adjusted for more or less heat.
Works as both a side dish or a main with protein added.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight meals.
Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples.
Bakes up bubbly and golden for a cozy presentation.
Southwest-inspired but simple enough for everyday cooking.
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Penny’s Hominy Casserole
Ingredients
2 (15 oz) cans hominy (yellow, white, or a mix), drained
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 oz sour cream
1 ½ teaspoons chili powder (or more, to taste)
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, drained
1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
Stir in the sour cream, chili powder, hominy, green chilies, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve warm.
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FAQ Section
What is hominy?
Hominy is dried corn that’s been treated with an alkali (nixtamalization). It has a chewy texture and a unique flavor, commonly used in posole and other Southwestern dishes.
Can I make this spicier?
Yes! Add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or use pepper jack cheese for more heat.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Yes—add browned chorizo, ground beef, or shredded chicken before baking for a hearty entrée.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 2-quart or similar-sized baking dish works well.
Can I substitute the cheese?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend also work beautifully.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How long do leftovers last?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What should I serve it with?
It pairs well with BBQ, grilled meats, enchiladas, tacos, or even a simple green salad.
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