Creamed corn is a rich, comforting dish that highlights the natural sweetness of corn in a creamy, buttery base. It’s a classic side dish often served at holiday feasts, backyard barbecues, or weeknight dinners, and its simplicity makes it a favorite across all generations. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted meats or enjoying it on its own, creamed corn brings warmth and flavor to the table.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Easy to Make – With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together quickly in one pan.
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Creamy and Comforting – The texture is smooth, luxurious, and packed with flavor.
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Perfect Side Dish – Ideal for holiday dinners, cookouts, or a cozy family meal.
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Versatile – Easily adapted with add-ins like cheese, herbs, or spices.
Ingredients List
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4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup whole milk
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar (optional, depending on corn sweetness)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamed Corn
Step 1: Prepare the Corn
If using fresh corn, shuck the ears and slice off the kernels using a sharp knife. If using frozen corn, thaw it and drain any excess liquid.
Step 2: Sauté the Corn
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the corn and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the corn and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This step helps thicken the creamed corn without clumps.
Step 4: Pour in Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the mixture thicken for about 5–7 minutes.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Season with salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and garlic powder. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring often.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once thickened and creamy, stir in grated Parmesan if desired. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Tips for Best Results
Use Fresh Corn When in Season
Fresh corn provides the best flavor and natural sweetness, especially during summer. However, high-quality frozen corn is a great substitute during the off-season.
Don’t Skip the Butter
Butter adds essential flavor and richness to the dish. For extra depth, you can even brown the butter slightly before adding the corn.
Adjust the Sweetness
Depending on the natural sweetness of the corn, you may not need to add any sugar. Always taste and adjust accordingly.
Control the Thickness
If your creamed corn is too thick, thin it with a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, simmer longer until the desired consistency is reached.
Variations to Try
Cheesy Creamed Corn
Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese for a rich and indulgent twist.
Spicy Creamed Corn
Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
Herb-Infused Corn
Stir in fresh chopped herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives for a bright, fresh finish.
Bacon Creamed Corn
Cook chopped bacon until crisp, then sauté the corn in the bacon fat. Stir in the crumbled bacon before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Creamed corn pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes:
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Roasted or grilled chicken
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Baked ham
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BBQ ribs
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Fried or grilled pork chops
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Thanksgiving turkey
It’s also a great addition to potluck dinners or as a part of a southern-style meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Can You Make Creamed Corn in Advance?
Yes! Creamed corn stores well in the refrigerator. Make it up to two days ahead, then reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture if needed.
How to Store Leftovers
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: Cream-based dishes can separate when frozen, but if needed, you can freeze creamed corn for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly.
Can You Make It Without Cream?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can use all milk or substitute with half-and-half. Just know that the richness and creaminess will be slightly reduced.
Is Creamed Corn Gluten-Free?
Traditional creamed corn uses a bit of flour to thicken it, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
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Calories: 210
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Fat: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Protein: 3g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugars: 6g
FAQs
Can I use canned corn?
Yes, but make sure to drain it well. The texture will be softer compared to fresh or frozen corn.
What’s the best cream to use?
Heavy cream yields the creamiest result, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version.
Is creamed corn vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you don’t add meat-based ingredients like bacon. It’s a great vegetarian side.
Can I add onions or garlic?
Absolutely. Sauté finely chopped onions or minced garlic along with the corn for more flavor.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and swap the cream/milk with unsweetened almond milk and coconut cream or oat milk.
Conclusion
Creamed corn is more than just a nostalgic side dish—it’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy one of nature’s sweetest vegetables. With its creamy texture, warm flavors, and flexibility, it deserves a regular spot on your table. Whether you’re cooking a festive meal or a casual weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it once, and it may just become a new family favorite.