As I whisked the creamy mixture in my skillet, the delightful aroma of sweet corn and sautéed shallots filled my kitchen, drawing my family in like a moth to a flame. This homemade creamed corn is not just a classic side dish; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate. With just 25 minutes of prep, it seamlessly balances rich buttery flavors and the natural sweetness of corn, making it the perfect companion for your Thanksgiving feast or summer BBQ. What’s more, it’s incredibly versatile, inviting you to customize it with fun twists like crispy bacon or fresh herbs. Are you ready to elevate your meal with this scrumptious addition?
Why is Creamed Corn So Special?
Comforting, Richness: This creamed corn recipe offers a velvety smooth texture that feels like a warm hug with every bite.
Quick and Easy: In just 25 minutes, you can create a homemade side dish that’s worlds away from store-bought options.
Versatile Delight: Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or a summer BBQ, this dish adapts beautifully to different meals, just like our Cheddar Sweet Corn.
Flavorful Twists: Personalize your dish by adding crispy bacon or fresh herbs, turning a simple recipe into a family favorite.
Crowd-Pleasing: With its sweet, savory flavor profile, it’s bound to impress both family and guests as a delightful accompaniment to your main courses.
Ingredient Control: Making it at home ensures you can avoid preservatives and focus on wholesome, fresh ingredients, especially if you love homemade comfort food!
Creamed Corn Ingredients
For the Base
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor. Use olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Finely Diced Shallot – Provides aromatic sweetness. Onion can be used as a substitute.
- Frozen Sweet Corn (5 cups) – Main ingredient offering sweetness and texture. Fresh corn can be used in season—just cut it off the cob.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Creates a rich, creamy texture. Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version or coconut cream for dairy-free.
- Whole Milk (1 cup) – Enhances the creaminess of the sauce. For lower fat, use skim milk or a dairy alternative.
- Flour (1 tablespoon) – Thickens the sauce. Arrowroot powder or cornstarch can be used as gluten-free options.
For Flavoring
- Dried Thyme (¼ teaspoon) – Adds earthy herbal notes. Fresh thyme may also be substituted.
- Cayenne Pepper – Adds a subtle heat. Omit or reduce for a milder flavor.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning. Adjust according to taste preferences.
For Garnishing
- Freshly Grated Parmesan (optional) – Enhances creaminess and adds flavor. Leave out for a dairy-free version or use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamed Corn
Step 1: Prepare Flour Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 cup of whole milk until smooth. This will be your thickening agent for the creamed corn. Set it aside for a few moments while you move on to the next step. You want to ensure there are no lumps for a silky texture.
Step 2: Sauté Shallot
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it bubbles. Add the finely diced shallots and sauté for about 1 minute, or until they become tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally. This step will enhance the flavor base of your creamed corn, so keep an eye on those shallots!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
To the skillet, add 5 cups of frozen sweet corn along with 1 cup of heavy cream and ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir everything together and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the corn is plump and heated through. The mixture should start to look creamy and inviting, filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma.
Step 4: Thicken Sauce
Pour the previously prepared milk and flour mixture into the skillet with the corn. Stir well to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes on medium heat, allowing the sauce to thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon nicely. This step is crucial for achieving that rich, creamy consistency you desire in your creamed corn.
Step 5: Blend Corn
Transfer 1 to 2 cups of the creamed corn mixture into a blender, allowing some chunks to remain for texture. Blend until smooth, then return it back to the skillet. This technique will help create the desired velvety creaminess while still giving you bites of sweet corn throughout the dish.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Give everything a final stir in the skillet, then sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and cook for an additional minute or two until everything is well combined and heated through. Your deliciously creamy creamed corn is now ready to shine on your table!
What to Serve with Rich and Creamy Homemade Creamed Corn
Elevate your meal to a feast with these delightful pairings that enhance the magic of this creamy comfort dish.
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Herbed Roast Chicken: Juicy chicken seasoned with fresh herbs complements the sweetness of the creamed corn beautifully.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes adds a heartwarming element, creating a comforting plate warm from the oven.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The light, smoky flavor from the grill makes a perfect pairing with the richness of the creamed corn, offering a delicious contrast.
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Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet, caramelized carrots introduce a touch of brightness that pairs flawlessly with corn’s natural sweetness.
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Crispy Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon over your creamed corn for an irresistible crunch and an extra layer of savory goodness, elevating each delectable bite.
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Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of creamed corn.
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Savory Cornbread: Serve alongside warm cornbread to soak up the creamy goodness, creating a delightful blend of textures.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay enhances the summer vibes and celebrates the sweet flavors of the corn dish.
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Apple Pie: End the meal on a sweet note with a slice of warm apple pie, giving a delightful nod to traditional comfort food pairings.
How to Store and Freeze Creamed Corn
Fridge: Store leftover creamed corn in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Freezer: Freeze creamed corn in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently. If it thickens, add extra cream or milk to restore its luscious texture.
Tip for Future Meals: This versatile creamed corn makes excellent bases for soups or casseroles, keeping your meal options exciting!
Creamed Corn Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore new tastes and textures with these creative twists on your homemade creamed corn!
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Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream and whole milk for coconut cream and almond milk for a luscious, vegan-friendly version.
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Fresh Corn: Use 5 cups of fresh corn kernels instead of frozen for a bright and seasonal taste—simply cut from the cob.
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Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a delightful heat that balances well with the creaminess.
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Flavorful Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or chives instead of thyme to bring a unique twist and freshness to the dish.
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Bacon Bliss: Incorporate crispy bacon bits or pancetta for a smoky addition, turning this dish into a savory sensation that your family will love.
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Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some shredded Cheddar or Gruyère cheese just before serving for that extra melty goodness—this pairs beautifully with a Southern Thanksgiving dinner.
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Savory Sweetness: Consider tossing in caramelized onions alongside the shallots to enhance the flavor profile with a sweet, rich depth.
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Nutty Texture: For a crunch, add toasted pecans or walnuts to the finished dish for a delightful contrast to the creamy corn.
Explore these variations to make your creamed corn uniquely yours while enjoying the comfort it brings to every meal! If you’re looking to pair it with a festive dish, consider some Holiday Creamed Spinach or serve it alongside our favorite Cheddar Sweet Corn—both are sure to complement your deliciously creamy corn beautifully!
Make Ahead Options
These rich and creamy homemade creamed corn are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the creamed corn mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply complete steps 1 through 5, store the mixture in an airtight container, and refrigerate. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully, keeping it just as delicious when you reheat. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if it thickens. Finish it off with seasoning adjustments, and your delightful creamed corn will be ready to impress your family or guests!
Tips for the Best Creamed Corn
Sweetness Boost: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness, especially if your frozen corn lacks intensity.
Blending Preference: For a chunkier texture, only blend 1 cup of the mixture and leave the rest as is, enhancing texture while preserving that fresh corn taste.
Flavor Depth: Substitute butter with rendered bacon grease for a smoky addition that elevates the overall flavor profile of your creamed corn.
Watch the Salt: If using canned or pre-cooked corn, be cautious with added salt, as these products can be high in sodium.
Make Ahead: Creamed corn can be prepared in advance; just remember to add a splash of milk when reheating to retain its creamy consistency.
Creamed Corn Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting corn, whether frozen or fresh, look for vibrant yellow kernels. For fresh corn, choose ears with tightly wrapped husks and moist silk. If going frozen, opt for brands with minimal preservatives for the best flavor.
How should I store leftover creamed corn?
Leftover creamed corn can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture.
Can I freeze creamed corn for future meals?
Certainly! Freeze the creamed corn in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To do this, let it cool completely, then portion it out into containers. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, and add extra cream or milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
What should I do if my creamed corn is too thick?
If your creamed corn turns out thicker than you’d like, don’t worry! Simply add a little bit of milk or cream, about a tablespoon at a time, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer it chunkier, blend just a portion of the corn mixture, then stir it back in to achieve that perfect balance of creaminess and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, it can easily be made vegan! Substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut cream or a rich plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, and omit the butter in favor of olive oil or vegan butter. You can also replace the grated Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can this dish be served cold or at room temperature?
While creamed corn is best served warm to appreciate its rich and creamy texture, it can be enjoyed at room temperature. Just remember that the flavor may be more subtle, so feel free to adjust seasoning before serving.
Deliciously Creamy Corn: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour with whole milk until smooth. Set it aside to ensure there are no lumps.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt unsalted butter. Add the finely diced shallots and sauté until tender and fragrant.
- Add frozen sweet corn, heavy cream, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir and cook until the corn is plump and heated through.
- Pour the milk and flour mixture into the skillet with the corn. Stir well to combine and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Transfer 1 to 2 cups of the mixture into a blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the skillet, keeping some texture.
- Sprinkle in cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning and cook for a minute until well combined.
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