Creamed Corn Recipe

The silky, sweet richness of homemade Creamed Corn Recipe creates an irresistible side dish that outshines any canned version you’ve tried before. This golden comfort classic combines fresh corn kernels bathed in a velvety cream sauce that highlights corn’s natural sweetness while adding buttery depth and subtle seasoning. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or weeknight dinner, this Creamed Corn Recipe brings nostalgic flavors with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of sweet and savory while achieving that luxurious texture that makes this dish a perpetual crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamed Corn Recipe transforms humble corn into something truly extraordinary. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade creamed corn delivers genuine corn flavor with none of the preservatives or artificial ingredients. The contrast between the pop of whole kernels against the silky cream sauce creates a textural masterpiece that’s simultaneously comforting and sophisticated.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with everything from fried chicken to roast turkey, making it appropriate for both casual family meals and holiday celebrations. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Best of all, this Creamed Corn Recipe finds that perfect balance between richness and freshness – indulgent enough to feel special but light enough to complement rather than overwhelm your main course. The sweet corn flavor shines through while being enhanced by the creamy backdrop.

Ingredients

For this classic Creamed Corn Recipe, you’ll need:

• 6 ears fresh corn (about 4-5 cups kernels) or 4 cups frozen corn, thawed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup finely diced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, depending on corn sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or thyme), finely chopped

Fresh corn is ideal for this creamy corn side dish, especially during summer when sweet corn is in season. Look for ears with bright green husks and golden silk. The combination of heavy cream and milk creates the perfect velvety base, while a touch of cream cheese adds richness without overwhelming the corn’s natural flavor.

Pro Tips

Master the Corn Preparation
When using fresh corn, cut kernels off carefully to avoid the tough cob pieces. Stand the ear upright in a large, wide bowl and slice downward with a sharp knife. Then, run the back of your knife down the cob to extract the flavorful corn “milk” – this natural starch helps thicken your Creamed Corn Recipe without needing excess flour or cornstarch.

Create Textural Contrast
For the perfect consistency in your homemade creamed corn, pulse about one-third of your corn kernels in a food processor or blender. This creates different textures throughout the dish – whole kernels provide pops of sweetness while the puréed corn thickens the sauce naturally and intensifies the corn flavor.

Control the Thickness
The key to perfect homemade creamed corn lies in the sauce consistency. If your mixture seems too thin, continue simmering uncovered, stirring frequently. For thickening, make a quick slurry with 1 tablespoon flour and 2 tablespoons cold milk, then gradually stir into the simmering corn. Conversely, if it becomes too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Corn
If using fresh corn, shuck the ears and rinse to remove any silk. Stand each ear upright in a large bowl and use a sharp knife to cut downward, removing kernels from the cob. After cutting off the kernels, use the back of your knife to scrape down the cobs to extract the remaining corn “milk.” This starchy liquid adds natural thickening power to your Creamed Corn Recipe. Set aside both the kernels and corn milk.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent but not browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as this would add bitterness to your creamed corn.

Step 3: Add Corn and Create Base
Add the corn kernels to the skillet along with any extracted corn milk. Stir to coat everything in the butter mixture and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the corn starts to soften but still maintains some crunch.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and milk. Add salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine all ingredients. If using the flour for thickening, mix it with a little cold milk first to create a slurry, then stir into the corn mixture to prevent lumps.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish
Allow the Creamed Corn Recipe to simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow slowly when tilted. In the last minute of cooking, stir in the cream cheese if using, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh herbs just before serving.

Variations

Southwestern Creamed Corn
Transform your basic Creamed Corn Recipe into a zesty southwestern treat by adding 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 1 small diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat), 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and finishing with a squeeze of lime juice and chopped cilantro. Top with crumbled cotija or queso fresco for an authentic touch. This variation pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a side for taco night.

Bacon and Herb Creamed Corn
For a more indulgent version of this creamy corn dish, start by cooking 4-6 slices of chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon but reserve 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat, using it instead of butter to sauté your onions. Follow the regular recipe, then fold in the crispy bacon pieces and 1 tablespoon each of fresh thyme and chives at the end. The smoky bacon adds wonderful depth to the sweet corn base.

Dairy-Free Creamed Corn
Create a delicious dairy-free version by substituting the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter, and replacing the cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened plant milk plus 1/4 cup cashew cream (blended soaked cashews). The natural starch from the corn helps maintain creaminess even without dairy ingredients.

Storage and Serving

This Creamed Corn Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Avoid freezing creamed corn as the dairy can separate and the texture becomes grainy when thawed.

For serving, transfer your creamy corn to a warm serving dish and garnish with a pat of butter, fresh ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs. This side dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork tenderloin. It’s also a perfect companion to Southern favorites like fried chicken or country ham.

For an elevated presentation, serve your Creamed Corn Recipe in individual ramekins topped with buttered breadcrumbs and broiled for 2-3 minutes until golden, creating mini corn gratins that add elegance to any dinner plate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen corn works beautifully in this Creamed Corn Recipe. Use about 4 cups of thawed corn kernels and pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the recipe. The flavor is nearly as good as fresh, especially in winter months when fresh corn isn’t at its peak.

How can I make my creamed corn thicker?
For a thicker consistency, you can either simmer the mixture longer to reduce the liquid naturally, use the flour slurry method mentioned in the recipe, or substitute 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water instead of flour. Another technique is to purée more of the corn kernels to release their natural starch.

Is creamed corn gluten-free?
This Creamed Corn Recipe can easily be made gluten-free by omitting the flour and either reducing the liquid through simmering or using cornstarch as a thickener instead. Always check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free if cooking for someone with celiac disease.

Can I make creamed corn in advance for a party?
Yes! You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate in an airtight container, then reheat slowly in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. Stir frequently while reheating to prevent scorching.

What’s the difference between cream-style corn and creamed corn?
Cream-style corn (typically found in cans) usually involves puréeing some of the corn kernels to create a thick base, while traditional creamed corn like this recipe combines whole corn kernels with a cream-based sauce. This homemade Creamed Corn Recipe combines both methods for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamed Corn Recipe is comfort food at its finest — a velvety, sweet-savory side dish that transforms everyday corn into something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that bridges generations, pleasing both traditional palates and those looking for authentic homemade flavors. Whether served alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or Tuesday night chicken dinner, this creamed corn delivers that perfect balance of simplicity and luxury that defines the best comfort foods. Make this recipe once, and you’ll never reach for the canned version again!

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