The perfect side dish – especially for holidays – this Creamed Corn only takes a few ingredients and is done in no time at all. This is a simple recipe that everyone loves!
The Ultimate Creamed Corn Recipe: Your Go-To Holiday Side Dish
If you cherish comforting, easy-to-make recipes that become instant family favorites, then this homemade Creamed Corn is about to become your new kitchen superstar. Forget complicated preparations; this dish is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. It’s the kind of side dish that perfectly complements any main course, yet shines brightly enough to be a memorable part of the meal itself.
This recipe transforms fresh or frozen corn kernels into a rich, velvety masterpiece, ready to grace your table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning an elaborate holiday feast or simply seeking a delicious addition to your Sunday dinner, this creamed corn promises a creamy texture and a perfectly balanced sweet-and-savory flavor profile that everyone will adore. Looking for more delightful corn creations? You’ll also love this Corn Casserole or this Creamy Corn and Bacon.
Why This Creamed Corn is a Must-Have for Holiday Gatherings
There’s an undeniable truth about holiday meals: while the main course takes center stage, it’s often the array of meticulously prepared side dishes that truly capture our hearts and palates. They add variety, color, and a comforting familiarity that makes the entire dining experience special. In this grand lineup, our Creamed Corn consistently proves itself as an indispensable holiday side dish.
Imagine the ease of preparing a show-stopping side that requires minimal effort and time, freeing you up to manage other culinary tasks or, better yet, spend precious moments with loved ones. This creamed corn recipe can be ready in roughly 30 minutes, making it a dream come true during the often-hectic holiday cooking schedule. Its creamy, sweet, and savory profile makes it an ideal companion for a variety of holiday meats. Whether you’re planning to serve a succulent roast turkey for Thanksgiving, a perfectly glazed ham for Christmas, or a tender roast beef for a festive Sunday lunch, this dish effortlessly complements each main, adding a touch of indulgence and comfort.
Beyond its holiday appeal, the versatility of this creamed corn makes it a fantastic addition to everyday meals too. It’s hearty enough for a satisfying Sunday dinner and simple enough for a weeknight treat. The combination of sweet corn kernels enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce creates a dish that’s both familiar and luxurious, always leaving diners asking for more. It’s a testament to the fact that often, the most straightforward recipes yield the most delicious results.
The Secret to Irresistible Creamed Corn: Flavor & Texture Harmony
What makes this creamed corn so utterly delicious and addictive? It’s all about striking the perfect balance between distinct flavors and a heavenly texture. This recipe masterfully combines:
- Sweetness and Savory Depth: We celebrate the natural sweetness of corn, enhancing it with a subtle hint of sugar. This sweetness is then beautifully grounded by the rich, savory notes of butter and a carefully seasoned cream base, creating a truly harmonious taste experience.
- Velvety Smooth Texture: Unlike watery or overly thick versions, our creamed corn features tender, juicy kernels swimming in a perfectly thickened sauce. It’s lusciously smooth, coating every kernel and every spoonful with a satisfying creaminess that’s never cloying.
- Simple Ingredients, Maximum Impact: You don’t need a lengthy shopping list to achieve gourmet flavor. This recipe relies on readily available, high-quality staples, demonstrating how classic ingredients can be transformed into something truly special with the right technique.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamed Corn
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavor and texture of our creamed corn. Here’s a detailed breakdown to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Butter: We highly recommend using unsalted butter. This gives you precise control over the overall sodium content of your dish. If salted butter is all you have, simply reduce the initial amount of added salt in the recipe and taste at the end, adjusting as needed. Butter provides a rich base flavor and is essential for creating the roux, which is the foundation of our creamy sauce.
- Flour: All-purpose flour acts as the thickening agent, transforming the liquid cream into a luxurious, clingy sauce. When combined with butter, it forms a roux. It’s important to whisk the flour into the melted butter and cook it for at least a minute or two. This step is vital to cook out any raw flour taste, ensuring your sauce is smooth and palatable.
- Salt: A fine sea salt is ideal for even distribution and flavor. The measurement provided is a starting point, so feel free to adjust to your personal taste. If you’re using standard table salt, which is often finer and saltier by volume, we suggest starting with about half a teaspoon and then seasoning to taste once the creamed corn is almost done. Proper seasoning brightens and enhances all the other flavors.
- Heavy Cream: For that truly decadent, rich, and ultra-creamy consistency, heavy whipping cream is non-negotiable. This recipe isn’t shy about being an indulgent treat, perfect for special occasions. While some might consider using half-and-half or milk, be prepared for a noticeably thinner sauce. The high-fat content of heavy cream provides the luxurious mouthfeel that defines classic creamed corn.
- Corn: You have the flexibility to use either fresh or frozen corn kernels. Fresh corn, especially during peak season, offers unparalleled sweetness and a slight crispness. However, high-quality frozen corn is an excellent and convenient substitute that requires no thawing. Simply add it directly to the sauce from the freezer – it will cook and tenderize beautifully.
- Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar might seem unexpected, but it’s a brilliant addition that accentuates the natural sweetness of the corn, elevating the overall flavor profile. It helps create a balanced taste that prevents the dish from being overly savory. While you could reduce the amount based on your preference for sweetness, we find the recommended quantity creates a perfectly harmonious blend.
How to Make Creamed Corn: Step-by-Step Instructions
Crafting this delicious creamed corn is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly creamy and flavorful side dish:
- Step 1: Prepare the Roux Foundation.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Choose a saucepan that’s spacious enough to accommodate all the cream and three cups of corn comfortably. Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering, add the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This crucial step cooks out the raw taste of the flour and helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce. Immediately whisk in the salt until it’s fully incorporated into the butter-flour mixture. - Step 2: Create the Velvety Cream Sauce.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuously whisking. This gradual addition helps prevent lumps. Continue to whisk constantly as the mixture heats up over medium heat. The sauce will gradually thicken. You’re looking for a consistency that is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not as dense as a frosting. Keep a close eye on it and maintain consistent whisking to prevent scorching. - Step 3: Incorporate the Corn and Sweetness.
Once your cream sauce has reached its beautiful, thickened state, gently stir in the corn kernels and the granulated sugar. If you are using frozen corn, don’t be alarmed if the sauce appears to thicken significantly at first; this is normal as the cold corn cools the mixture. Continue to cook the creamed corn, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes. This ensures the corn is thoroughly heated through and tender, and the sauce will return to a smooth, consistent texture. - Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve.
Before serving, always taste your creamed corn! This is the perfect opportunity to adjust the seasoning to your liking. We highly recommend adding a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper, and if desired, a little extra salt to brighten the flavors. Serve your homemade creamed corn warm, directly from the saucepan, and prepare for rave reviews!
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Creamed Corn
Elevate your creamed corn to perfection with these handy tips and creative variations:
- Always Taste and Adjust Seasoning: This is arguably the most important tip! Flavors can change during cooking, so a final taste test and adjustment of salt and pepper are crucial. We love a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper for a savory kick. Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a tiny dash of nutmeg for extra depth.
- No Thawing for Frozen Corn: Save time and effort! There’s no need to thaw frozen corn before adding it to your sauce. It will cook perfectly straight from the freezer.
- Prepare Ahead of Time: This creamed corn is an excellent make-ahead dish, especially valuable during busy holiday preparations. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Adjusting Consistency:
- If Too Thick: If your creamed corn becomes too thick upon reheating or if you’ve cooked it down too much, simply whisk in a splash of additional heavy cream, milk, chicken broth, or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Add gradually, a tablespoon at a time.
- If Too Thin: If you prefer an even thicker creamed corn, you can cook the sauce for a few extra minutes, allowing more moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering creamed corn and cook for another minute or two until it thickens.
- Customize Your Corn-to-Cream Ratio: Prefer more corn and less cream, or vice versa? This recipe is adaptable! Feel free to add an extra half-cup to a full cup of corn for a corn-heavy dish, or slightly reduce the corn if you crave an even richer, creamier sauce.
- Flavor Variations and Additions:
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese, sharp cheddar, or even a dollop of cream cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra layer of richness and savory flavor.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Fold in some crispy, crumbled bacon bits for a smoky, salty crunch. They’re always a hit!
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, parsley, or even a hint of dried thyme can add a beautiful aromatic finish.
- A Touch of Spice: For a subtle warmth, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can awaken the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Serving Your Perfect Creamed Corn
While this creamed corn is undeniably a star for holiday feasts, its versatility extends far beyond festive tables. Here are some ideas for how to serve this delicious side dish:
- Classic Holiday Pairing: A must-have with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib.
- Hearty Mains: Excellent alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, pan-seared steak, or even meatloaf.
- BBQ Sides: Complements barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or brisket perfectly.
- Casual Dinners: A comforting addition to any weeknight family meal.
- Brunch Spread: Serve it as a unique and delicious component of a hearty brunch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamed Corn
Can I use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can, but be aware that the final sauce will be thinner and less rich. Heavy cream provides the signature decadent texture. If using milk or half-and-half, you might need to add a bit more flour to the roux or use a cornstarch slurry to achieve a thicker consistency.
Do I need to thaw frozen corn before adding it to the recipe?
No, there is no need to thaw frozen corn. You can add it directly to the simmering cream sauce. It will cook through and soften beautifully as it heats.
How long does homemade creamed corn last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, homemade creamed corn will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze creamed corn?
You can freeze creamed corn, but be aware that dairy-based sauces can sometimes undergo a slight texture change (e.g., become a bit grainy or separate) upon thawing and reheating. It will still be safe and flavorful, but the texture might not be as perfectly smooth as when freshly made. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, whisking in a splash of cream or broth if needed.
How can I make this creamed corn recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (preferably one that contains xanthan gum for thickening) or use cornstarch. If using cornstarch, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then whisk it into the hot cream mixture and cook until thickened.
More Favorite Side Dishes You’ll Love
If you’re always searching for easy, crowd-pleasing side dish recipes, explore these other fantastic options that are perfect for any meal:
- Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots with a beautiful, glossy finish that makes them irresistible.
- Green Bean Casserole: A timeless comfort food classic, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any family dinner.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Creamy, naturally sweet, and incredibly flavorful, offering a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes.
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Creamed Corn
Deborah Harroun
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
9 servings
Side Dish
American
Pin
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh or frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or two. Whisk in the salt.2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon salt
- Slowly whisk in the cream. Cook, whisking constantly, until it is thickened.1 3/4 cups heavy cream
- Add the corn and the sugar and stir to combine. Let it come to a bubble, then turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the corn is heated through.3 cups fresh or frozen corn, 2 tablespoons sugar
- Taste and season with pepper (and more salt, if needed). Serve warm.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information
corn side dish, creamed corn, holiday side dish, easy side dish