Creamed corn is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal. It’s made with sweet corn, creamy milk, and a hint of butter, making it rich and tasty!
This side dish reminds me of summer BBQs and family dinners. It’s so easy to make! Just combine the ingredients and let the flavors meld together—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn is my favorite for this recipe! If it’s not in season, you can easily use frozen corn. Canned corn works too, but I recommend rinsing it to reduce excess salt.
Heavy Cream: This gives your creamed corn that rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try half-and-half or even evaporated milk. Coconut cream is a delightful dairy-free alternative!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best as it allows you to control the saltiness. For a healthier twist, olive oil can work in a pinch, although it slightly alters the flavor.
All-purpose Flour: This helps thicken your dish. If you’re gluten-free, cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend works well too. Just be sure to mix it with a bit of cold milk first to avoid lumps.
How Do I Make Sure My Creamed Corn Is Extra Creamy?
The key to making your creamed corn super creamy lies in how you cook the ingredients together. Follow these steps:
- Start by melting the butter over medium heat before adding corn. This enriches the flavor right from the start.
- Cook the flour with the corn for a couple of minutes. This helps take the raw taste out and creates a smooth mixture.
- When adding milk, do it gradually while stirring. This helps prevent lumps and ensures the mixture thickens evenly.
Remember to let it simmer gently to blend all the flavors beautifully! Enjoy making this comforting dish!
How to Make Creamed Corn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears of corn) or frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamed corn recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes of cooking time. In just around 25 minutes, you’ll have a warm, creamy side dish that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, start by shucking the ears. Carefully cut the kernels off each cob using a sharp knife. Tip: You can save about 1/2 cup of the cobs as they can add extra flavor if simmered in the milk later on, but this is optional!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s bubbly but not browned. This will give a nice flavor to your creamed corn!
3. Cook the Corn:
Next, add the fresh (or thawed) corn kernels to the pan. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Stirring occasionally helps to get the corn heated through and enhances its sweet flavor.
4. Add Flour:
Sprinkle the flour over the corn and stir constantly. This is an important step! Cook it for about 2 minutes. This helps take the raw taste out of the flour and create a smoother mixture.
5. Add Milk Gradually:
Slowly pour in the milk (if you used the corn cobs, make sure to strain the milk first) while continuing to stir. This helps prevent lumps and allows the mixture to thicken beautifully. Keep stirring until it thickens slightly.
6. Stir in the Heavy Cream:
Add the heavy cream to your corn mixture, along with sugar if you’re using it. Stir everything together, letting it cook gently for another 5-7 minutes to thicken up nicely. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
7. Season It Up:
Once everything is heated through and creamy, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the flavor to your liking!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your creamy, slightly sweet creamed corn is ready to be served! Dish it up warm, and if you like, sprinkle a little extra pepper on top for presentation. Enjoy this delightful side with your favorite meals!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Yes, you can use canned corn! Just make sure to rinse it well to remove excess salt and drain it before adding it to the dish. Use about 2-3 cups of canned corn for the recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. For the milk, almond milk or oat milk would work well too. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the flavor!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor with diced bell peppers, jalapeños for some heat, or even cheese for extra creaminess. Just be careful to maintain the overall balance of liquids if you add bulky ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
