Creamed corn is a delicious and creamy side dish made from sweet corn, butter, and milk. It’s smooth, comforting, and perfect for any meal!
Every bite feels like a warm hug on your taste buds. I love to serve it with BBQ—it’s a match made in heaven! Plus, it’s super easy to make, so anyone can whip it up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn is ideal for flavor and texture, but frozen corn works just as well when fresh isn’t available. If you want extra sweetness, consider using sweet corn varieties.
Heavy Cream: This gives the creamed corn its rich texture. You can swap it for half-and-half for a lighter dish. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk or cashew cream works nicely.
Butter: I use unsalted butter for control over seasoning. You can use olive oil or non-dairy butter if you’re looking for a healthier option or alternative fat.
All-Purpose Flour: It’s used to thicken the dish. If you’re gluten-free, cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend can serve as a substitute.
How Do I Make the Perfect Roux?
Making a roux is a key step in ensuring your creamed corn is smooth and creamy. The roux acts as the thickening agent to create that luxurious feel.
- Start by melting the butter over medium heat in your skillet.
- Once melted, gradually add the flour and stir continuously to prevent lumps. Cook it for about a minute until it’s lightly golden.
- Adding the heavy cream slowly helps incorporate the roux smoothly. This will avoid any clumps.
Remember, patience is key while whisking! This will prevent any lumps and ensure a creamy texture for your dish.
How to Make Creamed Corn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 6 ears of corn) or frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamed corn recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10-15 minutes of cooking. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, carefully cut the kernels off the cob and set them aside in a bowl. If you’re using frozen corn, make sure it’s thawed so it cooks evenly!
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Wait until it’s fully melted and bubbly—this is when you add the flour!
3. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and stir constantly for about 1 minute. This will create a smooth roux, which helps thicken the creamed corn.
4. Add the Cream:
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream while stirring to combine the roux and cream until it is nice and smooth. Be patient—this is what makes your creamed corn rich!
5. Mix in the Corn:
Now, add the corn kernels and the granulated sugar into the creamy mixture. Stir everything together until the corn is well coated.
6. Cook Until Thickened:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly and the corn should become tender—yum!
7. Season and Serve:
Finally, taste your creamed corn and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Serve warm as a comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with your favorite main dishes!
Enjoy this delicious creamed corn—it’s creamy, rich, and sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Yes, you can use canned corn! Just drain it well and rinse before adding it to the recipe. Since canned corn is already cooked, you can reduce the cooking time to about 3-5 minutes until heated through.
Can I Use A Different Type of Milk?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use whole milk or even a dairy-free option like almond or oat milk. Just be aware that this may slightly affect the creaminess of the final dish.
How Do I Store Leftover Creamed Corn?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To warm it up, gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed onions, garlic, or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also make a lovely addition, bringing extra flavor and freshness to the dish!