Creamed corn is a warm, cozy side dish that is a favorite for many. It features sweet corn mixed with cream, butter, and a sprinkle of seasonings, making it rich and delicious.
It’s like a hug on a plate! I love serving it with grilled meats or alongside a holiday feast. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Corn: I love using fresh corn for that sweet, crunchy texture. If it’s not in season, frozen corn works great too—just thaw before using. Canned corn can be a quick alternative, but rinsing it really helps reduce excess salt.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the dish its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut cream can be a good substitute for a dairy-free option, adding a unique taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free version, use olive oil or vegan butter. It won’t have the same creamy flavor but will still work well.
All-Purpose Flour: The flour thickens the mixture. You may use cornstarch as a gluten-free option. Just mix it with a little water before adding it to keep things smooth.
How Do You Get Perfectly Creamy Texture?
Achieving that creamy texture is all about the cooking technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, sauté the corn until it just softens. This brings out its natural sweetness.
- Once you add the flour, make sure to cook it briefly to avoid that raw taste. Stir well to coat the corn evenly.
- When pouring in the cream, do it slowly while stirring. This prevents lumps from forming and keeps the sauce smooth.
- Simmer gently to allow the mixture to thicken, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adjust with milk if it gets too thick.
With these steps, you’re bound to make a delicious bowl of creamed corn that everyone will enjoy!
How to Make Creamed Corn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4-5 ears of corn)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for adjusting consistency)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamed corn recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a little time cutting the corn and sautéing, but the easy steps make it quick and fun to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
First, if you’re using fresh corn, shuck the ears and remove the kernels with a sharp knife. Try to get as many kernels as you can, as they add a nice sweetness to the dish. Set the kernels aside for later.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Let it melt completely but be careful not to let it brown.
3. Sauté the Corn:
Add the corn kernels into the melted butter. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender and sweet, but don’t let them brown too much. This keeps lots of flavor in!
4. Thicken with Flour:
Now it’s time to thicken the mixture. Sprinkle the flour over the corn, stirring well to coat all the kernels. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
5. Add the Cream:
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. This will help to avoid any lumps in your creamy sauce. Keep stirring until it’s all well combined.
6. Season It Up:
Add the sugar to enhance the sweetness, and then season with salt and pepper to your taste. Start with a little, and you can always add more later!
7. Let It Simmer:
Now, gently simmer the mixture for about 5-7 minutes. This allows it to thicken and become nice and creamy. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
8. Adjust the Consistency:
If you find the creamed corn is thicker than you like, simply stir in a little milk until you reach your desired consistency. You want it to be creamy but pourable.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch. This adds a nice pop of color!
10. Enjoy!
Serve the creamed corn warm as a comforting side dish that everyone will love. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasts, or just by itself!
Enjoy your delicious homemade creamed corn!
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen corn is a great substitute and saves time. Just thaw it before using, and you can skip the initial sautéing for a softer texture; simply heat it through in the butter.
How Can I Adjust the Flavor?
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder while sautéing the corn. For a little kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter for a fully dairy-free version.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
