Creamed Corn Recipe – Easy & Delicious

Creamed corn is a classic and comforting side dish that can elevate any meal, from festive Thanksgiving dinners to casual summer BBQs. This rich, creamy dish blends the sweetness of corn with a luscious, velvety sauce, making it a fan favorite for all ages. Whether you’re using frozen corn in winter or fresh, in-season corn in summer, this recipe ensures that your creamed corn is both easy to make and utterly delicious. Let’s dive into how you can create the perfect creamed corn at home!

Why This Creamed Corn Recipe Works

This creamed corn recipe is not only simple and quick to prepare, but it also brings out the natural sweetness of corn, making it the perfect side dish. The combination of heavy cream, whole milk, and butter creates a smooth and rich texture, while the subtle flavors of shallots, thyme, and cayenne pepper add complexity. What’s more, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste, whether you prefer a chunkier texture or a creamy, velvety consistency. This dish is also versatile enough to be made year-round, using fresh corn in the summer and frozen corn in colder months.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of the essential ingredients for making the perfect creamed corn:

• Frozen Sweet Corn: Provides the base of the dish, offering natural sweetness and a tender bite.
• Whole Milk: Adds a creamy texture and balances the richness of the heavy cream.
• Heavy Cream: The key to a rich, velvety texture that makes this dish indulgent.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and flavor, while sautéing the shallots.
• Shallot: Adds a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor to the dish.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce, ensuring it sticks to the corn.
• Dried Thyme: A subtle herb that enhances the savory profile of the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a slight kick without overpowering the sweetness of the corn.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the flavor and balances the richness.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for alternatives to customize your creamed corn, here are a few options:

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and your choice of plant-based milk (e.g., almond milk or oat milk).
• Gluten-Free: You can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder in place of regular flour to thicken the sauce.
• Bacon-Lovers: For an added smoky flavor, consider adding crispy bacon bits or using bacon fat instead of butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making creamed corn from scratch is straightforward, and with these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time:

1. Whisk the Flour and Milk: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and whole milk, then set the mixture aside. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
2. Sauté the Shallots: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced shallots and sauté them for about one minute, until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Corn and Cream: Stir in the frozen corn, heavy cream, and dried thyme. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the corn to heat up and become tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the milk-flour mixture and stir for another 3 to 4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken.
5. Blend the Corn (Optional): For a creamier texture, blend 1 to 2 cups of the creamed corn in a blender or use an immersion blender. This will create a smooth, thickened base for the sauce while keeping some of the corn’s texture.
6. Season and Serve: Return the blended corn to the skillet and stir everything together. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. For an extra indulgent touch, stir in some freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Tricks

To make the most of this creamed corn recipe, here are a few tips:

• Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, simply add a little more milk or cream to loosen it up.
• Add More Flavor: For a bolder flavor, consider sautéing garlic along with the shallots or adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Texture: If you prefer a chunkier creamed corn, blend only 1 cup of corn instead of 2 cups.
• Make-Ahead: Creamed corn can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just reheat gently on the stove.

Flavor Variations

This basic creamed corn recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few variations to try:

• Bacon and Cheese: Start by cooking bacon bits and then add diced red onions and garlic to the pan. Stir in the corn and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Finish with a generous amount of heavy cream and top with chopped green onions.
• Cajun Creamed Corn: Replace the cayenne pepper and thyme with Cajun seasoning for a spicy, zesty twist.
• Coconut Lime: For a tropical flair, sauté fresh garlic and Thai red chilies before adding the corn. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and finish with a squeeze of lime juice and fresh cilantro.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store your creamed corn:

• In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.
• In the Freezer: Allow the creamed corn to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop.

Conclusion

This creamed corn recipe is the epitome of comfort food, offering a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor that complements any meal. Whether it’s for a holiday feast, a family BBQ, or a casual weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a staple on your dinner table. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create this indulgent dish in no time, and customize it to suit your preferences. Whether you like it extra cheesy, with a spicy Cajun twist, or just as the recipe stands, creamed corn offers endless possibilities for flavor variations. Don’t hesitate to give it a try – your family will love it!

FAQ

More Relevant Recipes

• Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe: This velvety gnocchi dish combines creamy pumpkin and savory seasonings, offering a rich texture and comforting flavor similar to the creamed corn, making it an ideal fall favorite for anyone craving a creamy side dish.
• Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: If you’re looking for another creamy and savory comfort food, this butternut squash mac and cheese blends sweetness with cheesy goodness, creating a rich and satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with creamed corn as a side dish.
• Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: For a light and refreshing complement to creamed corn, try this roasted butternut squash salad. It offers a sweet and savory balance, with a tender texture that pairs well with the richness of creamed corn.

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