This classic creamed corn is the perfect side dish for any meal! It is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients, so you can have it on the table in no time. Great for family dinners, holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and meal prep!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This creamed corn is quick and easy to make!
- Everything is made in one skillet.
- This easy recipe takes only 25 minutes to make.
- It is versatile. Serve it as a side dish, or use it as an ingredient in other dishes, such as casseroles or soups.
- The ingredients are affordable, inexpensive, and easy to find.
- The combination of corn, butter, and cream is simply delicious!
- This recipe is great for summer barbecues and family holiday dinners.
- It is naturally vegetarian and contains no meat.
- Check out this Mexican Street Corn for another delicious recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutions for creamed corn. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe.
This recipe works with both fresh corn and frozen corn. If using fresh corn, shuck from the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely.
Use unsalted butter. If you only have salted butter, omit the salt otherwise.
Whole wheat flour helps thicken the creamy sauce. If you are gluten-free, we love this Paleo flour.
Milk adds creaminess to the sauce.
If desired, add in a tablespoon of sugar. We limit our sugar intake. This recipe is great with or without sugar.
Add in salt and pepper to taste.
Lastly, heavy cream makes this the best creamed corn recipe! Replace with half and half if needed.
Taste & Texture
Creamed corn has a rich and creamy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the corn!
The texture is smooth and velvety, with just a bit of a bite from the corn kernels.
Overall, this recipe tastes like corn and cream.
How to Make
Step 1
If using fresh corn, shuck the ears of corn and remove the kernels from the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw completely.
Step 2
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Step 3
Then, add the whole wheat flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute, until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly golden in color.
Step 4
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 5
Next, add the corn kernels, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and the sauce thickens.
Step 7
Add the heavy cream or half-and-half to the skillet and stir.
Step 8
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
Step 9
Remove the skillet from the heat and cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 10
Finally, serve the creamed corn as a side dish alongside your favorite main course!
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks for making the best creamed corn recipe.
Use fresh corn if possible. Frozen corn will work in a pinch, but fresh corn will give you the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook the corn. Overcooking will make it mushy.
Use good quality butter. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the creamed corn.
Season to taste. Add salt and pepper to your liking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Here are a few flavor variations and add-ins for this creamed corn recipe.
Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
Add a diced jalapeno for a bit of heat.
Sprinkle with bacon bits for some added crunch.
Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley.
How to Serve & Store
Creamed corn is best served warm. Try this recipe alongside this pulled pork or marinated chicken. Delicious paired with this baked cod too.
Top it with your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheese, bacon bits, or chives.
It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can use frozen corn in this recipe. Just thaw the corn before using it.
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Just be sure to reheat it gently so that the corn doesn’t get mushy.
Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free ingredients in this recipe. However, the flavor and texture may not be as good as if you use full-fat ingredients.
The cream is made with milk and heavy cream.
Cream style corn is regular corn that has been partially puréed, giving it a thicker and creamier texture.
For added flavor, use bacon bits, jalapeños, fresh herbs, or hot sauce.
Equipment Needed
Nonstick Skillet: This large skillet is great for making creamed corn.
You May Also Enjoy
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Cornbread Casserole
- Southern Potato Salad
- Skillet Cornbread
- Whole Grain Cornbread
If you enjoyed this easy creamed corn recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! In addition, check out these Side Dish Recipes.
Creamed Corn
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup whole wheat flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions
- If using fresh corn, shuck the ears of corn and remove the kernels from the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw it according to package instructions.
- First, in a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the whole wheat flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute, until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly golden in color.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add the corn kernels, sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Add the heavy cream or half-and-half to the skillet and stir it in for a rich and creamy consistency.
- Taste the creamed corn and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the creamed corn cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Finally, serve the creamed corn as a side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Notes
- Traditional creamed corn recipes include a little sugar. We try to limit our sugar intake, so this ingredient is optional. It still tastes great without it!
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Enjoy this cream corn recipe!
