Creamed Corn

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Creamed Corn
4. How To Serve Creamed Corn
5. Why You'll Love This Creamed Corn Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Creamed corn makes the perfect easy side dish for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. This creamy, buttery recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together fast. It tastes way better than anything from a can and pairs with just about any main dish. Plus, you can cook it right on the stove top in only fifteen minutes.

You’ll find step-by-step photos and clear directions to make this creamed corn recipe with no guesswork. We added pro tips and tricks to help every batch turn out smooth and creamy. Scroll down for answers to the most frequently asked questions, all in one easy spot.

This easy homemade corn recipe takes just fifteen minutes and tastes way better than the canned kind. It’s rich, buttery, and perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or potlucks.

You only need a few simple ingredients, and everything cooks right on the stove top. The creamy texture and sweet corn flavor make it hard to beat.

What you'll need to make this creamed corn recipe:

• 2 tablespoons of salted butter
• ¼ cup of yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon of sea salt
• ½ teaspoon of white pepper
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar
• 28-ounce bag of frozen whole kernel corn, white or yellow
• ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme to garnish

Make your creamed corn recipe your own by switching up ingredients or mixing in flavorful extras! These quick changes add something special. Try these top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or whole milk to make it lighter but still rich and creamy.
• Add Bacon Bits: Stir in crispy bacon for extra flavor and a little crunch in every bite.
• Substitute Frozen Corn: If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works great and still tastes sweet and buttery.
• Add Shredded Cheese: Mix in cheddar or Parmesan for a cheesy twist everyone will love.
• Substitute Onion Powder: Swap it with finely chopped onions sautéed in butter for more texture and flavor.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos to make this easy and creamy corn recipe at home. Use the tips and tricks listed below to make sure it turns out just right. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: In a 12-inch large skillet over medium heat, combine the butter and diced onions.

Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, approximately three to four minutes.

SECOND STEP: Once the onions are translucent, add the flour, salt, and white pepper to the pan and brown for one minute.

THIRD STEP: Whisk the cream, milk, and sugar into the onion mixture until smooth.

FOURTH STEP: Add the frozen corn and heat over medium until the mixture comes to a simmer and begins to thicken.

Stir regularly to ensure the milk does not stick and burn to the bottom of the pan.

FIFTH STEP: Remove one cup of the corn mixture and puree it in a blender, food processor, or with a hand blender.

Return the puree to the pan and stir to distribute it evenly.

SIXTH STEP: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remove from heat.

SEVENTH STEP: Season with additional salt and pepper and garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.

You can serve this creamy side dish all year round with weeknight meals, special holidays, or backyard BBQs. It’s kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and pairs with so many tasty dishes.

• Serve at holiday dinners: This creamed corn works great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It tastes amazing with baked ham or instant pot turkey, or stuffing muffins.
• Bring it to potlucks or BBQs: Spoon it into a dish and keep it warm for easy serving. It pairs well with pulled pork sliders or air fryer chicken thighs.
• Add to weeknight dinners: Make it fast on busy nights when you want something warm and creamy. Try it with meatloaf or honey garlic pork chops.

Creamed corn has been a go-to side dish with our readers for good reason. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and always hits the spot. This recipe brings big flavor with just a few ingredients, and it works for any meal, season, or crowd.

• Easy to Make: You only need one pan and fifteen minutes to bring this creamy corn side dish to the table.
• Family Favorite: Both kids and grown-ups keep coming back for second helpings every time.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything comes straight from your fridge or pantry—no fancy stuff required.
• Perfect Texture: It’s creamy, thick, and never runny thanks to the right mix of butter, milk, and cream.
• All Season Staple: You can make this in summer with fresh corn, or in winter with frozen.
• Party-Ready: It works just as well for casual dinners or big holiday spreads.

Once you try this easy recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Can I use canned corn to make creamed corn?
Yes, you can use canned corn, but drain it first to avoid making the dish too watery.

Do I need to cook the corn before adding it to the pan?
No, you don’t need to cook the corn first. Just add it straight to the pan and start from there.

How thick should creamed corn be when it’s ready?
Your corn should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still creamy and easy to scoop.

Why does my creamed corn look too runny?
If your creamed corn looks too runny, simmer it longer until the sauce thickens and reaches the right texture.

Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes, you can double this recipe. Just use a bigger pot and stir often to avoid burning.

What kind of corn works best for creamed corn?
Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work, but fresh sweet corn gives the best texture and flavor.

Do I need to blend the corn to make it creamy?
No, you don’t need to blend it. The butter, cream, and cornstarch mixture makes it creamy without a blender.

How do I keep the corn from sticking to the pan?
Stir your corn often and keep the heat on medium to stop it from sticking or burning.

What’s the best pan to use for making creamed corn?
Use a medium saucepan or deep skillet so you have enough room to stir and cook everything evenly.

What’s the best way to serve creamed corn at a party?
Scoop the creamed corn into a serving dish and keep it warm with a slow cooker or warming tray.

Should I serve creamed corn warm or cold?
Always serve it warm for the best creamy texture and flavor—it doesn’t work well cold or at room temp.

Can I serve creamed corn in individual cups?
Yes, serve it in small cups or ramekins for easy portion control at parties, BBQs, or family dinners.

Is creamed corn a good side dish for kids?
Yes, kids usually love the creamy texture and sweet corn flavor. It’s a safe and tasty side they’ll actually eat.

Can I serve creamed corn for holiday dinners?
Creamed corn fits perfectly on any holiday menu, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter with your main meats and sides.

What’s the best way to serve creamed corn for a potluck?
Bring it in a covered dish and plug in a slow cooker to keep it warm and creamy until ready to serve.

Follow the tips and directions below to store your homemade creamed corn the right way. We’ll walk you through how to keep it fresh, how to reheat it, and whether or not it freezes well. These storage tips match the original recipe exactly, so you can follow along with confidence.

Can I make creamed corn ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge in a sealed container.

What’s the best way to store leftover creamed corn?
Spoon leftovers into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. Use within five days for the best flavor.

Can I freeze leftover creamed corn?
Yes, you can freeze creamed corn. Use a freezer-safe container and store it for up to three months.

How do I thaw frozen creamed corn?
Place frozen creamed corn in the fridge overnight. Let it thaw fully before reheating for the best texture.

What’s the best way to reheat creamed corn?
Pour corn into a pan and reheat it over medium heat, stirring often until it’s hot and smooth.

Can I use the microwave to reheat creamed corn?
Yes, microwave in a heat-safe dish, stirring every thirty seconds until warmed through and creamy again.