Creamed Corn Recipe

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Introduction

About the Recipe

Creamed corn is a classic and comforting dish that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of corn with a silky, creamy texture. Whether served as a side dish for a holiday meal or a simple addition to a weeknight dinner, it never fails to bring warmth and flavor to the table. This recipe is easy to make, using fresh, frozen, or canned corn to create a dish that everyone will love.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Ingredients

Corn – You’ll need approximately 6 cups of corn kernels. Fresh corn works best, but frozen or canned corn can also be used.
Heavy cream – 1 cup adds richness and creaminess.
Butter – 3 tablespoons for cooking and extra depth of flavor.
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced, for slight savory notes.
Salt – 1 teaspoon to enhance the flavors.
Pepper – ½ teaspoon for a subtle kick.
Milk – ½ cup, helping to achieve the desired consistency.
Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon for thickening the mixture.

Prep Time

Getting Ready

The prep time for this recipe is around 10 minutes. Start by gathering all of your ingredients and prepping anything needed, such as mincing the garlic and measuring out your milk and cream. If using fresh corn, shuck the cobs and cut the kernels off carefully. This ensures that the cooking process flows smoothly.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking and Serving

The cook time for this dish is approximately 10-15 minutes. It’s a quick recipe, coming together in under half an hour total. Once finished, this creamed corn recipe yields about 6 servings, making it a great side dish to share with family or friends.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prep the corn

Husk the ears of corn and remove all the silk threads. Use a sharp knife to slice the kernels off each cob. A tip is to stand the cob upright in a large, shallow bowl to catch the kernels as you cut.

Step 2: Blend half of the kernels

Add half of the corn kernels to a blender and blend until smooth. This will create a creamy base for the creamed corn. Keep the remaining kernels whole for texture.

Step 3: Sauté the aromatics

In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine the ingredients

Add the blended corn, whole corn kernels, heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Cook and thicken

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes or until the creamed corn has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Adjust seasoning and serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

Note 1: Fresh vs frozen corn

Fresh corn will provide the best flavor, but you can use frozen corn in a pinch. If using frozen, defrost and drain any excess water before blending.

Note 2: Texture preference

Blend more or fewer kernels depending on how chunky or smooth you’d like your creamed corn to be.

Note 3: Consistency adjustments

For a thinner consistency, add a splash of extra milk. For a thicker consistency, cook the mixture for a few more minutes.

Note 4: Sweetness balance

Feel free to adjust the sugar to your preference, depending on how naturally sweet your corn is.

Note 5: Add cheese (optional)

For an extra indulgent flavor, stir in grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese right before serving.

Note 6: Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen.
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Cook Techniques

Prepare the Corn

Carefully cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife, ensuring you have fresh and sweet corn kernels to work with. This enhances the flavor of the dish remarkably.

Saute the Aromatics

Start by sautéing butter and garlic in a large pan over medium heat to infuse the dish with a rich and aromatic base.

Add Corn to the Pan

Once the butter and garlic are aromatic, add the raw corn kernels to the pan and stir them in to coat evenly with the butter mixture.

Blend Half the Mixture

For a perfectly textured creamed corn, spoon half of the cooked corn mixture into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, creating a creamy base.

Combine and Season

Once blended, return the creamy mixture to the pan and combine it with the remaining whole corn kernels. Add heavy cream, salt, pepper, and sugar, stirring until well-integrated.

Simmer and Thicken

Let the mixture gently simmer on low heat, allowing it to thicken slightly while the flavors meld together.

Finish with Garnish

Top the creamed corn with freshly chopped parsley or any garnish of choice for a pop of color and an added layer of freshness.

FAQ

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can use frozen or canned corn if fresh corn is unavailable. However, fresh corn is highly recommended to achieve the best flavor in the recipe.

How can I make creamed corn dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Can I prepare creamed corn ahead of time?

Yes, creamed corn can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

How do I thicken creamed corn if it’s too runny?

Allow the creamed corn to simmer longer on low heat to naturally thicken. Alternatively, you can stir in a small cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to achieve your desired consistency.

Is it possible to freeze creamed corn?

Yes, creamed corn can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients?

Absolutely! You can customize your creamed corn by adding ingredients like grated cheese, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Creamed corn is a rich and comforting dish that’s incredibly versatile and easy to make. It’s perfect as a side dish for a variety of meals, offering a creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor that pleases every palate. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you can customize it to suit your preferences or explore how it pairs with other dishes.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Herb-Infused Creamed Corn

Mix in freshly chopped herbs such as thyme, parsley, or basil to add a fresh fragrant twist to your creamed corn.

Spicy Jalapeño Creamed Corn

Add finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick, complementing the creamy and sweet flavors.

Bacon and Cheddar Topping

Crisp bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese make a delicious topping for a smoky and savory upgrade.

Paired with Grilled Meats

Serve creamed corn alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a balanced and hearty meal.

With Mashed Potatoes

Combine creamed corn with mashed potatoes for an ultra-creamy and satisfying comfort food combo.

As a Pasta Sauce

Use creamed corn as a base sauce for pasta, adding shrimp or mushrooms for a hearty dish.