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Irresistibly Creamy Creamed Corn: Your New Favorite 10-Minute Side Dish

Forget complicated side dishes! This homemade creamed corn recipe is a true game-changer, delivering rich, buttery flavor in under 10 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a classic that has graced family tables for generations, and it’s about to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or preparing a grand holiday feast, this versatile dish of tender corn kernels bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce is guaranteed to impress. Prepare to fall in love with its simplicity and incredible taste.

A skillet with creamed corn and a blue serving spoon.

Why This Creamed Corn Recipe is a Must-Try

There are countless reasons why this creamed corn recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire. It strikes the perfect balance between quick preparation and gourmet flavor, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

Unbelievably Fast: From start to finish, this dish is ready in approximately 10 minutes. This makes it an ideal last-minute addition to any meal, saving you precious time without sacrificing taste.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll love that this recipe relies on readily available ingredients typically found in most pantries and refrigerators. No obscure items or specialty store trips required.
Rich & Buttery Flavor: The combination of sweet corn, generous amounts of real butter, and decadent heavy cream creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and incredibly satisfying. It’s a symphony of sweet and savory notes.
Incredibly Versatile: Creamed corn pairs beautifully with a vast array of main courses. From robust roasts to light grilled fish, it complements nearly any dish, elevating the entire meal.
Timeless Family Favorite: This classic side dish appeals to everyone, from the youngest eaters to the most seasoned palates. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and homestyle comfort that makes it a beloved choice for gatherings and everyday dinners alike.

The Irresistible Charm of Classic Creamed Corn

Creamed corn is more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary embrace, a recipe steeped in tradition and simple, wholesome goodness. While its exact origins are debated, the preparation of corn with milk or cream traces back centuries, showcasing the ingenuity of early American cooking. Over time, it evolved into the beloved comfort food we cherish today, a testament to its enduring appeal and ability to satisfy. The magic of creamed corn lies in its ability to transform humble corn kernels into a velvety smooth, subtly sweet, and incredibly satisfying dish. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grand holiday spreads like Thanksgiving and Christmas, where its richness perfectly balances other festive flavors. Yet, it’s equally at home on a casual Sunday dinner table, offering a touch of simple elegance and warmth. Its creamy texture and delicate sweetness make it a favorite even among those who might typically shy away from vegetables, proving that good food truly can bring everyone to the table.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Batch

Crafting the best creamed corn starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature creamy texture and rich, well-balanced flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Salted Butter: This is the essential foundation of flavor and richness for your creamed corn. Using real butter, rather than margarine, is crucial as it contributes significantly to the dish’s decadent taste and helps in forming the proper thick consistency. If you only have unsalted butter on hand, you may want to add an extra pinch of salt to the dish to compensate, adjusting to your taste.
Frozen Corn Kernels: While fresh corn, especially when in season, yields a fantastic result, high-quality frozen corn is often the preferred choice for creamed corn recipes. It’s typically picked at its peak sweetness and flash-frozen, locking in flavor and offering a taste much closer to fresh corn than most canned varieties. You’ll need about 2.5 cups or a 20-ounce bag of thawed kernels for this recipe.
Heavy Cream: This is the non-negotiable star ingredient responsible for the luxurious, thick, and velvety texture that defines true creamed corn. Its high fat content is essential for achieving the correct consistency and unparalleled richness. Do not substitute heavy cream with lighter creams, half-and-half, or milk alternatives, as the result will be noticeably different and likely disappointing.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder): These aromatic spices form the basic seasoning blend, enhancing the corn’s natural sweetness and adding a savory depth that elevates the entire dish. This is your opportunity to customize; while the provided amounts are a great starting point, feel free to adjust them to your personal preference. Even a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper will yield a delicious result, but the garlic and onion powders introduce a subtle complexity that truly rounds out the flavors.
Granulated Sugar: A small amount of granulated sugar is used to balance the savory notes and amplify the corn’s inherent sweetness. This creates that irresistible sweet and savory profile that many associate with classic creamed corn. You can slightly reduce or omit the sugar based on your dietary preferences or the natural sweetness of your corn. Alternatively, a touch of honey could be used for a different sweet nuance.
Whole Milk: Used in conjunction with flour, whole milk helps to create a smooth, creamy base for the sauce. Whole milk offers the best richness for this recipe; if necessary, 2% milk can be used, but skim milk is not recommended as it lacks the fat content needed for the desired body and creaminess. Please note, this recipe has not been tested with non-dairy milk substitutes, and results may vary.
All-Purpose Flour: This acts as the crucial thickening agent in our recipe. When combined with milk to create a smooth slurry, the flour works to transform the liquid ingredients into a luscious, spoonable sauce, ensuring your creamed corn achieves that perfect, comforting consistency.

Frozen corn, heavy cream, whole milk, salted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, granulated sugar, and all purpose flour.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Creamed Corn

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Follow these simple steps to create a perfect batch of creamy, flavorful homemade creamed corn every time.

**Melt the Butter and Combine Main Ingredients:** In a large, sturdy skillet (a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for even heat distribution), melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and glistening, add the thawed corn kernels, the rich heavy cream, half a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of onion powder, and one tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir all these ingredients together gently but thoroughly with a spoon or spatula. Ensure the corn is well coated and all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Allow this mixture to come to a gentle simmer, just until small bubbles begin to form around the edges.
**Prepare the Thickening Slurry:** While the corn mixture is heating on the stove, prepare your thickening agent in a separate, medium-sized bowl. Combine ¾ cup of whole milk with 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk these two ingredients diligently until the mixture is completely smooth, with absolutely no visible lumps of flour. This smooth slurry is the key to achieving a lump-free, creamy sauce for your creamed corn.
**Slowly Thicken the Mixture:** Once the corn and cream mixture in the skillet is gently simmering, begin to slowly pour the milk and flour slurry into the skillet. It’s crucial to pour it in a steady, thin stream while continuously stirring the contents of the skillet. Constant stirring at this stage prevents any lumps from forming and ensures that the flour is evenly incorporated, allowing the sauce to thicken uniformly.
**Simmer to Perfect Consistency:** Continue to stir and simmer the creamed corn mixture for approximately 4-5 minutes. During this time, you will observe the mixture visibly thickening and transforming into a rich, creamy sauce that coats the back of your spoon. Maintain a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the creamed corn will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
**Taste, Adjust, and Serve:** Once your creamed corn has reached its ideal creamy texture, remove it from the heat. Now is the perfect moment to taste the dish and adjust the seasonings if needed. Do you prefer a bit more salt? A dash more pepper for extra warmth? Perhaps a touch more sugar to enhance the sweetness? Add any additional seasonings now, stir them in, and then serve your homemade creamed corn immediately, while it’s warm and inviting.

a collage of two photos: a skillet with thawed corn, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar; milk and flour mixture being poured into the corn mixture in the skillet.

Pro Tips for Creamy Perfection

Achieving restaurant-quality creamed corn at home is remarkably easy with a few expert tips. These suggestions will help you ensure your dish is perfectly creamy, flavorful, and free of common pitfalls:

Ensure Corn is Thawed: If using frozen corn, always make sure it is fully thawed before adding it to the skillet. Adding frozen corn can significantly drop the temperature of your pan, leading to uneven cooking and potentially a watery final product. Thawing ensures a consistent cooking process.
Constant Stirring is Key: When you introduce the milk and flour slurry to the simmering corn mixture, and during the thickening process, continuous stirring is absolutely crucial. This prevents the flour from clumping together and sticking to the bottom of the pan, guaranteeing a smooth, velvety sauce.
Do Not Overcook: While you want your creamed corn to be thick and luscious, be careful not to overcook it. Excessive simmering can lead to a texture that is too dense or cause the dairy to separate and break. Cook just until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Quality Dairy Makes a Difference: The quality of your heavy cream and whole milk will significantly impact the final taste and luxurious texture of your creamed corn. Opt for good quality dairy products to ensure that rich, decadent flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is a highly personal preference. Always taste your creamed corn before serving and feel confident in adjusting the salt, pepper, sugar, or other spices as needed. A little extra pinch can make all the difference.

Customize Your Creamed Corn: Delicious Variations

While the classic creamed corn recipe is perfect on its own, it also serves as an excellent base for creative culinary exploration. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious variations to tailor the dish to your liking:

Sautéed Onions for Depth: For an extra layer of savory flavor and aromatic complexity, consider adding a cup of finely diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion in the melted butter in your skillet until it becomes softened and translucent, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes, before proceeding with the rest of the recipe as written. This adds a subtle sweetness and a foundational savory note.
Introduce a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a touch of heat, it’s incredibly easy to add a spicy element. Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of chipotle powder, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce during the final minutes of cooking. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to achieve your desired level of warmth.
Cheesy Indulgence: Transform your creamed corn into an even more decadent treat by stirring in half a cup of shredded cheese at the end of cooking. Sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or grated Parmesan are excellent choices. Allow the cheese to melt into the hot creamed corn, creating an irresistible, gooey texture and rich flavor.
Fresh Herbaceous Notes: A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs just before serving can add a lovely burst of color and a refreshing taste. Chives, parsley, or even a touch of thyme can complement the sweetness of the corn beautifully.
Smoky Bacon Addition: Crispy crumbled bacon bits stirred into the creamed corn, or sprinkled generously on top as a garnish, offer a fantastic smoky, salty crunch that pairs exceptionally well with the creamy sweetness of the corn.
Roasted Garlic Elevation: For a deeper, sweeter, and more mellow garlic flavor than garlic powder, consider roasting a head of garlic, mashing the softened cloves, and adding them to the melted butter before introducing the corn. This creates a wonderfully complex aromatic base.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned corn?

Yes, you can use canned corn as a substitute. However, it’s worth noting that many prefer the flavor and texture of frozen corn because it tastes closer to fresh corn. Canned corn tends to be softer in texture. If you choose to use canned corn, ensure you drain it exceptionally well to prevent excess liquid from thinning out your creamed corn. You’ll need approximately 2.5 cups of drained corn.

Can I make this in the Slow Cooker?

You absolutely can! For an even easier, hands-off approach, the slow cooker is a fantastic option. When you want to let the flavors meld over time with minimal effort, try our Slow Cooker Creamed Corn recipe.

Can I adjust the seasonings?

Always! Cooking is an art, and your personal taste preferences are paramount. The seasonings listed in the recipe are suggestions, providing a balanced flavor profile. Feel free to adjust them as you and your tastebuds see fit. Even if all you use is salt and pepper, this dish will still be wonderfully delicious.

Can I skip the heavy cream?

No, heavy cream is a critical ingredient for this recipe to achieve its intended richness and characteristic thick, luscious consistency. Substituting it with lighter creams, milk, or non-dairy alternatives will result in a significantly different, and likely disappointing, texture and flavor profile. While you can swap the whole milk for 2% if necessary, the heavy cream is truly a must for success.

What else can I add in?

Beyond the core ingredients, there are many fantastic additions to customize your creamed corn. For those who enjoy onion, add a cup of finely diced yellow onion to the melted butter and cook it until softened for about 8-10 minutes before proceeding with the rest of the recipe. You can also explore adding crispy bacon bits, various cheeses, or fresh herbs as mentioned in the “Customize Your Creamed Corn” section above.

Can I add spice?

Certainly! If you enjoy a little heat, you can easily add a spicy kick to your creamed corn. Try stirring in a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of chipotle powder, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce while the mixture simmers. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of spice.

How to reheat creamed corn?

As creamed corn cools, it will naturally continue to thicken. When you’re ready to reheat, the best options are gently warming it in a skillet over low-medium heat on the stovetop or using the microwave. If you find it has become too thick after cooling and reheating, a splash of water, milk, or your favorite broth stirred in will help loosen it back to a creamy consistency.

How to store leftovers?

Leftover creamed corn should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, it can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Creamed corn is a remarkably versatile side dish that complements an impressive array of main courses and occasions. Its rich, creamy texture and sweet-savory flavor profile make it a crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into many menus:

Classic Southern Pairings: It’s a natural companion to Southern staples like fried chicken, tender BBQ pulled pork, slow-cooked ribs, or a hearty meatloaf.
Holiday Feasts: Creamed corn is a staple on holiday tables, pairing beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a succulent beef roast during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners.
Grilled & Roasted Meats: Serve it alongside grilled steaks, pork chops, roasted chicken, or even grilled salmon for a comforting and balanced meal.
Everyday Family Dinners: Elevate a simple weeknight meal by serving creamed corn with almost any protein, providing a comforting and nutritious vegetable side.
With Cornbread: For the ultimate comfort food experience, enjoy a warm bowl of creamed corn alongside a slice of freshly baked cornbread.

Craving More Delicious Recipes?

Southern Cornbread Dressing
Easy Cornbread Chicken Casserole
Sausage Corn Chowder (+Video)
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Creamed Chipped Beef

Creamed Corn

Creamed Corn is such a delicious, versatile side dish and you’ll love how it’s ready in just about 10 minutes!

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Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
6 minutes

Total Time:
11 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Author:
Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons salted butter
20 ounces frozen corn kernels, thawed
¾ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
¾ cup whole milk
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thawed corn, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar. Stir to combine.
Whisk together the milk and flour in a medium bowl until there are no lumps. Slowly stream in the milk mixture while stirring constantly into the skillet.
Stir well to combine, and continue to stir until the mixture has thickened about 4-5 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; serve immediately. If you like it extra thick, allow it to cool and it will start to thicken.

Notes

Please refer to my FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Add a cup of diced onion if desired. Add to the melted butter first and cook until softened, 8-10 minutes, then proceed with the recipe as written.
You can use fresh corn if you cut it off the cob, you will need about 2 ½ cups.
It will thicken as it cools. To reheat, do so back in a skillet or microwave. You may have to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, freeze for up to 3 months.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

This easy creamed corn recipe proves that delicious, comforting side dishes don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its rich, buttery, and perfectly creamy texture, it’s a dish that evokes warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick family dinner or as a highlight of a holiday spread, this timeless classic is sure to become a beloved favorite. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade creamed corn!