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Perfect Creamed Corn Recipe

Perfect Creamed Corn Recipe

5.1 from 20 reviews

This Perfect Creamed Corn recipe is a rich, creamy side dish made with sweet corn, heavy cream, and a hint of thyme. The corn is cooked in butter and shallots, then thickened with a flour and milk mixture before some of the corn is pureed to create a luscious, creamy texture. Finished with a touch of cayenne and optional parmesan, this comforting dish pairs beautifully with a variety of mains.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon flour (arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or other flour)
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Dairy

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Optional: ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons finely diced shallot
  • 5 cups (about two 12-ounce bags) frozen sweet corn (thawed)

Instructions

  1. Dissolve flour: Whisk together the flour and whole milk in a small bowl until smooth, then set the mixture aside to be used later as a thickening agent.
  2. Saute shallot: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the finely diced shallot and sauté for about one minute, until it softens and becomes fragrant but does not brown.
  3. Mix ingredients: Add the thawed corn, heavy cream, and dried thyme to the skillet. Stir the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the corn to plump up and the flavors to meld together.
  4. Thicken sauce: Pour the milk and flour mixture into the skillet with the corn. Stir continuously for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the corn.
  5. Blend corn: Remove 1 to 2 cups of the creamed corn and blend it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Alternatively, use a stick blender directly in the skillet to puree some of the corn to achieve a creamier consistency. Return the blended corn to the skillet and stir to combine.
  6. Add cheese (optional): For an extra creamy texture and savory flavor, stir in ¼ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
  7. Season and serve: Season the creamed corn with cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well, then serve warm as a comforting side dish.

Notes

  • Use thawed frozen corn for convenience and consistent sweetness year-round.
  • If you prefer a thinner creamed corn, reduce the cooking time after adding the milk and flour mixture.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil, milk with a plant-based milk, and heavy cream with coconut cream.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
  • Freshly grated parmesan adds rich umami but is optional and can be omitted to keep it vegetarian.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamed corn, side dish, creamy corn, easy vegetable recipe, buttered corn, comfort food