If you have ever craved the ultimate comfort food that tastes like sunshine on your plate, this Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, sweet corn lovingly coated in a luxuriously creamy sauce, enhanced with hints of garlic and thyme, and just the right touch of cream cheese to tie it all together. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug and makes any meal feel instantly special, whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe comes from a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that rich, silky texture and deep, comforting flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Butter: The base for sautéing onion and garlic, adding richness and a gentle, nutty flavor.
- Small onion (diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and savory depth without overpowering the corn.
- Garlic (minced): Adds just a hint of aromatic warmth that enhances every bite.
- Dried thyme: A delicate herb note that complements the sweetness of the corn perfectly.
- Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to that luscious, creamy consistency.
- Milk: Light and smooth, it forms the foundation of the creamy base.
- Heavy cream: Introduces indulgence and velvety texture.
- Corn kernels: The star ingredient—fresh or canned, delivering natural sweetness and a satisfyingly tender bite.
- Cream cheese: Gives extra creaminess and a slight tang that balances the dish beautifully.
- Sugar: To elevate the natural sweetness of the corn, adjustable to your own taste.
- Salt & pepper: To season perfectly and bring all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the onion is completely softened and translucent, about 5 to 10 minutes. Be patient here—don’t let the onion or garlic brown, as a soft, sweet base is key for the final flavor.
Step 2: Build the Roux
Next, stir in the dried thyme and flour to the softened vegetables. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy, which usually takes 1 to 2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw taste of the flour and prepares your sauce for that dreamy thickening stage.
Step 3: Add the Dairy
Now, gradually pour in the milk very slowly while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once the milk is fully incorporated, stir in the heavy cream. This combination creates the creamy sauce that envelops the corn in every spoonful.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and continue to stir the sauce frequently. You want a gentle simmer so the sauce thickens without scorching. If after 5 minutes it’s still too thin, gently increase the heat and stir until it reaches a nice, velvety thickness.
Step 5: Combine Corn and Cream Cheese
Stir in the corn kernels and cream cheese until everything is melted and fully blended. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring the corn is heated throughout and the flavors meld deliciously.
Step 6: Season to Perfection
Finally, balance the flavors with sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go, adjusting each to suit your palate. The sugar will lift the natural sweetness of the corn, while salt and pepper sharpen the overall taste for a perfectly seasoned dish.
How to Serve Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Although this creamed corn is delightful on its own, adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can bring a lovely fresh contrast. Sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or crispy fried shallots on top for an eye-catching pop and subtle crunch that will elevate your presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe pairs beautifully with classic roast chicken, BBQ ribs, or a juicy steak. It’s also a comforting side for holiday meals alongside mashed potatoes and green beans. The creamy sweetness balances smoky and savory dishes beautifully, making your entire meal sing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamed corn in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for individual servings. Another idea is to spoon it over toasted bread and sprinkle with cheese for a crostini-style appetizer. Kids will love it scooped into taco shells with shredded cheese and crispy bacon for a playful snack or meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your homemade creamed corn, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although the texture may change slightly due to the cream content. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
When reheating, do so slowly over low heat with a splash of milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. This way, your creamed corn keeps that freshly-made taste, even days later.
FAQs
Can I use frozen or canned corn for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn is fantastic for the best flavor, but frozen or drained canned corn works well too and makes this recipe convenient year-round.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute butter with plant-based margarine, use almond or oat milk combined with a dairy-free cream alternative, and plant-based cream cheese to keep the dish creamy without dairy.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped fresh jalapeños during the sautéing stage for a gentle heat that complements the sweetness of the corn.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! This creamed corn tastes great warmed up the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday cooking when you want to save time.
What can I add to make this more indulgent?
For an extra rich version, try stirring in a handful of shredded cheddar or Parmesan at the end of cooking, or swirl in a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese for silky decadence.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this trusty Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe in your culinary arsenal, get ready to wow your family and friends with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s easy to make, wonderfully versatile, and full of that homemade love that only a classic creamed corn can bring. Go ahead and try it—it might just become your new go-to side dish for every occasion!
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Homemade Creamed Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Creamed Corn recipe offers a rich and comforting side dish perfect for any meal. Made with fresh corn kernels, creamy dairy, and subtle seasonings, it combines buttery sautéed onions and garlic with a smooth, thickened sauce that is both flavorful and satisfying. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this creamed corn is delightful served warm and makes a great accompaniment to meats, poultry, or vegetarian entrees.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or canned drained)
Dairy and Fats
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup cream cheese
Seasonings and Thickeners
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter and sauté aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook gently for 5-10 minutes until fully softened but not browned, maintaining medium heat to prevent color development.
- Add thyme and flour: Stir in the dried thyme and flour, mixing until a smooth paste forms. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour becomes frothy to cook out the raw taste.
- Incorporate milk and cream: Gradually pour the milk into the pot while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Once combined, stir in the heavy cream thoroughly.
- Simmer to thicken sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a low simmer. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. If it remains thin, slightly raise the heat and continue cooking while stirring until the desired thickness is reached.
- Add corn and cream cheese: Stir in the corn kernels and cream cheese, mixing them well into the thickened sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the corn is fully heated through.
- Season to taste: Finish by seasoning with sugar, salt, and pepper according to your preference. Stir well and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh corn when in season for the best flavor, or drain canned corn thoroughly to avoid extra liquid.
- Do not brown the onions and garlic; gentle softening is key for a smooth cream base.
- Sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the cream and corn but adjust to your taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Serve immediately for best texture, or gently reheat on low to avoid curdling.
