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Perfect Creamed Corn Recipe

4.6 from 147 reviews

This Perfect Creamed Corn recipe delivers a rich, velvety side dish that combines sweet corn with creamy milk, butter, and a hint of thyme and cayenne for subtle warmth. Blending part of the corn creates a luscious texture, while sautéed shallots add a delicate savory note. Ideal for pairing with roasted meats or holiday meals, this easy stovetop dish is comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon flour (arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or other flour)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced shallot
  • 5 cups (about two 12-ounce bags) frozen sweet corn (thawed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional: ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Dissolve flour: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and whole milk until smooth and set aside. This mixture will help thicken the creamed corn.
  2. Sauté shallot: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely diced shallot and sauté for about one minute, until softened but not browned, bringing out a mild sweetness.
  3. Add corn and cream: Pour in the thawed sweet corn, heavy cream, and dried thyme into the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the corn plumps up and the mixture starts to meld together.
  4. Incorporate milk mixture: Stir in the milk and flour mixture, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the corn evenly.
  5. Blend part of the corn: Remove 1 to 2 cups of the creamed corn mixture and blend it using a blender or food processor until smooth. Alternatively, use a stick blender to partially blend the corn directly in the skillet until desired creaminess is achieved.
  6. Combine and optionally add cheese: Return the blended corn to the skillet and stir to combine fully. For extra richness, stir in ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese.
  7. Season and serve: Season the creamed corn with a pinch of cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well, then serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

  • You can substitute flour with arrowroot powder or cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
  • Using frozen corn is convenient, but fresh corn can be used when in season for a sweeter flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne depending on your desired spice level.
  • Parmesan cheese adds a nice depth of flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-only creaminess.
  • To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the butter and parmesan used fit your dietary preferences.

Keywords: creamed corn, side dish, creamy corn recipe, stovetop creamed corn, easy creamed corn, holiday side dish